Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

Help others with their mental wellbeing

This program helps you understand why people think, feel and behave certain ways. Explore the professional practice of psychology, including cognitive, social, perceptual, physiological, intercultural, Indigenous and abnormal psychologies.

In the final year of study, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about a specific area of interest when you undertake an advanced research project.

The training is scientifically and ethically based to teach you types of behaviour, examine personality and to do formal personality assessments.

In this program you will:

  • Learn from award-winning psychology staff who work in the field
  • Undertake an advanced research project
  • Gain high-level statistical and research skills

Location

CRICOS code

090558E

Entry threshold

75.00 75.00 ATAR/Rank
ATAR/Rank

Duration

4 years 4 years Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.

Indicative fees

Indicative 2023 fees (A$)

A$12,571 - 2023 Fees CSP
CSP
A$26,800 / A$107,200 Annual fee / Estimated total fee
Annual fee / Estimated total fee

QTAC code

013441 014441

Start

  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2

Program to be rolled out. 1st year offered from 2023, 2nd year offered from 2024, 3rd year offered from 2025.

Program to be rolled out. 1st year offered from 2023, 2nd year offered from 2024, 3rd year offered from 2025.

Start
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
Delivery mode
  • Blended Learning
Total courses
30
Total units
384
Duration
4 years 4 years
CRICOS code
090558E
UniSC program code
AR405
Program coordinator
Program structure
Introductory courses (4) 48 units

PSY100 Introduction to Psychology A
PSY101 Introduction to Psychology B
PSY102 Current Directions in Psychology
PSY104 Research Methods and Analysis 1

Developing courses (6) 72 units

PSY202 Physiological Psychology
PSY203 Introduction to Human Development
PSY204 Social Psychology
PSY205 Motivation and Emotion
PSY206 Interpersonal and Group Skills
PSY207 Research Methods and Analysis 2

Graduate courses (14) 192 units
Coursework (12) 144 units

PSY300 Advanced Methods in Psychology
PSY301 Cognitive and Perceptual Psychology
PSY302 Intercultural and Indigenous Psychologies
PSY303 Personality and Assessment
PSY304 Human Associative Learning
PSY305 Abnormal Psychology
PSY306 Psychology of Health and Wellbeing
PSY307 Adult Development and Ageing
PSY400 Research Methods and Analysis 4
PSY401 Advanced Theoretical Issues in Psychology
PSY402 Professional Practice of Psychology
PSY403 Ethical and Professional Issues In Psychology

Dissertation (2) (48 units)

PSY408A Research Dissertation A
PSY408B Research Dissertation B

Elective courses (6) 72 units

Select 6 elective courses from the undergraduate elective course options.

Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all UniSC courses are available on every UniSC campus.

Study sequences

This study sequence reflects the current program structure. Continuing students must follow their commencing structure, which can be found in the previous student handbooks.

Student profile

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Adjusted ATARs are a calculation of a student's ATAR + eligible adjustment factors and are used to determine admission. The raw ATAR is the student's rank before any adjustments are applied.

Entry requirements

For entry into most USC undergraduate degree programs, you need to have completed a minimum level of education similar to successful completion of Australian Year 12 with good grades.

Further studies, for example, a semester or more at college or university, can also be considered for entry and may give you credit transfer towards a degree.

Some examples of upper secondary qualifications and a guide to the minimum grades that USC will consider are listed here. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Some programs may require higher grades. Alternative qualifications may also be considered on a case by case basis.

If your qualification (grouped by country) is not listed, send the qualification transcripts with your application form to the International Office for assessment.

English language requirements

You will also need to meet the English language requirements for this program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may be able to enrol in our English Language Programs to reach the required level for most of UniSC’s programs (exceptions apply to non-standard English requirement programs).

Minimum entry threshold

Applicants must meet the minimum ATAR/Rank.

Location ATAR/Rank
Sunshine Coast 75.00
Moreton Bay 75.00

Special selection criteria

Entry to the fourth year of the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) is based on a student's grade point average (GPA) meeting the minimum requirement of 5.5 in the developing and graduate level (200/300 coded) PSY courses.

