Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Honours)

Transcription

1 UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA Faculty of Health Centre for Applied Psychology Handbook for Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Honours) (Course 769AA) 2016 Psychology administrative officer Phone: (02) Course convenor: Dr James Neill Phone: (02) Version of Handbook: 10 September

2 Table of Contents 1 Welcome Centre for Applied Psychology Course Overview What career opportunities are available? What delivery modes are available? Cost Scholarships Entrance Requirements Eligibility Ranking Number of places Work experience Deferring What if I don t get in what other options are there? How to Apply When are applications due? Course Components When are classes scheduled? Part- and full-time course structure Resources Technical resources Data analysis resources Test library Finances Research space Past fourth year theses Reference resources Course website Unit Descriptions Honours Thesis in Psychology Research Methods and Professional Ethics PG (Part A) (Semester 1) Research Methods and Professional Ethics PG (Part B) (Winter term) Psychological Measurement PG Counselling Psychology PG (Counselling Psychology) Staff Research Areas How do I find a supervisor? Honours Classifications More Information

3 1 Welcome Thank you for your interest in the Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Honours) program at the University of Canberra (UC). An Honours degree builds on the knowledge and skills acquired during your undergraduate study and helps to prepare you for a professional career in psychology. Honours is a dedicated fourth year of tertiary study during which you are given considerable autonomy and independence in developing your learning, research, and organisational skills whilst working under the supervision of experienced academic staff. Half of the Honours course is coursework focused on applied topics and skills and the other half consists of an independent research thesis. Studying Honours provides a vital capstone to your undergraduate psychology degree. A successful Honours degree will provide you with an opportunity to continue in the psychology profession by qualifying to undertake an internship or to enter a Masters or PhD program. Honours is a period of intense social, professional and intellectual development during which students become better acquainted with features of academic life such as seminars, workshops, peer review, research design and communication of scientific findings. Honours in Psychology can be an incredibly rewarding experience, especially as you will undertake your own original research project on a topic you choose to study. In this way you can study a topic of particular interest and contribute new information and knowledge in your chosen field, as well as experiencing the benefits of working in a close, collegial way with an academic expert. Students commonly report that their Honours study was the most challenging, but also the most rewarding, of their university career. 3

4 2 Centre for Applied Psychology The Centre for Applied Psychology ( is located within the Faculty of Health at the UC. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and approved by the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA). Staff who work within the centre are engaged in a range of applied research and teaching in fields such as clinical psychology, health psychology, stress and health, social and cross-cultural psychology, cognitive psychology, sport psychology, forensic psychology, and environmental psychology. 3 Course Overview The Centre for Applied Psychology offers the Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Honours) ( which is accredited by the APAC and the PBA. On completion of this course, graduates may apply for Associate Membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS; and provisional registration as a psychologist with the PBA. After the completion of two years of approved supervised practice or postgraduate studies, the provisional registration may be changed to full registration. Information about any updates to these requirements is available on the PBA website. The APAC Rules for Accreditation and Accreditation Standards for Psychology Courses (2010) state that: The main objectives of the fourth year psychology course are to provide for the completion of an integrated and comprehensive education in the discipline of psychology, to permit advanced level study in a range of areas, and to develop competence in conducting research. Fourth year topics must include education in the theoretical and empirical bases underpinning the construction, implementation, and interpretation of some of the more widely used cognitive and personality assessments, and evidence-based approaches to psychological intervention. Students in the Honours in Psychology program at UC complete 24 credit points, made up of: 1. Honours Thesis in Psychology (12 credit points) 2. Research Methods and Professional Ethics (6 credit points) 3. Psychological Measurement (3 credit points) 4. Counselling Psychology (3 credit points) 4

