Start date
February
July

Campus
Magill

Duration
4 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
MHPU

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Fees
AUD$ 34,400 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025

English Language Requirements
  • IELTS total [6.0]
  • IELTS reading [6.0]
  • IELTS writing [6.0]
Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
036237D

Degree overview

  • Join Australia's Top 10 university for graduate skills in psychology1
  • UniSA’s psychology research is recognised globally as world-class2
  • Gain advanced research skills, and have the opportunity to have your manuscripts published in scientific journals. 
  • Benefit from our state-of-the-art campus facilities, including a Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, a Psychology Clinic and a live-in Sleep and Chronobiology Laboratory. 
  • Discover how you can undertake further study towards becoming a registered psychologist or research psychologist. 
  • Gain a well-respected qualification that is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council. 
  • Have the opportunity to complete work placement in your third year.

1Ranked #7, ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Skills Development Indicator (Undergraduate). Public universities. 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 

Snapshot

Snapshot

This degree will provide you with an understanding of psychological theory, psychology research methods, critical and analytical thinking; and counselling and interpersonal skills.

As an honours student you will focus on research methodologies and you will graduate with the ability to design, conduct and evaluate research. UniSA has been ranked number one in South Australia for psychology research1, and as part of your studies you will graduate with specialised knowledge and skills in this area.

Our world-class learning facilities will enable you to learn in simulated real-world environments, equipping you with hands-on, practical skills upon graduating.

With further study you can gain the experience needed to work in a clinical setting and become a registered psychologist or research psychologist. To follow this career path, you must complete additional postgraduate studies in psychology. Find out more.

1The only university in SA to have all its assessed Psychology and Cognitive Sciences research rated well-above world standard. 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

What you'll learn

What you Learn

Core psychology courses, along with an Indigenous studies and professional development course, will make up your first three years of study. During your third year you will also select from a number of psychology-specific professional development courses, complementing the degree’s core content. These courses include:

  • Health Psychology
  • Work and Organisational Psychology
  • Language, Context and Social Behaviour
  • Conservation Psychology
  • Psychophysiology of Sleep
  • Psychological Research Experience.

During your final year you will undertake advanced coursework and a supervised research project. You will also choose from a selection of electives, giving you the opportunity to study courses from another discipline or area of interest.

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Psychology 1A BEHL 1003 4.5
Personal and Professional Development BEHL 1033 4.5
Elective 4.5 Note(s): 1
Elective 4.5 Note(s): 1
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Psychology 1B BEHL 1004 4.5
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Psychology BEHL 1032 4.5
Introductory Research Methods BEHL 2005 4.5
Elective 4.5 Note(s): 1
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Developmental Psychology BEHL 3011 4.5
Cognitive Psychology BEHL 3002 4.5
Elective 4.5 Note(s): 1
Elective 4.5 Note(s): 1
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Biological and Learning Psychology BEHL 2012 4.5
Social and Community Psychology BEHL 2006 4.5
Elective 4.5 Note(s): 1
Elective 4.5 Note(s): 1
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Advanced Research Methods BEHL 3005 4.5
Personality Psychology BEHL 3024 4.5
Specialist Psychology Course 4.5 Note(s): 2
Specialist Psychology Course 4.5 Note(s): 2
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6) 4.5
Clinical and Abnormal Psychology BEHL 3004 4.5
Specialist Psychology Course 4.5 Note(s): 2
Specialist Psychology Course 4.5 Note(s): 2
Elective 4.5 Note(s): 1
FOURTH YEAR (HONOURS YEAR)
Rule(s): 1
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Psychology Honours Research Project 1 BEHL 4056 9
Psychology Research Methods BEHL 4052 4.5
Psychological Assessment BEHL 4003 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Psychology Honours Research Project 2 BEHL 4057 9
Communicating Research BEHL 4063 4.5
Introduction to Psychological Practice BEHL 4060 4.5

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

Assessment

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. There may be essays, assignments and examinations. You could also expect:

  • article reviews
  • critical analysis
  • research reports
  • article evaluations
  • online multiple choice questions.

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Global opportunities

Honours

This is a four-year, professional degree with honours. The honours component includes a minimum of one year of advanced studies in research and professional practice. You will receive First Class, Second Class or Third Class Honours, depending on your performance.

During the honours preparation, you will undertake courses in research methods and ethics. Within the honours thesis course, you will undertake a research project under the supervision of an experienced researcher and report on this project through a thesis and oral presentation. You will graduate with practical, hands-on industry experience and connections, and a higher-level qualification than a bachelor degree. Your honours year will prepare you for future leadership roles.

Why Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

Why this Degree

This honours degree is taught by researchers who are world-class in their field, at a university ranked number one in South Australia for research in Psychology1.

As part of your studies you will complete in-depth research and project work, which will equip you with the specialised skills you will need for a career in this area.

