Handbook

UNSW Students may be granted Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) which may or may not reduce the amount of learning required to achieve a degree at UNSW. Generally, RPL is only granted based on the completion of tertiary-level studies, but in exceptional circumstances may also include non-formal or informal learning such as professional experience. RPL will not be granted based on partly completed tertiary courses. All applications for RPL at UNSW are subject to UNSW Recognition of Prior Learning (Coursework Programs) Policy and Procedures. Students seeking credit for courses completed at another university are required to submit documentary evidence (course outlines, academic transcripts) to support their application, and to nominate the course(s) for which they seek credit. In addition, the following conditions apply for all UNSW Science programs (including the Science component of dual award programs): Specified course credit, i.e. credit granted for an exact or near exact equivalence to a course at UNSW, will not be granted when more than 7 years has elapsed from the successful completion of the course (or other learning) and the student’s commencement in the Science program. Where this time period is shorter it will be stipulated in the individual rules for the relevant program. Unspecified course credit (e.g. General Education or free electives) will not be granted when more than 10 years has elapsed from the successful completion of the course (or other learning) and the student’s commencement in the Science program. Students may only receive credit of up to a maximum of 50% of the coursework component of their Science program, excluding Honours. For most undergraduate programs this will be 72 UOC. For dual award programs that include a Science component, it will be a maximum of 50% of the Science component of the dual degree, excluding Honours. Credit for the other program will be assessed by the Faculty that administers that program. Applications for RPL will only be assessed for students who have accepted a place to study in a UNSW Science program. Students must formally apply for RPL unless they become a UNSW student as part of a formal Articulation Agreement. Applications for RPL should be made as early as possible in the student’s program. Students who are readmitted into a Science program after a period of unapproved absence or deferment, or after exclusion, will not necessarily retain credit for all units completed at UNSW prior to the absence if the date of completion of the units of study is greater than the 7 and 10-year rules outlined in points 1 and 2 above. In these cases, the credit retained will be decided by the Associate Dean (Academic Programs) in consultation (when necessary) with the Program and/or Course Authority.

Academic Standing

Students are required to achieve an average mark of 70 or higher in Psychology courses taken in any Stage (based on the first attempt result for each course). Students not maintaining this level of performance in Stage 1 will be counselled. Students who fail to achieve an average mark of 70 or higher in all Psychology courses taken in Stages 2 and 3 will normally be required to transfer to the Bachelor of Psychological Science (3435, Pass Degree).

Honours Entry

Students who successfully complete a total of 144 UOC (including all the requirements of the first 3 stages of the program), and meet the entry requirements into the Psychology Honours year will gain admission into the fourth-year Honours component. Entry to the Honours year is obtained by achieving a Psychology Average mark of at least 75%. The Psychology Average is calculated from:

Marks for 60 UOC of psychology core courses: PSYC1001, PSYC1011, PSYC1111, PSYC2001, PSYC2061, PSYC2071, PSYC2081, PSYC2101, PSYC3001 and PSYC3011; and

The three highest of marks for all Level 3 psychology electives ever attempted (total of 18 UOC).

The Psychology Average is calculated based on a student's mark for the first attempt at courses unless there were special circumstances which justify including the mark from the second attempt. Not counted towards the Psychology Average: courses taken at another university, and Level 1 PSYC electives.

Students who achieve a Psychology Average between 70 - 74.99% may be admitted into the Honours year subject to appropriate research and supervision resources being available, and at the discretion of the Head of School. Students with a Psychology Average below 70% will normally not be admitted into the Honours year and will be required to transfer the Bachelor of Psychological Science (3435, Pass Degree).

For more information on university policy on progression requirements please visit Academic Progression

Psychologist in clinical, correctional, counselling, educational, organisational settings; academic research; developmental disabilities and rehabilitation; ergonomics; health research; marketing; work health and safety; personnel selection; training; management; vocational guidance.