School of Psychological Science
Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)

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.

Information accurate at time of publication. Fees and course details may be subject to change.

Content Approved by: Head of School
Page maintained by: Illustrative Services
Last Updated: 11 August, 2008