As an honours student you will focus on research methodologies and gain the ability to design, conduct and evaluate research. Our world-class learning facilities enable you to learn in simulated real-world environments, equipping you with hands-on, practical skills upon graduating.

1The only university in SA to have all its assessed Psychology and Cognitive Sciences research rated well-above world standard. 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

This could be you

Hear from UniSA staff and former Psychology students Dr Alex Agostini and Dr Stephanie Centofanti on where a degree in Psychology can take you.

UniSA Video

Career outcomes

Your career

The ability to listen and analyse, coupled with critical thinking skills and an interest in human behaviour and biology are key attributes of students considering a career in psychology.

As a graduate you will be qualified to work in a range of areas including the health and human services sectors, research organisations, government, and non-government organisations.

Careers to consider include: 

  • Change management consultant: consult organisations to help identify areas of the business where there is a need for change and assessing how this will affect the organisation
  • Drug and alcohol case worker: provide counselling support to individuals and families affected by drug/alcohol
  • Registered psychologist or research psychologist (with further study*): work with patients to identify and diagnose emotional, mental and behavioural issues
  • Neuropsychologist (with further study): assess and evaluate the brain function of people with brain injuries or abnormal brain functioning
  • Research assistant: assist with academic research; research assistants are often employed by universities or research institutes
  • Work and organisational psychologist: use psychological principles and research methods to solve problems in the workplace.

*To follow this career path at UniSA, you will need to complete further study. Find out more.

Professional accreditation and recognition

This program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council. On completion of the program, graduates will have met the academic requirements for associate membership of the Australian Psychological Society and the prerequisites to apply for postgraduate study in Psychology.

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

  • Go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
  • You will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application.

Alternative Pathways

Australian

There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including: 

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Your study experience and support

As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.

Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Student services

Our international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

  • career advice and mentoring
  • help with student visas and health cover
  • personal counselling
  • academic counselling
  • fees and finance help
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • accommodation services 
  • as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Student services

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Location This degree is delivered at the following campus.

Your study spaces

As a psychology student, you will have access to dedicated teaching and learning spaces, including:

  • Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory
  • Sleep and Chronobiology Laboratory
  • Psychology Clinic.
Your study spaces

Your program director

My teaching is driven by the desire to contribute to the education of the next generation of psychology professionals so they too can apply their knowledge of the science of psychology across the interesting and diverse careers they pursue. One of the great joys of the honours year in psychology is seeing each student draw together all of the knowledge and skills they have developed in their course, to identify a research question they are deeply interested in, and under the mentoring of an experienced staff member, conduct their own research project and make a contribution to new knowledge and insights in the field.

Dr Alex Agostini

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for Dr Alex Agostini
Portrait image for Dr Alex Agostini

Dr Alex Agostini

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

    You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

    Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

    If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

    If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.

    Postgraduate study by research
    For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.

  • Is there a closing date for applications? minus-thick plus-thick

    There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

    If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.

  • What credit can I receive for previous studies? minus-thick plus-thick

    You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

    The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

    The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.

  • Can I speak to someone regarding my study options? minus-thick plus-thick

    UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

    Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

    We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.

More FAQs

What others are saying

"My education at UniSA went beyond reading a textbook – it gave me the ability to practise what I learned. I am now a supervisor at Lifeline where I can make a difference in the community. I plan to study a master's qualification to further my career as a clinical psychologist."

Francesco Forgione

Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
Counsellor, New ROADS: Uniting Communities

Francesco Forgione

Francesco Forgione

Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
Counsellor, New ROADS: Uniting Communities

"From day one, there was a heavy emphasis on developing high quality report writing skills, which are essential to success in this field. I know that this, along with the quality of academics and the degree's focus on evidence based practice, will give me the critical analysis skills I need to work in the clinical psychology field."

Nicholas Ghan

Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

Nicholas Ghan

Nicholas Ghan

Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

"Psychology at UniSA has an excellent balance between research and hands-on practice - the standard of teaching combined with the state-of-the-art facilities prepares students for what they want to do after graduation. The inclusion of counselling courses and psychology placements also makes it a unique degree, providing both the skills and real-world experience needed for a variety of careers including disability support work and counselling."

Chris Ghan

Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
Psychologist, SA Health

Chris Ghan

Chris Ghan

Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
Psychologist, SA Health

I was inspired to go to university because I’ve always been passionate about learning and knew that a higher education would open opportunities for personal and professional growth. The psychology program at UniSA offers a unique combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience that I knew would prepare me well for a career in psychology.  I was also provided with invaluable opportunities to connect with professionals in the field, take part in a research placement, participate in student executive committees, volunteer to assist fellow students, and gain hands-on experience that has been crucial for my career development.

Emily Goodes

Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

Emily Goodes JUS.jpg

Emily Goodes

Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

Future study opportunities

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