Central Queensland University

What you'll study

The Honours year builds on foundational psychological knowledge and places strong emphasis on research design, advanced quantitative and qualitative methods, and applied assessment. Typical subjects include advanced statistics and psychometrics, experimental design, cognitive and neuropsychology, developmental and social psychology, personality and clinical conceptualisations, professional ethics and legal issues in psychology, and an independent honours thesis or major research project.

Study is organised around a combination of advanced seminars, laboratory classes, applied assessment workshops and a supervised research project. The honours thesis is a major component: you will formulate a research question, carry out a literature review, collect and analyse data, and present your findings in a written thesis under academic supervision.

Entry requirements

Entry to the Honours year usually requires completion of an undergraduate degree in psychology or an equivalent sequence that covers the required core areas of psychology. Applicants are assessed on academic performance in prior study; successful applicants typically demonstrate a strong academic record in relevant psychology subjects and competence in research methods and statistics.

Candidates who completed a three-year Bachelor of Psychological Science at CQU or another APAC-recognised program are commonly eligible to apply. Additional requirements may include a statement of research interests, a proposed supervisor agreement or interview if required, and meeting any university-wide enrolment conditions. International applicants must satisfy CQU's English language requirements.

Career prospects

• Honours graduates are well placed to undertake professional postgraduate training (for example, coursework or research higher degrees leading to registration as a psychologist) or to enter competitive postgraduate research programs (Masters by Research or PhD).
• Employment options after Honours include research assistant roles in universities or government, psychological services assistant positions in health or community organisations, roles in human resources, policy and program development, and positions in rehabilitation, aged care or disability services.
• The research skills developed in Honours also support careers in data analysis, market research, social research and roles that require advanced critical appraisal and statistical literacy.

Why study at Central Queensland University

CQU offers flexible delivery modes including on-campus teaching at regional campuses and online study, which is helpful for students balancing work or remote location. The university emphasises small-group supervision for honours research projects, providing direct contact with academic supervisors experienced in a range of psychological specialities.

CQU has a strong focus on regional and rural health and community engagement, creating opportunities to undertake applied projects that address local and Indigenous community needs. Students also benefit from practical learning experiences, laboratory and assessment facilities, and academic support services to develop research, data analysis and professional skills valued by employers and postgraduate programs.