Recommended prior study
​An exit assessment of Sound Achievement in four semesters of English at Year 12 (or equivalent)
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
  • Successfully complete 384 units as outlined in the Program Structure
  • Entry to the fourth year of the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) requires a grade point average (GPA) of 5.5 in the developing and graduate level (200/300 coded) PSY courses
Program notes
  • A minimum GPA of 5.5 in the developing and graduate level (200/300 coded) PSY courses must be achieved at the end of third year for a student to be automatically allowed to continue to the fourth year honours component. Students who do not meet this requirement will be exited from the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) into the Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology) with full credit for all studies successfully completed
  • Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
  • The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
  • It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
  • Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods
  • As part of your UniSC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
  • Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
  • Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses
  • Receiving credit may not reduce the minimum duration to complete your program

Career opportunities

  • Child protection services
  • Correction services
  • Non-government community organisations
  • Private health system (hospitals and clinics)
  • Private practice
  • Public health system (in hospitals)

Accreditation

Our honours program is an APAC accredited four year program in psychology, giving you a highly recognised qualification, following which you can apply for further postgraduate study such as a PhD or our postgraduate coursework programs which lead to general registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) * via the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). A Class 2 (Division 1) Honours grade is required for eligibility to apply for these postgraduate coursework programs. * In order to practise as a psychologist in Australia you must legally be registered with PsyBA.

Headstart Program - Year 11 or 12

The Headstart program lets you study uni subjects while you’re still in high school. If you successfully complete two Headstart courses, you’ll get a selection rank that you could use to get into uni.

Early Offer Guarantee scheme - Year 12

The Early Offer Guarantee scheme enables Year 12 students to be offered a place at USC on the basis of their Principal's recommendation.

Previous qualifications or experience

If you:

  • have completed Year 12 (no matter how long ago)
  • have a TAFE/VET qualification
  • have relevant work experience, or
  • have studied at university before (even if you didn’t complete your studies)

You may be eligible for a selection rank, which can help you get into uni. For more detailed information selection ranks and how applications are assessed, visit Admissions explained.

Tertiary Preparation Pathway

If you don’t have qualifications or experience that will give you a selection rank, you can complete the Tertiary Preparation Pathway as a stepping stone into most degrees. You can also use TPP to complete subject prerequisites.

If you haven’t studied in a while, TPP is also a great way to brush up on essential study skills like critical reading, assignment writing and referencing.

It can also build your knowledge and confidence in the subject areas you’ll need for your degree, like science or maths. TPP courses are fee-free for eligible domestic students.

I identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander

You may be eligible for direct entry into a USC degree based on your potential to succeed, under USC’s Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS). All you have to do is complete an online application through our website.

CSP estimate
A$12,571 - 2023 Fees
Annual tuition fee (A$, 2023)
A$26,800
Estimated total tuition fee (A$, 2023)
A$107,200

International fee-paying places

Estimated total tuition fees are based on 2023 rates and the minimum number of courses required within the programs standard duration.

Annual tuition fees are based on 2023 rates and the equivalent full-time student load as per the recommended study sequence in the relevant program.

Actual fees payable are based on the actual enrolment load in a teaching period (excluding Study Abroad and Postgraduate Qualifying Pathway).

All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars (A$).

Domestic applicants apply for admission through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). Some applicants may be eligible to apply direct to USC if they meet certain criteria.

Find out about how to apply and key application closing dates.

No matter what kind of future you’re looking for, you can find it at UniSC. Our programs offer the choice and flexibility you need to get started on any career goal.

Visit How to apply for simple steps to submit your international student application and start your UniSC experience today.

Need help with submitting your application?

UniSC has appointed representatives to assist you with submitting your application and provide information about the steps you need to complete to begin your studies. You can contact a UniSC Representative in your area.

Any questions? Contact us.

QTAC code

Location QTAC code
Sunshine Coast 013441
Moreton Bay 014441
Accredited 3-year psychology program leading to postgraduate training to become a psychologist
UniSC ranked in the global top 50 for Good Health and Wellbeing THE Impact Rankings 2023
Can be undertaken at Sippy Downs (Sunshine Coast) or Moreton Bay campuses
Brad Lines Graduate

Student story

“I didn't know that a career in medicine was an option for me as a mature-age student without an OP score until I began studying at USC, which helped me identify my strengths and gave me the confidence to pursue the goal of becoming a medical doctor.”