Skip to Content

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology with the degree of Bachelor of Human Sciences

ARPH01

Faculty:
Faculty of Human Sciences
Award:
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology with the degree of Bachelor of Human Sciences (BA-PsychBHumanSc)
English Language Proficiency:
IELTS of 7.0 overall with minimum 6.5 in each band, or equivalent
Study Mode:
Full-time, Part-time
Attendance Mode:
Internal
Candidature Length:
Full-time: 4 years
Study Period Offerings:
Session 1 (February), Session 2 (July)
Volume of Learning:
Equivalent to 4 years
General requirements:
Minimum number of credit points for the degree 96
Minimum number of credit points at 200 level or above 60
Minimum number of credit points at 300 level or above 30
Completion of a qualifying major for the Bachelor of Human Sciences
Completion of a designated People unit
Completion of a designated Planet unit
Completion of a designated PACE unit
Completion of other specific minimum requirements as set out below
Note:
Students must complete one designated People unit and one designated Planet unit. Those units must be taken in two different Faculties. Any unit which is listed below or as part of the student's qualifying major(s) will not satisfy the People unit requirement or Planet unit requirement.

In order to graduate students must ensure that they have satisfied all of the general requirements of the award.

Specific minimum requirements:

Credit points

100 level

Required
3
Introduction to Psychology I (3)
 
Required
3
Introduction to Psychology II (3)
 

200 level

Required
3
Communication in Social Institutions (3)
 
Required
3
Social and Personality Psychology (3)
 
Required
3
Developmental Psychology (3)
 
Required
3
Biopsychology and Learning (3)
 
Required
3
Cognitive Processes I (3)
 
Required
3
Perception I (3)
 
Required
3
Design and Statistics II (3)
 

300 level

Required
3
Psychological Science: Putting Theory into Practice (3)
C/P
Required
3
Legal, Ethical and Policy Directions in Health (3)
 
Required
3
Principles of Psychological Assessment (3)
 
Required
6cp from
 
PSY units at 300 level
6
PSYC units at 300 level
Note:
Units marked with a C are Capstone units.
 
Units marked with a P are PACE units.
Qualifying Majors for the Bachelor of Human Sciences
Additional Information
AQF Level Level 7 Bachelor Degree
CRICOS Code 083741J
Overview and Aims of the Program This award is an interdisciplinary double degree and is ideal for those who wish to work in the community and allied health sectors with a substantial background in psychology, but may not wish to work as accredited psychologists. It combines an accredited three year undergraduate sequence in psychology with studies, including a major, in Human Sciences. The current majors available include Public Health:Policy and Promotion, Community Services and Human Movement.

Throughout the program students are engaged in an exploration of evidence-based practice in the chosen major alongside studies of psychology. During this degree students develop a scientific understanding in the psychological processes that underlie behaviour including perception, cognition, learning, motivation, neuroscience, psychopathology, personality, emotion, developmental psychology and social relationships, as well as training in the analysis of data and research methodologies. There is the opportunity to choose some psychology elective units at 300 level that will complement the qualifying major. For the Public Health major there is also an opportunity for a brief community based or health placement.
Graduate Capabilities

The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows:

Cognitive capabilities
(K) discipline specific knowledge and skills
(T) critical, analytical and integrative thinking
(P) problem solving and research capability
(I) creative and innovative


Interpersonal or social capabilities
(C) effective communication
(E) engaged and ethical local and global citizens
(A) socially and environmentally active and responsible

Personal capabilities
(J) capable of professional and personal judgement and initiative
(L) commitment to continuous learning

Program Learning Outcomes By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to*:

1. demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in the core topics of psychology (K, T)
2. understand, apply, conduct, and evaluate the research methods used in psychology, including research design, data analysis and interpretation and the appropriate use of technologies by which to do this (K, T, P, I )
3. use the concepts, language, major theories, and perspectives of the discipline to account for psychological phenomena (K, C)
4. identify relevant theory and concepts, relate these to appropriate methodologies and evidence, and draw appropriate conclusions (K, T, P, I, J)
5. demonstrate the capacity for critical thinking and independent learning to solve problems related to a range of issues, including behaviour and mental processes (K, T, P, I, J, L)
6. communicate concepts and results clearly and effectively both in writing and orally (C)
7. engage in a critical review of appropriate and relevant information regarding psychological processes and demonstrate analytical research skills in evaluating psychological literature (K, T, C, P)
8. recognise and evaluate arguments and other persuasive appeals and approaches to problems (K, T, C, P)
9. identify how psychological principles can be used to explain social issues and inform public policy and apply psychological concepts, theories, and research findings as these relate to everyday life (A, J, E)
10. 
develop insight into your own and others’ behaviour and mental processes and apply effective strategies for self-management and self-improvement (J)
11. articulate how psychological principles can be used to explain social issues and inform public policy (E)
12. examine the sociocultural and international contexts that influence individual differences (E)
13. demonstrate a capacity for responsibility and accountability with regard to their own learning (J, L)

*These learning outcomes refer to the Psychology component only. They must be combined with the outcomes of the qualifying major chosen for the Bachelor of Human Sciences.

