Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology

School of Arts & Sciences

If you've completed an APAC-accredited three-year Bachelor's degree in psychology, you could be eligible for the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Honours) program. This one-year program is designed for high-achieving students who want to deepen their knowledge of psychological assessment, evidence-based interventions, professional issues, and ethics. With the guidance of experts, you'll conduct a research project from start to finish, which includes formulating research questions, collecting data, analysing data, and reporting findings. Upon graduation, you'll meet the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council pre-professional competencies, making you eligible for a postgraduate qualification and provisional registration in psychology.

  • Why study this degree?

    Students will deepen their knowledge of psychological assessment, evidence-based interventions, professional issues, and ethics as well as practice competencies such as interviewing, report writing, supervision and case preparation. Under expert supervision, students gain experience conducting a substantive research project, from the initial stages of formulating research questions and hypotheses to data collection, analysis and reporting findings.

  • Program summary

    First semester of study

    • PSYC4003 Thesis A
    • PSYC4002 Professional Practice, Principles and Processes
    • PSYC4000 Advanced Research Methods

    Second semester of study

    • PSYC4004 Thesis B
    • PSYC4005 Psychological Assessment

    Elective options

    • PSYC4001 Application of Psychology (25 credit points)*
    • PHIL6210 Philosophy of the Human Person (25 credit points)**

    **Students who have obtained their undergraduate degree at another University will need to complete the core curriculum (PHIL6210).
    *University of Notre Dame graduates can choose one elective.

    Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.

    More information regarding courses can be found at the course descriptions pages Fremantle Sydney.

    Please note: the availability of these courses is indicative only and may be subject to change.

  • Entry requirements

    To be eligible for admission to the Honours programs applicants must also meet the following specific requirements:

    A Bachelor’s degree within the last five years, including:

    • An accredited three-year sequence in Psychology
    • A distinction average or higher in Psychology and strong performance across the Bachelors program.
  • Learning outcomes

    Upon successful completion of the Honours Program graduates will be able to;

    1. Critically and systematically evaluate relevant theory, concepts, methodologies, and evidence to assess and provide solutions to complex problems in psychology with intellectual independence
    2. Apply coherent and advanced knowledge of research design and analysis strategies and techniques to effectively interpret research findings in psychology
    3. Analyse and interpret psychological information to select assessment tools appropriate to solving complex problems in psychological practice
    4. Explain how psychological interventions can be applied to safely foster the wellbeing of people across the lifespan and different cultural contexts
    5. Demonstrate advanced communication and interpersonal skills in situations appropriate to psychological practice and research
    6. Apply reflective practices and cultural responsiveness to critically evaluate different perspectives on theory, practice, and application; and
    7. Design and undertake an independent and sustained research project in psychology to generate new knowledge.
  • Practical component

    There are no practicum requirements for the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology.

  • Research component

    In this program, you will undertake a research project under the guidance of our research supervisors. Browse our directory of experts to see available research supervisors in psychology.

  • Career opportunities

    Graduates of this program can follow diverse career paths in the private and public sectors. Careers available to graduates include psychologist (with further study), human resources or marketing officer/analyst, manager, researcher, data analyst, training and development, health and community program manager, report writer, research assistant, personnel services, organisational behaviour, industrial relations, life coach, brand manager, educational officer.

  • Real-world experience

    You will learn from academics who are industry leaders and, through our practicum placements and internship programs, you will gain real professional experience and make valuable contacts with potential employers.

  • Opportunities and experiences

    At the University of Notre Dame, we believe that gaining a global perspective is an important part of your university education.

    Students can immerse themselves in other cultures with Study abroad, through our international exchange programs, study tours, and professional placements. These experiences provide valuable academic and personal growth while earning credit toward your degree.

    You can also engage with the world through Global experiences, volunteer opportunities and cross-cultural initiatives designed to develop your global citizenship and broaden your understanding of international communities.

    Visit Opportunities and experiences to find out more.

  • Professional accreditation

    Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology is accredited with the Australian Psychology Accredition Council (APAC) as a level 2 program for pathway to registration.

  • Scholarships

    Scholarships provide financial support to students while they are completing their studies. There are various scholarships available to prospective and current students, across all study levels and campuses.

    These can be funded by Notre Dame, industry, individuals and non-profit organisations, to provide financial assistance to students to support costs associated with study. This could include buying food, paying rent, transport, and household bills, raising children as single parents, being a single-income household, becoming unemployed or caring for a sick loved one.

    Please visit the Scholarships Finder to see which scholarships are available to Undergraduate students.

  • Fees and costs

    This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:

    Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
    A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a place at a university where the Australian Government pays part of your fees. This part is a subsidy, not a loan, and you don’t have to pay it back. However, this subsidy does not cover the entire cost of your study. Students must pay the rest, which is called the ‘student contribution amount’.

    In a Commonwealth Supported Place, your fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your fees will be split into two portions:

    The Commonwealth contribution, which is the portion paid by the Australian Government.

    The student contribution, which is the portion you pay. You may choose to pay upfront or defer your student contribution with a HECS-HELP Loan. The HECS-HELP loan scheme assists eligible students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your HECS-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.

    Eligible students will be offered a CSP – you do not need to apply.

    International Full-Fee Paying
    Tuition costs depend on an international student’s study load and discipline. Fees are payable each semester at least four weeks prior to the commencement of your program.

    For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees, costs and scholarships page.

  • More information

    Considering your uni options?
    Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process.

    If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, the Prospective Students Office can help. Book a 1-on-1 advice session with a career advisor or call us on 1800 878 916.

    Fremantle and Broome
    Email: future@nd.edu.au
    Address: 23 High St, Fremantle, WA 6160

    Sydney and Melbourne
    Email: sydney@nd.edu.au
    Address: 128-140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008

    International students
    If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, fill out our Make an Enquiry form, and you can book a session with one of our friendly International Student Advisors.

    Fremantle and Broome International Office
    Phone: +61 8 9433 0873
    Address: 19 Mouat St, Fremantle, WA 6160
    Postal address: PO Box 1225, Fremantle WA 6959

    Sydney and Melbourne International Office
    Phone: +61 2 8204 4229
    Address: 140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008
    Postal address: PO Box 944, Broadway NSW 2007