Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours [M4Y]

The BPsychSc(Hons) program provides training in research, advanced theoretical topics and an introduction to professional training and is identical to that offered in the BA(Hons), BSc(Hons) and the fourth year of the BPsych(Hons). It is the pathway to postgraduate training and research for BPsychSc graduates.

The BPsychSc(Hons) is normally undertaken by full-time study. Part-time enrolments require prospective approval from the Division of Psychology.

The main objectives of the fourth year psychology program are to provide for the completion of an integrated and comprehensive education in the discipline of psychology, to permit advanced level study in a range of areas, and to develop competence in conducting research. It seeks to provide academic preparation of students in the scientist/practitioner model and equip graduates with the knowledge and skills required for roles as provisionally registered psychologists and as a basis for further postgraduate study in professional training programs or in research.

Admission to Honours courses at the University of Tasmania require qualifications equivalent to an Australian bachelor degree. Applicants must achieve the required grade in their qualifying studies, meet any prerequisite subjects and the English language requirements to be eligible for an offer. Admission is conditional on research project and supervisor availability.

English Language Requirements

For students who do not meet the English Language Requirement through citizenship, evidence of an approved English language test completed within the last 2 years must be provided. See the English Language Requirements page for more information.

Course Specific Requirements

The entrance requirements for the Psychology Honours Program include a Bachelor's Degree (BA, BSc, BPsychSc, BBehavSc or equivalent) with a three-year sequence in Psychology accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council, and a good academic record. Applicants are expected to have a substantial background in psychology, including statistical methods. Applicants who have completed their undergraduate studies at the University of Tasmania will have completed the eight core psychology units at 200 and 300 level (6 units from the Psychology major at 200 and 300 level + 2 units at 200 level from the Behavioural Science major/minor sequence).

Applicants from international institutions will need to demonstrate they have completed equivalent units by providing an Australian Psychological Society (APS) assessment of the qualification to confirm equivalence with a 3-year APAC-accredited program:

Assessment of Psychology Qualifications.

Applicants should note that meeting minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee entry to the Psychology Honours Program as each year the number of applicants greatly exceeds the number of places. Places are limited by the availability of research facilities and staff resources. A competitive entry process is followed based on academic merit. Candidates would normally be expected to obtain at least a Distinction average in the 200 and 300 level units in the Psychology major and the 200 level units in the Behavioural Science minor.

For further information regarding applying for the Psychology Honours Program please refer to the Psychology Honours FAQs 2022 (PDF, 180.91 KB)

Please note that the closing date for applications for 2021 entry is 31st October 2021.

• All methods of meeting University of Tasmania English language requirements have a validity period of 2 years unless involving a country specific qualification as listed below.
• Each course offered by the University of Tasmania has a minimum English language requirement for entry as listed below. Applicants must also meet the academic entry requirements for each course.
• Applicants who qualify from a University of Tasmania program, and intend to gain professional registration to become a practitioner in Australia, may need to meet the relevant Professional Accrediting Agency's English language registration standard.
• In exceptional circumstances or cases not covered by the categories outlined below, multiple forms of evidence may be considered on a case by case basis by the Executive Director, Student Operations in consultation with the Director, Academic Quality and Standards.
• The University reserves the right to require that any applicant be required to undergo a test of English language.

There are many career pathways available for students who have completed an Honours degree in psychology, including:

• Human Resource Management
• Marketing and market research
• Employment and training services
• Teaching
• Community health and welfare
• Health services support e.g. drug and alcohol, cancer, disability, rehabilitation
• Probation and parole services
• Aged, family and child services
• Policy and panning
• Counselling

If you aim to become a registered psychologist, there are three options open to you after completing an APAC accredited Honours degree in psychology:

Option 1: 4 + 2 Internship Pathway

Option 2: 5 + 1 Internship Pathway e.g. Master of Professional Psychology

Option 3: APAC-accredited postgraduate professional psychology degree e.g. Master of Psychology (Clinical)

For further information about these options refer to the Australian Psychological Society.

Postgraduate study

In addition to the above, if you successfully complete this course, you may be also be eligible to apply for a range of other postgraduate courses including Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas and Masters by coursework and research.

Professional Recognition

The BPsychSc(Hons) is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).

Completion of a four-year accredited program followed by two years of supervised experience or postgraduate training is required for general registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia. Membership of the Australian Psychological Society requires a four-year degree followed by at least a two-year postgraduate degree.

STEP 1: Choose and research your course

STEP 2: Prepare your documents

STEP 3: Lodge your application

STEP 4: Accept your offer