5 3.1 What career opportunities are available? Graduates may either seek employment or apply to enrol in a Master or Doctoral level program. Employment opportunities exist in many human services organisations. Graduates most commonly find jobs in areas such as youth work, drug and alcohol treatment, advertising and marketing, policy and research, consumer research, industrial relations, human resources, program co-ordination, justice and policing, child protection, and social welfare. Provisional psychologists work in a variety of settings including educational, human services, community, health, and corporate organisations under the supervision of an experienced registered psychologist. To become eligible to apply for full registration as a psychologist, students need to either complete a supervised internship or complete a coursework Masters degree in psychology (two years full-time or four years part-time) or a clinical PhD (four and half years full-time). 3.2 What delivery modes are available? This is an on-campus course. All coursework is delivered face-to-face. The course is not available via external or online study, although some components may involve external and/or online work. 3.3 Cost The Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Honours) currently provides Commonwealth Supported (HECS based) places. For more information, see UC Fees and Contributions ( 3.4 Scholarships Applicants with high academic standing (well above a GPA of 6) are strongly encouraged to apply for $6000 UC scholarships (see the UC Scholarships Office webpage: There are 10 Honours scholarships across the university. Applications are due by the last Friday in November in the year before you commence. In order to apply, you will need to prepare an Honours proposal and have two referee reports (one referee should be from a nominated supervisor). Other scholarship opportunities may be advertised via the Honours Moodle site which is accessible once you are enrolled. 5

6 4 Entrance Requirements 4.1 Eligibility The minimum entry requirement is completion of a three year sequence in psychology (or a course deemed equivalent), which is accredited by APAC and approved by the PBA, within the last 10 years; and a Credit average (GPA of 5) or higher in the required, core second and third year psychology units (i.e., not 1 st year, not nonpsychology, and not elective psychology units). 4.2 Ranking Demand exceeds the number of places, thus eligible applicants are ranked by GPA for the required second and third year psychology (or equivalent) psychology units (GPA policy P = 4, CR = 5, DI = 6, HD = 7). Where applicants are equally ranked, particular attention is paid to marks and performance in undergraduate psychology research methods units. Preference may be given to students who completed their undergraduate psychology degree at UC. GPA cut-offs vary from year to year. Since 2014, offers have been made to applicants with a GPA greater than or equal to Number of places There are approximately 25 new places each year (with approximately 20 starting in Semester 1 and approximately 5 starting in Semester 2). The number of new places will depend on the availability of academic staff and supervisors in any given year. There are approximately 100 eligible applicants per year. 4.4 Work experience Ranking of applications is entirely based on academic results. Work experience is not necessary. You can include additional documentation in your application if wish, but there is no guarantee that this will be examined or considered. 4.5 Deferring Offers for Honours courses cannot be deferred. If you receive an offer, but wish to start in a later teaching period, you will need to reapply. 4.6 What if I don t get in what other options are there? 1. Improve your GPA. This can be done by enrolling as a non-award student on an upfront fee-paying basis to do one or more graduate-level versions of the undergraduate psychology units. In calculating your GPA for entry to Honours in Psychology at UC, we will use your best grade achieved for each of the APAC-required second and third year psychology units. 2. Apply for entry to other fourth year APAC-accredited courses see 3. Consider post-graduate training in related allied health fields such as counselling, youth work, social work, education, or human resources. 4. Consult with the UC Careers Service: 6

7 5 How to Apply There are two ways for domestic students to apply for the Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Honours): 1. Online via UC Applicant Portal: 2. Hardcopy, using the form downloadable from: Note: You do not need to complete an Honours Supplement in addition to this form, even if this is requested during the application process. For Psychology Honours we organise research topics and supervision after you have been accepted. International applicants should: 1. Enquire about the administrative aspects of admissions with UC s International Office ( 2. Note that they will need to get their overseas qualifications assessed by the PBA for equivalency to an APAC undergraduate psychology course before applying. General information about courses and studying at UC is available from Specific questions about the administrative aspects of applications should be directed to the UC Student Centre ( phone or [email protected]). 5.1 When are applications due? For first round offers: Semester applications are due by 30 October, 2015 first-round offers made mid-to-late December. Semester applications are due by 30 June, first-round offers will be made mid-to-late July Applications made after the due dates may still be processed subject to the availability of places. Further offers may be made if sufficient first-round offers are declined. 7

