Overview
Understand the human mind and the science of personality with a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from Victoria University (VU).
Learn about human behaviour, motivation and relationships in this psychology degree. Prepare to apply for registration as a provisional psychologist and take up further career and postgraduate study options.
You’ll spend the first three years of the program focusing on psychology and social research methods. This includes a work placement during your third year, in which you’ll gain practical experience in a professional setting.
In the fourth (honours) year, you’ll pursue advanced studies in quantitative and qualitative social research methods, professional practice units and a research thesis.
You’ll graduate with an in-depth knowledge of human emotion and behaviour to understand why we think and behave in the way we do – and why this differs from one individual to the next.
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Elucidate an advanced knowledge and application of psychological theory and social research methods;
- Critically analyse and exemplify skills in psychological assessment and evidence-based intervention strategies with due reference to cultural considerations;
- Exhibit advanced problem-solving and research skills to investigate substantive research questions relevant to the discipline of psychology;
- Critically evaluate the nature of psychology as a profession, the legal and ethical responsibilities of the psychologist, and the role of relevant regulatory bodies and professional organisations;
- Exhibit interpersonal communication and interviewing skills consistent with pre-professional and culturally sensitive practice, when working with people from diverse backgrounds;
- Exemplify independence, self-reflection and creativity to meet goals and challenges in professional and academic pursuits, and
- Interrogate how broader systemic factors have an impact on and help inform human behaviour and wellbeing.
As a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) student, you’ll get the valuable opportunity in your third year of study to complete a fieldwork unit, which includes 60 hours of work placement.
Choose to complete your placement in an organisation that aligns with your area of interest, such as these examples experienced by our students:
- community organisations, such as Autism Camp Australia
- mental health organisations and general practice, such as Orygen and private psychology clinics
- sport-based organisations
- public and private health services
- school settings.
Find out more about VU’s psychology fieldwork program.
The major focus of your fourth year of study will be an extended research thesis, in which you’ll spend the year focusing on an area that aligns with your interests.
You’ll learn to work as an independent researcher, taking responsibility for planning, conducting and reporting a research project with the support of a thesis supervisor.
Your thesis will report the findings of your independent research in a style appropriate to submit to a journal for publication.