| AQF Level |
Level 8 Bachelor Honours Degree |
| CRICOS Code |
079890G |
| Overview and Aims of the Program |
This double degree combination, with Honours in Psychology, is intended for high-achieving students aiming for a professional career in Psychology together with skills in Law, thus providing them with a wide range of career opportunities in two well-respected fields. As social science subjects Psychology and Law complement each other well giving students a skill set that will prepare them for work either in the legal, corporate, commercial and social justice fields. Psychology is a discipline of both scientific research and applied professional practice. The psychology degree is concerned with providing students with 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 .A key feature of the psychology degree is the capstone unit – which aims to provide students with skills to facilitate their transfer into the workplace, and the opportunity to gain limited but relevant experience working in the field. Admission to the honours year in Psychology will be determined entirely by academic merit and completion the undergraduate sequence equivalent to that in the Bachelor of Psychology Honours degree. In this year students will plan and engage in an independent and sustained critical investigation and evaluation of a chosen research topic that will match their strengths and career interests. |
| 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:
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
1. demonstrate conceptual clarity in the knowledge of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives empirical findings and historical trends in the core subject specific areas of psychology, relate these to appropriate methodologies and evidence, and draw appropriate conclusions (K, T, P, I, J)
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 to the professional requirements of the discipline (C)
7. engage in a critical review of appropriate and relevant information regarding psychological processes and demonstrate analytical research skills in evaluating psychological literature and arguments and other persuasive appeals and approaches to problems (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’ behaviours 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. plan, conduct, and report a substantial independent research project requiring advanced technical skills in research and design, critical thinking and judgement (K, T, P, I, C, J, L)
14. demonstrate a capacity for responsibility and accountability with regard to their own learning (J, L)
15. describe and discuss the ethical standards and legislative frameworks governing research and practice in psychology, and exhibit an awareness of the importance of ethics in maintaining the integrity of the profession (E, A)
Bachelor of Laws
16. explain fundamental areas of legal knowledge prescribed for accreditation as a legal practitioner in Australia (K)
17. apply and integrate fundamental areas of legal knowledge and skills to analyse and critique complex socio-legal problems and policy challenges in diverse contexts, including from broader international, comparative and interdisciplinary contexts within which socio-legal issues arise (T)
18. identify, research, evaluate and synthesise relevant factual, legal and policy issues to solve legal problems, and apply reasoning and research skills to generate appropriate responses to complex issues in diverse professional contexts (P)
19. advocate alternative strategies and approaches to solving problems, resolving disputes and pursuing remedies that are responsive to the interdisciplinary and global realities of professional life (I)
20. communicate in oral and written form in ways that are professional, effective, appropriate and persuasive for legal and non-legal audiences (C)
21. recognise, reflect upon and apply approaches to ethical decision-making to addressing issues of disadvantage and social justice, and the impact of globalisation on legal and professional practice in Australia (E)
22. collaborate and exercise leadership effectively, including the ability to recognise and reflect upon their professional responsibilities in service to the community and in promoting a just and a sustainable global society through participation in advocacy, social innovation and socio-legal reform (A)
23. exercise sound judgement and to respond proactively to challenges they will face in professional and personal life, work independently, take initiative and be adaptable to diverse and changing environments (J)
24. reflect on and assess their capabilities and performance and work independently to support ongoing personal and professional development (L) |
| Learning and Teaching Methods |
Psychology is a broad discipline, and the range of units offered in this program reflects that breadth. Over the six 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 intergroup conflict. The fourth year also offers a range of advanced coursework options (including professional units on counselling and ethics), along with the requirement for students to plan, conduct, and report a substantial independent research project under the supervision of a staff member. Overall, the learning and teaching methods employed throughout the program reflect the breadth of the program and range from laboratory-based practical work through to sophisticated, reflective field-work, as represented in the Professional and Community Engagement (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 lecture offerings (including recorded lectures), 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 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.
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Laws degree enables a student to progress towards admission as a lawyer in New South Wales. Being a qualification accredited as meeting the academic requirements of admission, the degree’s program is built around a series of compulsory units which together cover the substantial body of doctrinal content prescribed by the profession. In addition to these core units, all students must complete one of seven qualifying majors, each of which examines law in the context of various policy challenges. Students also choose from a selection of elective units, enabling them to pursue their particular interests.
Besides equipping students with the doctrinal knowledge needed to practise law, the LLB seeks to develop skills and personal attributes required to succeed not only in legal practice but in other areas of professional life, as well as further academic study. These include communication and problem-solving skills, as well as analytical and critical thinking, plus qualities such as empathy and integrity. Macquarie Law School approaches the study of law as more than mere vocational training, viewing it as a rigorous intellectual endeavour in its own right. Hallmarks of the Macquarie LLB include its interdisciplinary nature and global focus, thus enabling students to appraise law and seek out innovative solutions in the broadest possible contexts.
