Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)

This subject provides students with an introduction to the principles of psychological assessment. The subject examines the rationale for psychological assessment and covers topics such as test norms, reliability, validity, test development, and test item analysis. The subject provides an overview and critical evaluation of various tests currently used within applied areas of psychology, with an emphasis on personality and cognitive assessment. The tutorial program and assessment are designed to assist students' understanding of the content covered in the lectures and to give students an appreciation of the issues and difficulties surrounding test construction.

This subject introduces multivariate research design and multivariate analytic techniques, the use of statistical packages such as SPSS, and the interpretation of results. Multivariate procedures include multiple regression analysis, discriminant function analysis, factor analysis, and structural equation modelling.

This subject introduces students to the theoretical frameworks used to develop evidence-based treatments in psychology. The first half of the subject focuses on learning interpersonal communication and interview skills in situations appropriate to psychological practice and research. The second half of the subject focuses on exploring the behavioural procedures used to create positive change in client functioning. Students learn about the major theoretical frameworks and empirical findings used to conceptualise and understand client difficulties and treatments. Students are taught several techniques used to clarify the effects of difficult behaviours on client well-being. This subject provides students with a basis for developing the theory-driven practical skills needed for effective psychological practice.

This subject provides an introduction to clinical and applied psychological practice across health, community, and forensic settings. Students develop skills in assessment, formulation, diagnosis, communication, ethical decision-making, and culturally responsive practice. Using an evidence-based practice framework, students examine psychological presentations across the lifespan and explore intervention approaches relevant to clinical, health, and community contexts. The subject also addresses interprofessional collaboration, psychosocial risk management, digital technologies, and professional self-care. Through case-based learning and applied activities, students develop the knowledge and skills required for safe, ethical, and sustainable psychological practice.

This subject is a continuation of Research Skills and Ethics. Students continue to work on their research thesis under the supervision of an academic staff member. Students present their research in the form of a poster and presentation at the 4th Year poster session and submit a copy of the completed thesis for examination.

This subject provides a comprehensive grounding in the theoretical and practical dimensions of planning, designing, and writing a psychology research thesis. Weekly seminars cover the lifecycle of a research project: research ethics and integrity, scientific project management, the use of AI in research, library resources and search tools, the formulation of research questions and hypotheses, and the writing of each major thesis component (Introduction, Method, Results, and Discussion). The subject also examines the Psychology Board of Australia Code of Conduct through dedicated seminars on professional conduct and behaviour, including its application to research. In the final weeks, academics present seminars on contemporary edge research in their areas from a practical and empirical standpoint. Workshops will emphasise the applied aspects of conducting psychological research and psychology careers, enriched by guest talks from internal and external researchers. Students will attend regular meetings with their supervisors, engage in research activities, and participate in research seminars and workshops.