Overview

The purpose of Honours in Psychology is to enable students who have performed well at undergraduate level to deepen their knowledge of approaches, perspectives and traditions in psychology and undertake a significant research project. Honours is a means for connecting undergraduate study with supervised independent research by consolidating and extending … For more content click the Read More button below. Students conduct a year-long, 30 UOC major independent research project (completed under the guidance of an academic supervisor), and write a thesis based on the project. In addition, students complete 18 UOC of advanced-level core and elective coursework in both Term 1 and Term 2. The research project may be undertaken in most areas of psychology, such as: psychopathology, behavioural neuroscience, cognitive science, cognition and perception, forensic psychology, and social, personality and developmental psychology. The project culminates in a written thesis, which is assessed independently by two academics (neither of which is the student's supervisor). The coursework requirement includes content that encompasses history, professional ethics, evidence-based practice and advanced coverage of selected contemporary issues in psychology that reflect the expertise and research specialisations of School staff. The Honours year commences in late January/early February and is undertaken full-time over one year. Mid-year entry and part-time enrolment are not available.

Learning Outcomes

1.
Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in research methods in psychology.
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2.
Demonstrate knowledge in the foundations of psychological testing, including the theoretical and empirical bases underpinning the construction, implementation, and interpretation of some of the more widely used cognitive and personality assessments, and foundational skills in the ethical use of psychological tests.
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3.
Demonstrate foundational knowledge and skills in interviewing.
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4.
Demonstrate foundational knowledge and skills in counseling.
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5.
Demonstrate a broad understanding of a body of knowledge and theoretical concepts with advanced understanding in some areas and capable to adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts.
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6.
Demonstrate knowledge of values and ethics in psychology and the ability to apply ethical principles to psychological practice.
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7.
Demonstrate critical and creative thinking skills in psychology and capable to identify and formulate solutions to complex problems with intellectual independence.
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8.
Demonstrate communication skills to present a clear and coherent exposition of knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences.
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Graduate Capabilities

For more information on Graduate Capabilities please click on this link

Program Structure

Students must complete 48 UOC when taken as a standalone program.

1. 18 UOC Coursework Courses
2. 30 UOC of Research Thesis Courses

Specialisation Requirements

Enrolment Disclaimer

Please note that this Handbook is a comprehensive catalogue of our offerings and includes courses that can be taken to satisfy program requirements irrespective as to their availability for a particular year. Availability of courses is best checked using filters on this site or on the class timetable site.

You are responsible for ensuring that you enrol in courses according to your program requirements and by following the advice of your Program Authority. myUNSW enrolment checks that you have met enrolment requirements such as pre-requisites for individual courses but not that you are enrolling in courses that will count towards your program requirements.

Sample Programs

To access sample program(s), please visit:
Honours Course Outlines

Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements

Minimum Entry Requirements
Limitations on Recognition of Prior Learning

For more information about admission requirements for various UNSW programs, visit the following website(s):
Domestic Students
International Student

Program Requirements

Progression Requirements

Progression rules are in accordance with university policy.

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

Associated Programs

Postgraduate Pathway

Doctor of Philosophy - PhD1400 - Psychology
Master of Psychology (Clinical) - MPsychol(Clin)
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD1404 - Psychology (Clinical) / Psychology
Master of Psychology (Forensic) - MPsychol(For)
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD1405 - Psychology (Forensic) / Psychology
Master of Science (Research) - MSc(Res)2450 - Psychology (MRes)
Master of Psychology (Clinical) - MPsychol(Clin)8256 - Psychology (Clinical)
Master of Psychology (Forensic) - MPsychol(For)8257 - Psychology (Forensic)

Professional Outcomes

Accreditations

Australian Psychology Accreditation Council

Professional Recognition

Graduates are eligible for associate membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) www.psychology.org.au.

Recognition of Achievement

University Medal
Honours Classes

Additional Information

How to Apply

The application process is the same for both domestic and international applicants, but differs for internal and external applicants.

 

Science Handbook Rules and Editions

Students must follow the program rules and requirements in the UNSW Handbook published in the year they commence their studies with the Faculty of Science.

Students who transfer from another UNSW Faculty into Science (for example, from a Bachelor of Arts into a Bachelor of Science) must follow the program rules and requirements in the UNSW Handbook published in the year of their transfer.

Students, who are readmitted to UNSW after a period of unapproved absence or deferment, or after exclusion, must satisfy the program rules in the Handbook published in the year of their readmission. In addition, these students may be subject to restrictions on which courses taken at UNSW may be counted on their return. In some cases, students returning from an unapproved absence may be required to repeat courses. See the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Advanced Standing section below for more details. Students who take approved leave or deferment will follow the Handbook for the year of their original commencement unless otherwise approved by the Associate Dean (Academic Programs).

Program Fees

At UNSW fees are generally charged at course level and therefore dependent upon individual enrolment and other factors such as student's residency status. For generic information on fees and additional expenses of UNSW programs, click on one of the following:

Domestic Students
Commonwealth Supported Students (if applicable)
International Students

Additional Expenses and Resources

Resources required by students will be articulated in Honours Handbooks and Honours websites provided by the School.

Pre-2019 Handbook Editions

Access past handbook editions (2018 and prior)
Pre-2019 Handbook Editions