Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) (BPSH) - BPsych (Hons)

QTAC code (Australian and New Zealand applicants): Springfield campus: 926802

CRICOS code (International applicants): 062647C

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Program focus

The program focuses on producing graduates who are eligible to work as psychologists. This is achieved through the scientific study of the processes by which human behaviour is developed, manifested and modified. In addition to the developing the knowledge base of the discipline, the program places a heavy emphasis upon developing research and professional skills at all levels of the curriculum. Students are involved in research projects in a developmental fashion in all years of their study, working in both group and individual research projects. Professional and work-readiness skills are developed both internally through professional skills courses and externally through participation in Work Integrated Learning activities where students work with psychologists and other professionals working in community or government organisations.

This program is similar to the Bachelor of Science (Psychology) and Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Psychology) in many respects. This program has more of a community and professional focus, and students who are accepted into the program do not have to compete for entry into an Honours program, provided that appropriate levels of academic performance are maintained through the first three years of study.

Professional accreditation

The Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) is fully accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council as a four-year sequence of study.

Program aims

The program aims to produce graduates who possess the qualities outlined in the USQ Graduate Attributes, who have developed a strong knowledge base in the discipline, who are proficient researchers, who possess the professional competencies expected of graduates by the Psychologist Board of Australia and the Australian Psychological Society and who are able to actively contribute to the welfare of the community at large.

Program objectives

Successful completion of the program will enable graduates to:

• demonstrate a sound understanding of the scope and focus of the major fields in contemporary Psychology

• demonstrate high levels of proficiency in research and specific methodology including research planning and implementation, analysis, interpretation and evaluation of research results, and the presentation and communication of research findings

• demonstrate awareness of a wide range of research methods and the ethical and social responsibilities of a practising scientist

• enhance the psychological wellbeing of clients by applying the professional skills in assessment, counselling, evaluation and intervention with a high degree of proficiency

• interact ethically with their clients.

Admission requirements

Domestic applicants who have obtained an exit level of sound achievement after four semesters in English in their Senior High School studies and who have demonstrated high levels of achievement will be considered for a place in the program. Please consult the QTAC handbook for alternative means of meeting these requirements.

International students will need to satisfy standard entry requirements into USQ bachelor degrees. In addition their secondary or tertiary academic history must be such that they are likely to be able to achieve and maintain high levels of performance in the program.

International applicants must have met the University's English language requirements or have completed the University's ELICOS/EAP programs.

How to apply

Domestic students

Application for undergraduate programs may be made through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). The same procedure applies whether you plan to study on-campus or by distance education.

If you completed Year 12 at a Queensland secondary school you will be assessed for entry on the basis of your Overall Position (OP) or equivalent score. Year 12 students from other states or territories are considered for entry on the basis of their UAI, ENTER or TER and the subject prerequisites indicated. Other applicants will be based on their overall Rank.

International students

This program is offered to international students. An international student is a person who is not an Australian or New Zealand citizen and not an Australian permanent resident. Please refer to USQ International for information about entry requirements, visa arrangements and how to apply.

Program fees

Commonwealth supported place

A Commonwealth supported place is where the Australian Government makes a contribution towards the cost of your higher education and you as a student pay a student contribution amount, which varies depending on the courses undertaken. You are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the Course Fee Finder.
Commonwealth Supported students may be eligible to defer their fees through a Government loan called HECS-HELP.

Domestic full fee paying place

Domestic full fee paying places are funded entirely through the full fees paid by the student. Full fees vary depending on the courses that are taken. You are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the Course Fee Finder.
Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders, Permanent Resident visa holders and New Zealand citizens who reside outside Australia pay full tuition fees.
Domestic full fee paying students may be eligible to defer their fees through a Government loan called FEE-HELP.

International full fee paying place

International students pay full fees. Full fees vary depending on the courses that are taken and whether they are studied on-campus, via distance education/online. You are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the Course Fee Finder.

Program structure

The Program entails four years of full-time study, during which time the student will complete 32 units, comprising compulsory psychology, and statistics courses.

Requirements to Complete the Program

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) a candidate must complete or be exempted from courses with a total value of at least 32 units within eight years of first admission to the program.

Standard enrolment pattern - Semester 1 start

Standard enrolment pattern - Semester 2 start

All courses coded PSY1*** and PSY2*** should be completed before commencing PSY3*** courses, with the exception of PSY2050 and PSY3111.

Prerequisite list

Psychology Elective Courses

Required time limits

Students have a maximum of 8 years to complete this program.

IT requirements

Students should visit the USQ minimum computing standards to check that their computers are capable of running the appropriate software and versions of Internet web browsers and to check the minimum and recommended standards for software.

Exit points

Those students who fail to maintain an average GPA of 5.0 in their psychology courses across levels 1 to 3, will be exited from the degree. Those students will graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Psychology [BSc (Psychology)].

Honours

Students who maintain an average GPA of 5.0 in their psychology courses across levels 1 to 3 will be permitted to continue their studies towards an Honours award. The class of honours to be awarded to a student is dependent upon the GPA calculated from the grades achieved in all 4th level courses. The criteria for awarding the different level of honours will be identical to those used in the Psychology major of the Bachelor of Science (Honours).

Recommended enrolment pattern