Accreditation and Professional Recognition Expand This program is conditionally accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). The Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) is a Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) accredited program and sits within level 8 of the Australian Qualifications Framework.
Admission Criteria Expand Applicants must have completed an APAC accredited three-year sequence of study in psychology, or equivalent overseas qualification (as assessed by the APS). Minimum entry standard is a credit average (60%) in the undergraduate or equivalent degree. Applicants should have a credit grade or above in most psychology units. Applicants who completed their psychology sequence more than ten years ago may be asked to complete a refresher sequence prior to a formal offer being made. Work experience in the intervening period since completing studies in psychology is considered favourable in this circumstance. See our application portal for detailed instructions on making an application. Further documentation required in the application: Most recent academic transcripts. A current curriculum vitae (resume). A 500-word personal statement outlining what factors have contributed to the application and why you wish to study this course at Cairnmillar. Proof of residency/citizenship (e.g., passport, birth certificate, or citizenship certificate). International students please see the International Student Page for further requirements and support in applying for courses at Cairnmillar.
Career Opportunities Expand Graduates may apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) in their current workplace. Graduates will also be able to consider further study or employment in fields where the knowledge and skills acquired in postgraduate psychology study can be applied (e.g., community services, human resources, business, counselling). On completion of the course, graduates will be eligible to apply for entry to an APAC accredited Masters training program, which leads to registration as a psychologist.
Course Structure Expand This course consists of 100 credit points. It can be taken across one year (full-time), 18 months (part-time) or 24 months (part-time). Students undertake a total of seven units of study consisting of five coursework units (62.5 credit points) and two research units (37.5 credit points). Each unit of study is listed below. Please note students must pass all units before being eligible to graduate. The full-time course structure is as follows: Full Time - February Intake Semester One HON401 Professional Practice and Professional Ethics HON403 Psychological Assessment HON402 Research Methods HON455 Research Thesis 1 Semester Two HON404 Evidence-Based Practice and Practice-Based Evidence HON407 Developmental Psychopathology Across the Lifespan HON456 Research Thesis 2 Part-time study is available. It is expected that this will be completed in no more than 2 years. For students commencing the program in February, the standard part-time course structure is as follows: Part Time - February Intake (24 months) Semester One HON401 Professional Practice and Professional Ethics HON403 Psychological Assessment Semester Two HON404 Evidence-Based Practice and Practice-Based Evidence HON407 Developmental Psychopathology Across the Lifespan Semester Three HON402 Research Methods HON455 Research Thesis 1 Semester Four HON456 Research Thesis 2 For students commencing the program in the midyear intake the standard part-time course structure is as follows: Part Time - July Intake (24 months) Semester One HON404 Evidence-Based Practice and Practice-Based Evidence HON407 Developmental Psychopathology Across the Lifespan Semester Two HON402 Research Methods HON455 Research Thesis 1 Semester Three HON456 Research Thesis 2 Semester Four HON401 Professional Practice and Professional Ethics HON403 Psychological Assessment For students joining the program in the mid-year intake, the following 18-month course structure is also available: Part Time - July Intake (18 months) Semester One HON404 Evidence-Based Practice and Practice-Based Evidence HON407 Developmental Psychopathology Across the Lifespan Semester Two HON401 Professional Practice and Professional Ethics HON402 Research Methods HON455 Research Thesis 1 HON403 Psychological Assessment Semester Three HON456 Research Thesis 2
Fees and Scholarships Expand **Estimated only. Annual tuition fee review and possible increases apply, see: cairnmillar.org.au/course-fees There are several scholarships that are awarded annually to high performing students at the Cairnmillar Institute. Each scholarship totals $20,000 per annum. The scholarships are designed to assist students with their tuition costs for their one full-time year of study in the Honours program. Two of these scholarships are named after Ian Chisholm and Dr Julie Shaw, who were members of the Cairnmillar Council for many years. Students who apply for the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) for February 2023 intake, will be assessed on merit. Entrants will only be considered with a WAM above 80%. For more information, please visit our scholarships page here.
Graduate Learning Outcomes Expand Students who satisfactorily complete this course will be able to demonstrate skill and knowledge in the following areas: Apply ethical codes, legislation, and professional standards to issues relevant to psychological research and professional practice. Demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical and empirical bases underpinning the development and application of psychological assessment and intervention. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of developmental psychopathology. Critically assess the impact of sociocultural and developmental factors in psychology research and professional practice. Apply the scientific method to answer psychology-related research questions (i.e., study design, data analysis and interpretation). Demonstrate sophisticated oral and written communication skills.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Expand Applicants to this program may apply to be granted credit or partial credit towards the qualification, in recognition of previous experience where an equivalence of earlier learning can be established. Credit transfer for an APAC accredited course is only applicable for recently completed APAC accredited postgraduate programs. Credit or partial credit is not granted in recognition of knowledge or skills gained through work or life experience. Cairnmillar’s RPL policy can be viewed here.