Psychology

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Overview

Psychology is a broad and intellectually fascinating scientific discipline with a focus on understanding behaviour and experience, particularly in humans. The science of psychology involves a wide range of perspectives and approaches, with psychological research findings having important applications in areas such as health, education, business and commerce, as well as informing us about how human behaviours and motivations relate to a wide range of societal issues.

A fourth year in Psychology accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) is a prerequisite for the further studies in Psychology that are necessary to register as a practicing psychologist. An APAC accredited fourth year in Psychology is also a recommended pathway for students wishing to undertake a higher research degree in Psychology to pursue a career in psychological research.

The Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences offers an innovative fourth year program that has been designed to build on the knowledge and skills attained in the APAC accredited undergraduate Psychology major. The course provides students with flexibility and choice in advanced coursework in the core discipline areas of Psychology, as well as an opportunity to undertake advanced training in the conduct of a significant research project, and to develop foundational knowledge of the ethical principles and assessment and interviewing skills that underpin further professional training as a psychologist.

Entry Requirements:

The minimum requirement to be eligible for selection to the Psychology Honours programme is completion of all the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science and an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited major in Psychology with a weighted average of at least 70% (H2B) in second and third-year subjects, or equivalent. In computing the weighted average, the average of the third year Psychology subjects is assigned twice the weight of the average of the second year Psychology subjects.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

prior academic performance, and
the availability of supervision and resources in suitable project areas

The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Student Application and Selection Procedure.

Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for postgraduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required.

Please Note: There is no mid-year entry into this course.

Intended learning outcomes

Graduates of the Psychology Honours program will demonstrate the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

Advanced knowledge of the range of research methods employed in psychological science, including how to evaluate and interpret the results of such methods.
Advanced knowledge of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in core discipline areas in Psychology. The elective subjects enable students to build depth and breadth of understanding in relation to two of the foundational knowledge areas outlined by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.
Advanced knowledge of ethical principles in psychology and of the current relevant legal frameworks and codes of ethical practice that govern psychological research and practice.
Awareness of and sensitivity to the diversity of human experiences and cultures and the influence of these on psychological functioning, with particular reference to the experiences and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Basic pre‐professional knowledge of psychological assessment and psychological intervention strategies, including evidence‐based evaluation of these methods.

Skills

Advanced scientific reasoning, problem‐solving, and research skills to critically analyse existing knowledge of a research topic, design and execute a clearly articulated and theoretically motivated individual research project, analyse data utilising appropriate research methods, and interpret results coherently to determine their implications.
Effective scientific communication skills to articulate cogent scientific explanations of psychological concepts, theories and research findings, and communicate these ideas effectively to various audiences in both written and oral formats.
Basic pre‐professional communication skills in reflective listening and rapport building.

Application of Knowledge and Skills

Pre‐professional applied skills in psychology, including use of interviewing skills in situations appropriate to psychological practice and research, administration and interpretation of commonly used tests of cognition and personality, and implementation of a brief self‐directed behaviour change intervention.
Design and execution of an individual research project to address a research question relevant to the discipline of psychology.
The ability to work effectively with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, with particular emphasis on working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Last updated: 18 December 2020

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