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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 fourth year program is normally completed full time in one year (120
credit points). Formal classes begin in Semester 1. We are keen for 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.
There is no provision for external study.
The Honours program is an enriching and very
full year. While formal classes and seminars are generally contained to
one or 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
– evidence-based practice
– psychological assessment
– interviewing skills
– psychological theory
– ethical issues for psychology
– 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
have the opportunity to 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.
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 will deliver 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, psychological
assessment, interviewing skills, psychological theory and evidence-based
practice. This component also includes online modules on professional
and ethical issues including online lectures, WebQuest activities and
discussion board participation. Two exams, as well as an essay, 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.
(4)
Conceptual and Theoretical essay
The Conceptual and Theoretical essay addresses an issue of major theoretical
importance in psychology. Understanding how to think theoretically and
what makes good theories and useful concepts is an important aspect of
psychology. A Conceptual and Theoretical essay, which is a maximum of
5,000 words in length is submitted in July and carries 20% of the course
credit.
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 submit
an enquiry
Application
Form
Australian applicants submit
an enquiry if you meet the minimum entry criteria.
| 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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