8 6 Course Components The following components comprise the Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Honours) course: Honours Thesis in Psychology (12 credit points): An empirical thesis, worth 50% of the overall final grade. For the thesis, you are expected to design a research project, collect empirical data and report it in a thesis with a length of between 10,000 and 12,000 words Research Methods and Professional Ethics A PG (Semester 1, 3 credit points) and 7410 Research Methods and Professional Ethics B PG (Winter Term, 3 credit points): A year long unit covering research methods, ethical issues, and professional practice Psychological Measurement PG (Semester 1, 3 credit points): A unit covering issues in psychological measurement and its application to psychological testing Counselling Psychology PG (Semester 2, 3 credit points): An advanced psychological topics coursework unit. 6.1 When are classes scheduled? Classes are offered during the day. There are no evening classes. Classes usually take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, with some Friday workshops. Students are advised to check more exact times through the timetable system: Meetings with a research supervisor are arranged separately. Coursework units are delivered during Semester 1, Winter Term, and Semester 2. Semester dates are available from the principal dates web page: Part- and full-time course structure The course involves the equivalent of one year of full-time study. For domestic students, the course can be studied over one year (two semesters, starting S1), one and a half years (three semesters, starting S2) or over two or three years (starting S1 or S2). International students must enrol as full-time students and can only commence at the beginning of the first semester. One to two year course structures follow. 8

9 Full-time (2-semester) Structure, starting Semester 1: Year 1 Semester 1 Year 1 Winter Term Year 1 Semester Honours Thesis in Psychology 7375 Research Methods and Professional Ethics A PG 6489 Psychological Measurement PG 7410 Research Methods and Professional Ethics B PG 7366 Honours Thesis in Psychology cont d 9815 Counselling Psychology PG Part-time (3-semester) Course Structure, starting Semester 2: Year 1 Semester Counselling Psychology PG Year 2 Semester 1 Year 2 Winter Term Year 2 Semester Honours Thesis in Psychology 7375 Research Methods and Professional Ethics A PG 6489 Psychological Measurement PG 7410 Research Methods and Professional Ethics B PG 7366 Honours Thesis in Psychology cont d Part-time (4-semester) Course Structure, starting Semester 1: Year 1 Semester 1 Year 1 Winter Term Year 1 Semester Psychological Measurement PG Counselling Psychology PG Year 2 Semester 1 Year 2 Winter Term Year 2 Semester Honours Thesis in Psychology 7375 Research Methods and Professional Ethics A PG 7410 Research Methods and Professional Ethics B PG 7366 Honours Thesis in Psychology cont d Part-time (4-semester) Course Structure, starting Semester 2: Year 1 Semester Counselling Psychology PG Year 2 Semester 1 Year 2 Winter Term Year 2 Semester Honours Thesis in Psychology 7375 Research Methods and Professional Ethics A PG 7410 Research Methods and Professional Ethics B PG 7366 Honours Thesis in Psychology cont d Year 3 Semester 1 Year 3 Winter Term Year 3 Semester Psychological Measurement PG 7 9

10 8 Resources 8.1 Technical resources The psychology staff will advise you on the technical aspects of your research, such as use of software for research, audio-visual resources, and other aspects of computer use. Through your supervisor, you can access the services of the University s Information and Technology Management service. 8.2 Data analysis resources Psychology students have access to a dedicated PC computer lab, with 24/7 access. These and other computer laboratories are equipped with computers running a variety of software programs, including SPSS. You may use computer laboratories at times when they are not used for teaching to undertake word processing, data analysis, and for access to the Internet. The Research Methods and Professional Ethics unit will introduce you to what is available. 8.3 Test library The Centre for Applied Psychology has a reasonably extensive collection of professional psychological tests. The majority of the tests have special user requirements (e.g., they may not be used by non-psychologists, or they may not be copied). To access the test library you must be accompanied by your supervisor, who will go through a catalogue of the tests held in the test library with you if required. For most research purposes, it is generally more suitable to use freely available research measures which tend to be much shorter and have no specified requirements for user qualifications. Authors of these measures are more likely to allow copying for research use where permission is sought. 8.4 Finances The Centre for Applied Psychology does what it can financially to support research, and sometimes this help can extend to support for fourth year research projects. Examples are photocopying for questionnaires, and special tests and equipment that need to be bought. From year to year no guarantees can be made as to the availability of funds. Discuss with your supervisor if you think you have a need for financial assistance. 8.5 Research space Space is made available each year for research activity - ask your supervisor what is currently available. Research space includes rooms in Building Past fourth year theses Theses from past Honours and Postgraduate Diploma students are available for perusal by arrangement with the Psychology Administrative Officer (12D20). They cannot be borrowed or removed. Supervisors may have copies which you can borrow. 8.7 Reference resources Students will be required to read extensively for their coursework and research project. In addition to the UC library, students may also use other academic libraries 10

