| AQF Level |
Level 8 Bachelor Honours Degree |
| CRICOS Code |
021498F |
| Overview and Aims of the Program |
The Honours degree of Bachelor of Psychology is our principal degree intended for high-achieving students aiming for a professional career in Psychology. It is a four-year accredited degree in Psychology that requires a high ATAR. However, students can also transfer to this degree from other degrees, such as the Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, if GPA requirements in first and second year Psychology are met. Psychology is a discipline involving both scientific research and applied professional practice. The first three years of this degree are concerned with equipping students with a scientific understanding of 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. Admission to the honours (fourth) year of this program will be determined entirely by academic merit. 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:
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). |
| Learning and Teaching Methods |
Psychology is a broad discipline, and the range of units offered in this program reflects that breadth. Over the four 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 our 3rd-year 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. |
| 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 four 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
• conducting individual and group-based research projects
• planning, executing and writing a research thesis under staff supervision. |
| 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 |
This degree prepares students for employment in professional areas such as health and social welfare, social policy, market research, and various functions associated with human resources and services. It is also the basis for further studies where you are able to gain specialised vocational training in the professional practice of psychology such as clinical, organisational or forensic psychology, counselling, clinical neuropsychology, health and community psychology and research. |
| 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.
The Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) is the accrediting authority. A submission was made early in 2013 with the 3 day site visit in September 2013. All four year psychology sequences received the grade of ACCREDITATION WITHOUT CONDITIONS. |