Learning and Teaching Methods Psychology is a broad discipline, and the range of units offered in this program reflects that breadth. Over the three years of the program students will be exposed to all the major areas of psychological study, from the most fundamental brain research through to social issues such as the causes of inter-group conflict. The learning and teaching methods employed throughout the program also reflect this breadth, from laboratory-based practical work through to sophisticated, reflective field-work, as represented in our 3rd-year PACE unit. The overarching pedagogical approach throughout the program is student-centred learning, with an emphasis, not simply on the acquisition of discipline knowledge, but also on the development of higher-order critical thinking and problem-solving approaches to a range of psychological processes and issues. Although units differ with respect to formal or recorded lecture offerings, there is a focus in every unit on small-group learning through laboratory practicals and/or tutorial exercises and discussions. Students are also encouraged to engage with iLearn discussions of lecture and tutorial material, and to test the development of their own understanding via online tests and quizzes. First-year psychology students are also required to participate in Departmental research projects in order to learn how research is conducted and to encourage interaction with more senior scholars in the field.

For the Human Sciences component of the double degree, the program develops to allow students to research, analyse and critique academic and other contributions to the discipline of the chosen major (i.e. human movement within its social and environmental settings, public health or the nature of community). Teaching and learning methods are generally consistent with those used in the Psychology component although the latter part of the program also has a focus on in-depth group work where students are able to learn about team work and organisational communication. Toward the end of the program students explore, analyse and apply advanced knowledge to complex problems especially through their Capstone or PACE unit through project design, practical tasks or work placements.
Assessment Assessment is both formative and summative, with students being presented with multiple opportunities throughout the program to improve their critical thinking, problem solving, and effective communication skills. Assessment tasks are designed to provide students with early opportunities to monitor their intellectual and discipline specific progress in the study units and to measure the extent to which students can demonstrate their acquisition of the program learning outcomes. Staff and sometimes peer feedback (either written or verbal) allows students to diagnose and remedy areas for improvement. Later assessment tasks allow the students to research, analyse and critique discipline specific writings and initiatives and asks them also to apply this learning to specific issues or challenges in their discipline field. As such, the assessment of learning and for learning take place across the program. Students also participate as a research subject as a component of their first year Psychology unit.

Assessment criteria provide detailed descriptions of what is required at each band of achievement. Detailed guides to the study units provide information about each assessment tasks, suggested readings or other materials and the specific learning outcomes to which each assessment task relate. Assistance with study, writing and presentation tasks are available to the students either in the program or through campus wide initiatives.

Across the four years of the program, assessment methods will usually include:
• web-based quizzes
• research reports
• class presentations, both group and individual
• essays
• literature reviews and critical analysis of issues in their discipline of specialisation
• multiple-choice tests and exams
• essay and short-answer-based exams
• designing experiments or health initiatives
• conducting individual and group-based psychological research projects
• evaluating and/or applying policy or health-based initiatives
• discussion forum
• placement and reflective project report (PACE unit).
Recognition of Prior Learning

Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. For recognition of prior informal and non-formal learning, please refer to the relevant RPL Plan, which describes the evidential requirements and approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit in this program.


For undergraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl
For postgraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl

Support for Learning

Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus.

Further information can be found at www.students.mq.edu.au/support/

Campus Wellbeing contact details:
Phone: +61 2 9850 7497
Email: campuswellbeing@mq.edu.au
www.students.mq.edu.au/support/health_and_wellbeing/contact_us

Program Standards and Quality

The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders.

Graduate Destinations and Employability The degree equips you with knowledge of psychology and behaviour to work in a variety of health -related occupations such as Community development, health advocacy , policy and planning, health promotion. Students choosing the Public Health major will have a short placement to assist them become work ready. Students combining the Human Movement major with Psychology will have the broad background to work at pre-professional levels in the Sports psychology area. A fourth year of accredited psychology study is required before any entry to professional programs in this area.
Assessment Regulations

This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy.

Accreditation This is an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) accredited qualification.

Psychology: Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) is the accrediting authority. A submission for accreditation of a new award has been made to APAC. As a result this sequence received the grade of ACCREDITATION WITHOUT CONDITIONS on the basis that it met all of the APAC Accreditation Standards (June 2010). The period of accreditation is 2014 – 2018. The next submission is due in 2018, followed by a site visit for the following 5 year accreditation cycle.