11 in the ACT and the National Library. Honours students of UC are eligible for ACTUAL borrowing ( which includes the ANU, ACU, ADFA, CIT libraries on presentation of a current UC Student ID card and a letter verifying the student's Honours status from the course convenor. Please ask the Psychology Administrative Assistant to organise a letter of verification. 8.8 Course website A dedicated Moodle website is available for students enrolled in the course. This website allows for online sharing of information and discussion amongst students and with academic staff. 11

12 9 Unit Descriptions Honours Thesis in Psychology Unit convener: Dr James Neill 12 credit points (This is a year long unit; enrol in this unit in both Semester 1 and 2) Prerequisites: Course entry requirements Co-requisite: Research Methods and Professional Ethics A/B PG Class contact: By arrangement with supervisor (up to one hour per week) Syllabus: The syllabus is based on the requirements of the Australian Psychological Accreditation Council. Students will undertake an individual supervised research project in psychology, comprising topic definition, literature review, design, data collection and analyses, and write up a thesis of between 10,000 and 12,000 words. The project will be conducted within appropriate ethical guidelines. The topic will reflect the mutual interests of supervisor and student. Learning outcomes: On successful completion of the unit, students will be able to: 1. Design and execute a research project relating to a psychological issue to a standard acceptable to the profession; 2. Independently undertake an analysis of data derived from survey or experimental designs in psychology; and 3. Communicate the results of an independent research project in a form acceptable to the profession. 12

13 Research Methods and Professional Ethics PG (Part A) (Semester 1) Unit convener: Dr. Tricia Brown Research Methods and Professional Ethics PG (Part B) (Winter term) Unit convener: Prof. Doug Boer 3 credit points each Prerequisites: Course entry requirements Class contact: Up to 6 hours per week Syllabus: Research Methods and Professional Ethics PG is a year long unit offered in two parts (A & B). Students must complete both parts to be assigned a result for the unit and have the credit points count towards course completion. Part A must be completed in Semester 1 and Part B in the Winter Term. Students will study design, methodological and data analysis methods and issues relevant to applied psychological research. The professional ethical guidelines and issues of psychological research and practice will also be covered. Learning outcomes: Students who successfully complete the unit will be able to: 1. critically evaluate research designs in psychology 2. develop and carry out psychological research designs 3. analyse research data using SPSS 4. be aware of how the professional code of ethics applies in psychological practice and research 5. have an understanding of some of the issues involved in professional practice in psychology. 13

14 Psychological Measurement PG Unit convener: Prof. Anita Mak 3 credit points Prerequisites: Course entry requirements Class contact: Up to four hours per week Syllabus: In this unit, students study the principles, practice, and issues in psychological measurement and its application to psychological testing and assessment in professional settings, including conceptual underpinnings and psychometric aspects of test construction and evaluation, including reliability, validity, and standardisation. Students gain practical experience in the administration, scoring and interpretation of selected measures and learn to appreciate the potential utility and shortcomings of psychological measurement in general, and in relation to specific professional psychological tests. Learning outcomes: 1. delineate the assumptions, functions, and desirable properties of psychological measures. 2. locate information on published tests. 3. identify the psychometric, ethical, and sociocultural issues in the construction, validation, and application of psychological measures. 4. critically evaluate the reliability, validity, and standardisation procedures of selected psychological tests. 5. interpret the meaning of test scores. 6. write a report on the findings from selected tests. 14

