Australian residents
International students
Intakes: 

2023: February, May, July

Duration: 
4 years
Location: 
Footscray Park
Fees: 

2023: A$15,500*
* fee per semester

Application due dates:
We are currently accepting applications for this course.
Apply

Overview

Understand human behaviour, motivation and relationships. Choose VU’s Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) to study the human mind and the science of personality.

You’ll spend the first three years of the program focusing on psychology and social research methods, and will undertake a minor in an arts specialisation.

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 completion of the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), you’ll be able to apply for registration as a Provisional Psychologist and take up further career and post-graduate study options.

Psychology students complete a fieldwork unit, which gives you the opportunity to gain experience in a field related to your studies.

Students have completed placements within:

  • the Department of Health and Human Services (Child Protection)
  • family and carer support services
  • arts and cultural organisations
  • refugee and asylum seeker support services
  • public and private health services
  • school settings.

If you choose to continue on to postgraduate studies, you’ll be able to take up professional training at VU’s Psychology Clinic, providing discounted psychological services to the community.

At VU you can spend part of your degree studying overseas all while gaining credits towards your course.

Immerse yourself in a new culture and learn from a new perspective, while building experiences that will help you to stand out in the competitive job market.

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VU's Psychology Clinic specialises in cognitive-behavioural therapy and psychodynamic therapy.

Careers in psychology

Graduates of VU’s Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) can apply for provisional registration as a psychologist and can find employment in:

  • welfare
  • community services
  • human resources.

Some of our graduates undertake further study to qualify as teachers or social workers.

If you’d like to become a fully-registered psychologist, you’ll need further training at the Masters and Doctoral level.

Salaries

See the average salary for psychologists in Australia via Labour Market Insights. Starting salaries for graduates may be different.

Employment growth

More people are reaching out to psychologists and counsellors, as the benefits of cognitive therapy and psychoanalysis over traditional practices and medication become evident.

Skills for the clinic & beyond

Skills for the clinic & beyond

After graduating from VU, Theresa Marasco found employment in a range of different workplaces before setting up a private practice of her own.

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Australian Psychological Accreditation Council (APAC) Accredited Course logo

Our Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) is accredited by the Australian Psychological Accreditation Council (APAC).

Course structure

To attain the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) students will be required to complete 384 credit points, consisting of:

  • 96 credit points (equivalent to 8 units) of Core First Year studies;
  • 216 credit points (equivalent to 18 units) of Core Psychology studies;
  • 2 x 24 credit points (equivalent to 2 units) of Core Thesis studies; and
  • 24 credit points (equivalent to 2 units) of Psychology Elective studies.

In order to be eligible to advance to the fourth (Honours) year of the course, students must achieve the stringent academic admission criteria that are required for Honours programs in Psychology.  Academic admission standards are based on the average grade across all core second and third year psychology units. 

Students who have successfully completed the first three years of study but have not met the academic admission requirements for the Honours year will be eligible to apply to graduate with a Bachelor of Psychological Studies. 

First Year Core Units

Year 2, Semester 1

Year 2, Semester 2

Plus

12 credit points of Psychology Elective studies

Year 3, Semester 1

Year 3, Semester 2

Plus

12 credit points of Psychology Elective Studies

Year 4, Semester 1

Year 4, Semester 2

Psychology Electives:

We are the first Australian university to use a 'block' model of learning, where you study one unit at a time rather than juggling several at once.

Introduced in 2018, the VU Block Model has improved our student results and achievements, and has won awards for innovation and excellence. Initially for first-year students, it now applies to all students studying at our Melbourne campuses.

You'll study in short bursts, called blocks, of three 2-3 hour face-to-face teaching sessions per week.

Each block focuses on one unit (subject) and is only four weeks long, with up to four days between. Our two semesters have four blocks each, and there are optional blocks over winter and summer where you can catch up on a missed unit.

Some courses have labs and pracs too, and these are generally scheduled on the same days as teaching sessions. There are also workshops where you'll develop your study skills and prepare for your future career.

Find out more about the VU Block Model.

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Elucidate an advanced knowledge and application of psychological theory and social research methods;  
  2. Demonstrate proficiency in theoretical analysis and critical evaluation in psychology;  
  3. Exemplify skills in designing, executing and reporting a research study with some independence;  
  4. Exhibit advanced cognitive, research and problem-solving skills to successfully undertake postgraduate research or a professional career in psychology;  
  5. Critically reflect upon the nature of psychology as a profession and the ethical and legal responsibilities of individuals practising the profession;  
  6. Exhibit interpersonal skills and interventions, consistent with pre-professional and culturally sensitive practice, when working with people from diverse backgrounds;  
  7. Demonstrate independence, self-reflection and creativity to meet goals and challenges in professional and academic pursuits, and;  
  8. Critically reflect on how broader systemic factors have an impact on and help inform human behaviour and wellbeing.  

What's a unit?

A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.

Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.

Credits

Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.

Admissions

Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.

Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Entry requirements

Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English.
OR:
Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma of Diploma (or equivalent).
PLUS:
IELTS (or equivalent): Overall score or 6.0 (with no band less than 6.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking).
OR:
Completion of a Foundation course or equivalent.

Find out if you meet the entry requirements, including English language and academic requirements.

Pathways & credits

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.

International Foundations at VU (Extended) JQAH

You will be guaranteed entry only.

International Foundations at VU JQAG

You will be guaranteed entry only.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.

Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.

Credit Calculator

Find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

CALCULATE YOUR CREDIT

How to apply

We are currently accepting international applications, and we welcome you to apply for this course.

Click 'apply' to begin, and we will guide you through the application process.

Apply

If you have questions, please get in touch:

Information and fees listed above are for non-resident students. Fees are accurate at the time of viewing and will be subject to annual increases. Some courses require students to purchase equipment or clothing that they will need in the course. These equipment or clothing costs are not included in the course fees listed above – check your Letter of Offer for an estimate on non-tuition-fee-related expenses.

VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this course information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that course information is current with the Student Contact Centre.