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School of Psychological Science
Bachelor of Psychological
Science (Honours)
| Administrative
Officer |
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| Co-ordinator |
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Entry Qualifications
All students who have completed an Australian Psychology Accreditation
Council (APAC) accredited undergraduate degree in psychology and have
achieved a minimum average of 70% across the 3 years of this degree are
eligible to apply for the BPsySc (Honours) program. The BPsySc (Honours)
is offered only at the Bundoora campus.
Note:
Eligible La Trobe University BPsySc graduates need to complete an application
form to progress to the Honours program.
Places in the fourth year program are limited.
The quota varies from year to year, depending upon the availability of
supervisors and other factors. The BPsySc Honours program is accredited
by APAC as an approved fourth year of study.
Course Description
The Honours program is an enriching year that includes the completion
of a major independent research project and a variety of seminars. The
program is normally completed full time in one year (120 credit points).
There is no provision for external study.
Formal classes begin in Semester 1. However,
we are keen for full-time students to settle in with a research project
supervisor as soon as possible after they are accepted into the honours
program. Therefore, in December a matching process is undertaken for students
offered first round offers into the program. Most students will know who
their supervisor is prior to the end of December, although in some cases
matching will take place in January or February. Full-time students need
to have a confirmed supervisor for their research project prior to enrolment.
It is highly recommended that students begin reading and planning for
the empirical project in advance in January/February to get a head start
on their project.
While formal classes and seminars are generally
contained to one or, occasionally, two days a week, to cater for regional
students and other specific needs, the program is full time so students
can expect that they will be working on the program commensurate with
a full-time load. In addition, meetings with supervisors, research on
campus, or research project data collection may mean that students come
in to the university most days.
Seminars and classes include the following
(where attendance is expected):
- A series of seminars (Semesters 1
and 2) which cover topics such as
- Understanding and applying evidence-based
practice
- Psychological assessment including general
assessment principles and specific examples of personality and cognitive
assessment
- Theory and evidence basis behind cognitive
behaviour therapy
- Theoretical and conceptual issues in
psychology
- Ethical and professional issues
- Weekly seminars on psychological research
methods (Semester 1 only) which aim to support honours students in understanding
research methods in general and which also cover information that will
help complete their research project.
- A fourth-year conference in which students
present their research project proposal and hear about other students’
projects.
- Weekly School colloquia (Semesters 1 and
2) in which eminent scholars from La Trobe and other universities nationally,
and sometimes internationally, present their research. Honours students
become part of the whole school life since colloquia are important events
for staff from the School of Psychological Science as well as postgraduate
students.
- Students also complete a series of online
modules to assist in learning how to analyse and respond to the ethical
and professional dilemmas that arise for psychologists and other helping
professionals.
Assessment
In addition to successful presentation of a research proposal, students
are required to submit a conference summary, ethics application and report,
journal, colloquia summaries, and two short presentations which are all
hurdle requirements. There are also a thesis, an essay, and three examinations
that carry marks toward the final grade.
(1) Empirical
Thesis
Honours students carry out an independent empirical project under the
supervision of a member of staff of the School and on the basis of this
project, students complete their empirical thesis. At the fourth year
conference in Semester 1, each student delivers a short presentation on
the proposed research for the empirical project. In addition, in April,
each student submits a research proposal of approximately 5,000 words.
In late October, students submit an empirical research thesis equivalent
to 12,000 words (excluding references and appendices). This thesis is
worth 50% of the final mark.
(2) Coursework
seminars
A further 40% of the final mark will be associated with a series
of two-hour seminars covering current issues in psychology, evidence-based
assessment and practice, and psychological theory. This component also
includes online modules on professional and ethical issues including online
lectures, WebQuest activities and discussion board participation. Two
exams (10% each), as well as an essay integrating evidence-based practice
and theory (20%), are associated with these topics.
(3)
Psychological Research Methods (PRM) Examination
Students complete an assignment related to research methods in psychology
and are assessed on this assignment in an examination context. Students
receive a published paper in advance and evaluate it in depth, critically
thinking about the research methodology and analyses used by the authors.
Working in teams on this assignment is encouraged. At the end of Semester
1, students then are assessed via an associated PRM examination worth
10% of the final mark.
Part-time students
Part-time enrolment is possible for students who have an ongoing commitment
(e.g., job, family) which precludes full-time study. Prior approval must
be sought from the course coordinator. Part-time students are normally
expected to attend classes, complete their PRM examination, the Coursework
Seminar Essay and Examinations in the first year of candidature, and the
Empirical Thesis in the second year (60 credit points each year). The
maximum time allowed for part-time candidature is two years.
Role of
a Supervisor
Each student works closely with a staff member who acts as supervisor
for the student’s empirical research project. The function of a
supervisor is to guide, educate and assist a student to carry out their
Honours thesis research. Students are encouraged to provide ideas and
find solutions to problems. The purpose of supervision is to help students
learn about the research process and to develop their potential in conducting
scientific research.
Honours
Psychology Handbook
In February of each year a handbook is published by the School setting
out course requirements, reading lists and study guides for Honours students
undertaking the BPsySc Honours course. A copy is also held on reserve
in the Library.
Costs
All BPsySc Honours students are offered Commonwealth supported places.
Commonwealth supported students may be eligible for HECS-HELP assistance.
The HECS-HELP contribution may be paid at the start of each semester,
or deferred as a future tax liability.
More details on Commonwealth supported places,
HECS-HELP is available at http://www.goingtouni.gov.au
For further information telephone (03) 9479
2819 or
Submit
an enquiry
Download (PDF 1.4mb) and print the Honours 2010 Application Pack, this pack contains the following documents:
Honours 2010 Instructions
Application for Admission to an Undergraduate Coursework Program
Supplementary Information 2010 for Admission to Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)
Staff Research Interests
| Overseas applicants: |
please contact the International
Programs Office |
Deadline: |
| Applications close: |
31 October each year (Australian applicants)
30 September each year (overseas applicants) |
Information accurate at time of publication.
Fees and course details may be subject to change.
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