15 Counselling Psychology PG (Counselling Psychology) Unit convener: Ms Lisa Oxman 3 credit points Prerequisites: Course entry requirements Class contact: 5 hour workshop per week Syllabus: This unit explores theory, knowledge and methodology in the professional practice of psychology and prepares students for entry to professional psychology programs. The unit focuses on advanced theoretical and empirical knowledge in the history and philosophy of psychological interventions (including psychoanalytic, behavioural, phenomenological, and cognitive-behavioural models) and develops practical interviewing and counselling skills. The unit examines evidence-based approaches to psychological intervention and counselling models and critiques the philosophical, theoretical, and empirical bases of evidence-based approaches to psychological intervention. Learning outcomes: On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to demonstrate: 1. Knowledge of theoretical and empirical bases underpinning evidence-based approaches to psychological intervention; 2. Knowledge of interviewing and counselling skills; and 3. Reflective practice through reviewing their own practice of interviewing and counselling. 15

16 10 Staff Research Areas Listed below are academic staff who are likely to be available for research supervision and their research interest areas. More information about staff and their expertise is at Staff member Prof Helen Berry Prof Douglas Boer Dr Tricia Brown Dr Janie Busby Grant Dr Stuart Cathcart Dr Peter Chamberlain Dr Dimity Crisp Dr Amanda George Prof Peter Hassmén Dr Vivienne Lewis Dr Sally Kelty Prof Anita Mak Dr Kristen Murray Research interests Climate change, urban design, social connectedness and mental health; Marginalisation; Large survey and quantitative methods (note students may access a number of large survey datasets). Assessment and treatment of offending, intellectual disability, sex and violent offenders; Family violence Road safety behaviours; Mental illness stigma; Environmental attitudes; Social psychology Cognitive psychology; Environmental psychology Pain; Behavioural neuroscience; Sport and exercise psychology; Clinical psychology Adult survivors of childhood trauma; Suicidality; Domestic violence; Treatment of sex offenders; Theory of self psychology; Constructs of self, and how this influences the trajectory of personality development Ageing and transitions in later life; Stress, coping and subjective well-being; Help-seeking and mental health literacy Social anxiety, personality and alcohol use; Alcohol and other drug use; Personality psychology Health, exercise, and sport psychology (e.g., sedentary behaviour/physical inactivity, physical activity for mental wellbeing, exercise dependency, overtraining syndrome & burnout in elite athletes and coaches, motivation & motivational climate in sport, & ratings of perceived exertion) Body image of men and women; Eating disorders; Wellbeing and mental health Forensic psychology; Management psychology; Rehabilitation program development, research and evaluation, and research within the criminal justice, health and disability sectors Internationalisation, acculturation, work stress, mental health of students and migrants, intercultural social skills & training Body image; Obesity; Eating disorders; Psychological stress; Interdisciplinary and interprofessional practice; 16

17 Staff member Research interests Clinical and health psychology Dr James Neill Ms Lisa Oxman Prof Debra Rickwood Prof Dominic Upton Dr Clare Watsford Positive psychology, motivation, and emotion; Outdoor education and adventure therapy; Educational psychology; Environmental psychology Dialectical behaviour therapy; Attachment; Mindfulness; Acceptance and commitment therapy Youth and adolescent mental health and wellbeing; Help-seeking; Service use and engagement; Program evaluation; Promotion, prevention, early intervention and recovery in mental health Health psychology (promoting physical and mental health, long-term health conditions, stress and pain management) Adolescent mental health 17

18 10.1 How do I find a supervisor? Before starting the Honours program, it is a good idea to think about a range of topics you would like to study in your research project. Once you receive an Honours offer, you are welcome to approach academic staff to discuss possible research projects. When meeting with potential supervisors, you might like to discuss: The supervisor s research interests and research plans for the coming year Your own interests and ideas Your working style and supervisor s supervisory style The first workshop for the Honours Thesis takes place on Thursday during Orientation Week of Semester 1. Final allocations of supervisors to students will not be made until confirmed by the thesis convenor after this workshop. Please note that first preferences cannot be guaranteed (e.g., because of workload allocations some supervisors may be oversubscribed). 11 Honours Classifications Honours Classifications are based on a final mark which is calculated as the weighted mean of unit marks rounded up to a whole number. UC grade/mark cut-offs are then applied (i.e., Ist class Honours = HD (85), IIa = DI (75), IIb = CR (65), III - P (50)). 12 More Information If you have further questions or queries about the application process, please contact the Student Centre ( or [email protected]). For coursespecific questions, [email protected], phone (02) , or contact the course convenor [email protected]. For information about specific units, please contact the appropriate unit convenor. 18