Most units are taught by a combination of live or recorded lectures, set readings and various assessments designed to test and advance your learning. Increasingly, teaching is supported by innovative online technologies which deliver not only lecture content but an array of material, activities and potentials for interaction intended to develop your skills and understanding. While online learning permits students some flexibility in relation to when they study, internal students are generally expected to also attend a weekly tutorial for each unit, while external students normally come to the campus for a compulsory two-day intensive session, usually held during the mid-session break. Classroom-based activities provide you with the opportunity to consolidate your learning through interaction with teaching staff and fellow students.
In designing the program care has been taken to ensure that each stage of the student’s learning is adequately supported by what the student has already covered. As you advance through your degree you will be expected to become increasingly self-reliant in your studies. In order to succeed you will need to look far beyond lectures and set readings. You should be proactive in developing your own pathways to learning, suitably supported by the research skills you will be taught. Besides independent study you will at times be required to work collaboratively with other students, engaging in such activities as group discussions, projects and presentations. The emphasis is on learning through doing, as opposed to passively absorbing material. An important feature of the program is the PACE (Professional and Community Engagement), during which students learn through a combination of practical experience and personal reflection. |
| Assessment |
There is a range of assessment methods used throughout the Psychology program, each of which has been designed to measure the extent to which students can demonstrate their acquisition of the program learning outcomes. 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, while also demonstrating their acquisition of important discipline knowledge. Across the six years of the program, assessment methods will usually include:
• web-based quizzes
• research reports
• class presentations
• essays
• literature reviews
• multiple-choice tests and exams
• essay and short-answer-based exams
• designing experiments
• research participation (compulsory at 1st year)
• conducting individual and group-based research projects
• placement and reflective project report (PACE unit)
• planning, executing and writing a research thesis under staff supervision (4th year).
Each student graduating with the degree will receive a Grade Point Average calculated on the basis of that student’s performance across all core units, as well as those other units undertaken by the student to meet the program requirements. A student’s success in an individual unit is measured on the basis of at least three assessment tasks undertaken during the course of the academic session. Assessment tasks are designed to test students’ acquirement of skills, attributes and knowledge, as well as to support and promote their ongoing learning and development.
Generally, assessment is on the basis of how well a student has completed a piece of written work. These may form part of a timed take-home examination, although some units require students to attend a formal sit-down exam. Written assignments can take many different forms, ranging from an essay, a research paper, an advice to an imaginary client in relation to a hypothetical problem, a reflective journal, a contribution to a discussion blog and so on. Through a combination of collective and individual feedback, as well as the mark awarded to the student’s work, these assignments enable students to gauge their academic progress in individual units and in the degree program as a whole. At times students will be marked on how well they are proceeding with a piece of work, thus enabling them to complete it to a higher standard. In some units a student’s grade will partly reflect that student’s participation in classroom discussions or the quality of an oral presentation.
Students are assessed in relation to a unit on the basis of how well they meet its learning outcomes, which are set out in the unit guide at the beginning of each academic session. Rubrics are also provided to students in order to indicate what level of performance is needed in order to achieve each grade band. Students do not compete with each other for good marks. Indeed, marks may be awarded on the basis of group work. Mostly, however, a student’s grade will be determined on the basis of that student’s individual work or individual contribution to a collaborative project.
While it is vital that all students graduating with an LLB degree demonstrate a broad and coherent knowledge of legal doctrine as required by the profession, the units of study that they undertake will cumulatively assess the student’s performance in relation to the entire range of skills and attributes referred to in the program’s learning outcomes. For instance, in the early years of the program emphasis is placed on basic skills such as finding relevant sources of knowledge, while in later years the focus shifts more to the student’s competence in evaluating those sources and employing them to generate appropriate responses to real-world problems. |
| 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 (see www.mq.edu.au/policy) and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. The RPL pages contain information on how to apply, links to registers, and the approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit.
Domestic Students
For undergraduate RPL information visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl
For domestic postgraduate RPL information visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl
International Students
For RPL information visit www.mq.edu.au/international/rpl undefined |
| 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/wellbeing |
| 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 |
This degree prepares students for employment in professional areas such as health and social welfare, social policy and justice fields, market research, commercial and various functions associated with human resources. It is also the basis for further studies where students are able to gain specialised vocational training in the professional practice of psychology such as forensic psychology, clinical, or organisational psychology, clinical neuropsychology, health and community psychology and research. The combined set of academic skills from this double degree also prepares students for work in the emerging new interdisciplinary area of neurolaw, in which practitioners seek to understand how the field of cognitive neuroscience can be used in the legal system. |
| 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.
Grade of ACCREDITATION WITHOUT CONDITIONS awarded by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.
The Bachelor of Laws program is accredited by the LPAB (Legal Practice Admission Board) of NSW.
The Macquarie Bachelor of Laws is accredited with professional bodies regulating the admission of law graduates to legal practice and provides appropriate qualification for admission to practice as a lawyer throughout Australia. In addition to completing a law program at an accredited institution, the profession requires all law graduates to complete a period of practical legal training including further study,continuing professional development units and supervised experience in a legal practice, before being admitted to practice as a barrister or solicitor.
To be qualified as an Australian Legal Practitioner in New South Wales, a solicitor or barrister also requires a Practising Certificate issued by the Councils of the Law Society of New South Wales or the New South Wales Bar Association respectively. |
