University of Adelaide

What you'll study

The program builds from core psychological domains to advanced research training. Early years cover foundational topics such as introduction to psychology, research methods, and statistics. Intermediate study typically includes cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, biological bases of behaviour (neuroscience), abnormal psychology, and personality theory. Applied and professional themes — for example, assessment and intervention principles, ethics, and cultural considerations — are integrated across units.

The honours year centres on an independent research project under academic supervision and advanced coursework in research design, statistical analysis, and specialised substantive areas (for example clinical, cognitive neuroscience, forensic, developmental or organisational psychology). The honours thesis develops skills in literature review, hypothesis development, data collection and analysis, and scientific writing.

• Research methods and statistics (quantitative and qualitative approaches)
• Biological bases of behaviour / cognitive neuroscience
• Developmental, social and personality psychology
• Psychopathology and clinical concepts
• Ethics, professional practice and cultural competence
• Honours research project and advanced research units

Entry requirements

Admission is normally from secondary school or via an approved undergraduate pathway. Applicants are expected to meet the University of Adelaide's general entry requirements for undergraduate study; successful applicants typically have a strong background in relevant senior secondary subjects (for example English and mathematics/statistics). International applicants must meet the university's English language requirements.

Entry to the honours year is selective and usually requires completion of the three‑year sequence with a competitive grade point average (or equivalent) and completion of prescribed research units. Places in honours are limited and selection is based on academic performance and availability of supervision.

Career prospects

Graduates with an honours qualification are eligible to apply for registration pathways and for postgraduate professional training in clinical, counselling or educational psychology; additional accredited postgraduate study and supervised practice are required for full registration as a psychologist. Honour‑level graduates are also well placed for research and academic careers, including doctoral study (PhD).

Other common career destinations include roles in health services, community and government agencies, human resources and organisational development, marketing and consumer research, forensic services, rehabilitation and disability services, and policy and program evaluation. Employers value the degree's strong training in research methods, data analysis, and evidence‑based practice.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers psychology training within a research‑intensive environment, with access to experienced academic supervisors and research centres. Students benefit from practical training in research methods and opportunities to work on contemporary projects across cognitive, clinical, developmental and applied psychology. Smaller honours cohorts allow close supervision of thesis work, while links with local health providers, government agencies and industry support applied learning and employment pathways.

The university's urban campus setting provides access to clinics, laboratories and professional networks in South Australia, supporting both practical experience and postgraduate progression for students who wish to pursue professional registration or a research career in psychology.