Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) (Honours)

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Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) (Honours)

UNDERGRADUATE

Work towards a career in psychology with advanced study of research, psychological assessment, psychopathology and more.

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Student type:
Mode of study:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

Commonwealth supported places

Next intake:
February
Location:
Bundoora
Mode of study:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

$AU$36,480 (2022 annual)

Next intake:
February
Location:
Bundoora

Overview

Are you looking to extend your skills in psychology? This honours degree introduces you to professional issues, theories, and methods of data analysis in contemporary psychology research.

Explore the scientific discipline of psychology and its application in the workplace. In the Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) (Honours), you will learn about psychological assessments and interventions, and write two theses that directly engage you in the research process. 

Through your studies, you'll be equipped with sound evidence-based knowledge you need to for a career in which psychology principles can be utilised, or to pursue higher study at master's or doctorate level.

Accredited by the Australian Psychological Accreditation Council (APAC), this degree will prepare you for postgraduate coursework study in the Master of Clinical Psychology.

This degree also prepares you for further postgraduate research.

Details

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You’ll learn advanced skills in psychology through lectorial classes, as well as by working on your thesis research project with the guidance of an academic supervisor.

Lectorials are the primary learning format, and are used to communicate knowledge and guide student learning, and are complemented by online learning materials where appropriate.

These methods and approaches have been selected so that you will be equipped to undertake postgraduate studies in psychology or have the skills required to adapt to and work competently in workplaces that value knowledge and training in psychology (e.g. human resources, psychosocial rehabilitation).

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

This degree consists of 96 credit points. You’ll complete six subjects (a mix of 12 or 24 credit points each).

The curriculum will provide you with a thorough education in the scientific discipline of psychology and introduce you to the application of the discipline.

As a graduate you’ll have sound evidence-based knowledge as a foundation for entering either employment where the knowledge and approaches of psychology can be used, or advanced level psychology qualifications (e.g. Master of Clinical Psychology or a postgraduate research degree).

The following is an example of subjects offered:

  • Advanced Research Methods
  • Professional Issues and Research Methods
  • Psychological Assessment and Intervention
  • Psychopathology
  • Thesis 1
  • Thesis 2

Students are supported to identify a suitable Honours project/topics area and supervisor through a preference-entry process prior to honours classes commencing.

Learn more about honours projects and supervisors for this degree.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) (Honours)
Program code: BH000
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) (Honours)
Bundoora Campus
1 year full time or 2 years part time
BH000
037200J
Location
Bundoora Campus
Duration
1 year full time or 2 years part time
Plan code
BH000
CRICOS
037200J
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

You may either apply to enrol in a master-level degree, PhD, or seek employment.

Human services organisations offer a lot of work opportunities. Provisional psychologists work in education, human services and in community medicine supervised by experienced registered psychologists.

Research psychologists may work in university, government or Industry-based research environments.

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

Successful completion of an APAC-approved three-year psychology sequence with an average of at least 75% for the entire APAC-approved sequence

OR

Any undergraduate degree and successful completion of an APAC-approved fourth year of study in psychology, with an average of at least 75% for the entire APAC-approved sequence

Refer to the Australian Psychological Society and the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) for further information on approved study.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

Selection criteria by applicant type

The highest level of education you have previously completed will determine which category applies to you.

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Secondary education (Year 12) is not considered for entry into this program.

Vocational education and training (VET) is not considered for entry into this program.

Successful completion of an APAC-approved three-year psychology sequence with an average of at least 75% for the entire APAC-approved sequence

OR

Any undergraduate degree and successful completion of an APAC-approved fourth year of study in psychology, with an average of at least 75% for the entire APAC-approved sequence

Refer to the Australian Psychological Society and the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) for further information on approved study.

Work and life experience is not considered for entry into this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed an APAC-approved three-year sequence of study Psychology Bachelor degree with with an average of at least 75% for the entire APAC-approved sequence;

OR

You must have successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in any discipline and successful completion of an APAC-approved fourth year of study in psychology, with an average of at least 75% for the entire APAC-approved sequence.

If you did not undertake psychology studies in Australia, you are required to contact the Australian Psychological Society to obtain recognition of equivalency of qualifications for entry into the professional training programs.

Refer to the Australian Psychological Society and the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) for further information on approved study.

Applicants with Higher Education study

Successful completion of an APAC-approved three-year psychology sequence with an average of at least 75% for the entire APAC-approved sequence

OR

Any undergraduate degree and successful completion of an APAC-approved fourth year of study in psychology, with an average of at least 75% for the entire APAC-approved sequence

Refer to the Australian Psychological Society and the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) for further information on approved study.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Additional information

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Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program

The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.

The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.

By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:

  • understand more about the program
  • determine if you may need support during your studies
  • make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you

If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.

To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service

The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.

Assessment, ranking and offers

Please note that entry to this program is competitive and meeting the minimum academic entry requirements does not guarantee an offer.

Applicants who meet the minimum academic entry requirements will be ranked based on the % they achieved over the approved APAC sequence specified for their program.

Offers will be issued to the top ranked applicants down until all places are full.

Note that at least 70% of offers are made to graduates of the following RMIT programs. Up to 30% of offers are made to external applicants. This means that entry for non-RMIT graduates is extremely competitive.

  • BP154 Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology)
  • BP295 Bachelor of Criminology & Psychology
  • BP112 Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)
  • BH106 Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)/Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)
  • GD214 Graduate Diploma in Psychology

Your offer letter may list conditions that you will need to meet by a specified deadline. Please read the conditions listed on your offer letter carefully.

You will also be required to accept your offer by a specified deadline. If you do not accept your offer by this date, your offer will lapse, and the place will be offered to the next ranked applicant. Please ensure you check your emails for additional information carefully.

Pathways

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Unfortunately there are no formal pathways into this degree.

You may be eligible to apply for the Master of Clinical Psychology.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

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Unfortunately there are no formal pathways into this degree.

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

When you successfully complete this program, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT postgraduate program or RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

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2022 indicative fees

In 2022, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$3,985 to AU$14,630*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$315 maximum fee for 2022.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.

Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

New government eligibility rules in 2022 - low completion rates

From 2022, there are new government rules about eligibility for higher education student funding as part of the Australian Government’s Job-ready Graduates legislation. If you're starting a program in or after 2022 and are enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or have a HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP loan, these changes affect you. For details, please see Low completion rate and government funding.

If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.

Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.

How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?

The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package. 

The fees in the table below apply to students commencing their program in 2022. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.

Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.

You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2022 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2022
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $3,985 per standard year
$498 per standard (12 credit point) course
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology $8,021 per standard year
$1,002 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $11,401 per standard year
$1,425 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $14,630 per standard year
$1,828 per standard (12 credit point) course

HECS-HELP Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2022 is $315.

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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The annual tuition fee for 2022 is AU$36,480.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2022 commencement is AU$36,480.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information