Why Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) 1-year?
Build the professional skills needed for a future in psychology.
In Australia, becoming a registered psychologist takes at least six years of study. This program is a crucial step in the process, followed by additional postgraduate study.
In this program, you’ll complete a major research project, under the guidance of experienced psychology staff. To grow your confidence, you’ll work on real-life scenarios.
You’ll emerge as a competent, socially conscious and reflexive graduate. You’ll be equipped to start a rewarding career, pursue postgraduate research or carry on your studies to registration as a psychologist.
Overview
In the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), you’ll learn to ‘think like a psychologist’. Our program is relevant and forward-facing, offering the necessary foundation for registration as a psychologist.
Our one-year program emphasises cultural competence, ethics and open science. It focuses on the pre-professional competencies of the psychology profession, so you gain the skills you need to succeed.
You’ll complete an independent research project with support from an academic mentor, advancing your skills in research design and analysis. Through practical experiences such as simulated interviews and applied projects, you’ll see how theory connects to practice.
You’ll build your interpersonal and interviewing skills. Learn how to design interventions that really help. Develop an effective and culturally responsive practice.
You’ll graduate ready to reach your goals – whether in the workforce, research or as a registered psychologist.
Key features
Complete coursework grounded in the latest research. - Build your research expertise, undertaking a major independent project.
- Get experience using assessment tools and psychological tests.
- Learn how to connect with people across different cultural settings.
- Be supported by academic staff and mentors.
- Use this degree as a pathway to further postgraduate study and registration as a psychologist.
What you'll learn
In our Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), you’ll learn to ‘think like a psychologist’ and design interventions that make a real difference. Throughout, you’ll gain insight into the expectations of health, clinical and organisational settings.
Your advanced coursework will cover:
- Psychological interventions and applications
- Psychological research evidence in professional contexts
- Interviewing and interpersonal skills for psychology
- Professional skills for psychological assessment
- Psychology research project.
For all courses, you’ll attend workshops, tutorials and complete online activities.
The program helps you build a professional, reflective and culturally responsive practice. You’ll strengthen the core skills of active listening, questioning, clarifying, reflecting, summarising and paraphrasing, while also learning how to build rapport and empathic understanding.
You’ll advance your knowledge of assessment tools and techniques unique to psychology and explore how cultural and developmental factors influence their use. You’ll develop skills in research design, methods, ethics and open science, so you can bring evidence together to tackle the critical questions at the heart of psychology.
You’ll also design and complete a substantial independent research project. Supervised by a member of psychology academic staff, you’ll learn how to share your findings clearly with different audiences, from academics to industry professionals.
This one-year program is a key step if you want to become a registered psychologist. It gives you the background needed to progress toward provisional registration, postgraduate study or a higher research degree.
What courses you'll study
Complete 48 units comprising:
- 48 units for Core courses
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Psychological Interventions and Applications
|
Course code
PSYC4000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Interviewing and Interpersonal Skills for Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC4001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Professional Skills for Psychological Assessment
|
Course code
PSYC4002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Psychology Research Project
|
Course code
PSYC4004
|
Units
24
|
|
|
Course name
Psychological Research Evidence in Professional Contexts
|
Course code
PSYC4800
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Psychological Interventions and Applications
|
Course code
PSYC4000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Interviewing and Interpersonal Skills for Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC4001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Skills for Psychological Assessment
|
Course code
PSYC4002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Psychological Research Evidence in Professional Contexts
|
Course code
PSYC4800
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Psychology Research Project
|
Course code
PSYC4004
|
Units
24
|
Career outcomes
To become a psychologist in Australia, you must complete a minimum six-year sequence of study to achieve registration. Completion of this honours program is crucial for this process, followed by additional postgraduate study.
A psychology career is highly versatile. Skills in assessment, communication and behaviour change are valued across all industries. You might join human resources, improving workplace culture, recruitment and training. You could find a role in government, developing policy that supports communities and services. Perhaps you’ll carry your studies on into research, contributing new insights about human behaviour or cognition.
Outside of registered pathways, psychology graduates can work in:
- Mental health care
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Businesses
- Not-for-profits
- Family services
- Defence
- Sport
- Coaching or consulting.
Industry trends
Psychologists are in high demand across Australia – and around the world. Rising rates of mental health issues, workplace stress and community wellbeing challenges mean there is a real need for qualified professionals.
The Australian government has flagged psychology as a critical workforce shortage area, with new investment in training pathways to grow the number of registered psychologists (National Mental Health Workforce Strategy, 2022). With demand outpacing supply, psychology graduates will step into a field with strong job security.
Accreditation
Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.
Ready to apply?
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
