Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

The honours year builds on foundational psychology studies by emphasising advanced research methods, statistical analysis and specialised areas of psychological theory. Typical components include:

• Advanced research methods and design — experimental and non‑experimental approaches, ethical conduct of research and complex data interpretation.
• Advanced statistics — multivariate analysis, regression modelling, and use of statistical software for psychological data.
• Specialist topic units — examples may include cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychology, clinical and abnormal psychology, social and organisational psychology, and psychometrics.
• Honours thesis — an independent, supervised research project culminating in a major written thesis and often including data collection and analysis under academic supervision.
• Research seminars and professional practice — presentation skills, critical appraisal of literature, and preparation for ethical and professional work in psychology.

The programme is designed to meet the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) curriculum requirements for an accredited fourth‑year sequence when combined with an accredited three‑year psychology sequence, preparing students for research careers or further professional training.

Entry requirements

Admission to the honours year normally requires the successful completion of an accredited three‑year sequence in psychology (Bachelor of Psychological Science or equivalent) with an appropriate level of academic achievement. Specific requirements typically include:

• Completion of an APAC‑accredited three‑year psychology sequence or equivalent.
• A minimum academic grade point average or class of honours from prior undergraduate study (meeting the university's threshold for honours entry).
• Approval by the honours coordinator and identification of a suitable academic supervisor with expertise in the student’s proposed research area.
• Compliance with professional and placement requirements where relevant, such as background checks or working with children checks for research or placement activities.

Selection may be competitive and can include consideration of research experience, referees, and the fit between the student’s research proposal and available supervision. International applicants should meet ACU's academic and English language entry requirements.

Career prospects

An honours qualification opens several pathways:

• Progression to postgraduate professional training — entry into accredited Masters or Doctoral programmes in clinical, counselling, organisational or educational psychology, which are required for registration as a practising psychologist.
• Research roles — positions as research assistants or associates in university, government or industry research projects.
• Applied roles in human services — employment in community services, mental health support, case management, disability services, youth work and allied health support roles.
• Workplace roles — roles in human resources, organisational development, training and development, and consumer research where psychological knowledge is valued.

The honours thesis also provides strong preparation for doctoral research and academic careers, or for specialist industry roles that require advanced analytical and research skills.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU has a focused psychology program with an emphasis on ethical practice, social justice and community engagement. Students benefit from academic staff who are active researchers across clinical, developmental, cognitive and social psychology, and from access to supervised research opportunities.

The university offers small‑group teaching in advanced units, structured honours supervision, and connections with health and community organisations that can support research projects and professional development. ACU’s programme structure is designed to provide a clear pathway from undergraduate study to postgraduate professional training or research degrees.