Associate Degree Of Psychology

Our Associate Degree of Psychology accepts any health, community or social services Diploma from registered training organisations in Australia (or equivalent), as entry into second year.

Award granted

Associate Degree

Course code

CRS1401151

Delivery location

Frankston

International

Not available for International students

Length

Full Time, 1 year. Part Time, 2 years.

Start dates

26 February, 22 July

• Read more about this course

  Successful completion of our Bachelor in Psychology could lead to further study pathways:
  
  - Bachelor Degree of Psychology
  - Study towards Graduate Certificates or Diplomas
  - Eventual study towards masters or doctoral qualifications in psychology or cognate disciplines, such as Masters of Clinical Psychology, Qualifying Master in Social Work, PhD.

  
  Course structure

  To complete the Associate degree of Psychology students must have already completed a relevant diploma and then must complete the 8 subjects in psychology. A full time student will enrol in 4 subjects per semester and it will take one year to complete the Associate Degree.

  
  Indicative workload

  Weekly workload per semester for four subjects: 12 hours face-to-face plus 24 hours personal study time. Two days per week at our Frankston Campus and online classes.

• Learning outcomes

  A. Describe and discuss theories and research, in some of the core discipline areas of psychology: : individual differences; cognition, language and perception; lifespan developmental psychology; social psychology; culturally appropriate psychological assessment and measurement; introductory research methods and statistics
  B. Evaluate information to address problems in behavioural sciences and psychology
  C. Exercise skills in research, theoretical analysis and critical evaluation in Psychology
  D. Exhibit interpersonal and collaborative skills consistent with professional, ethical and culturally sensitive practice, when working with people from diverse backgrounds
  E. Apply knowledge and skills with responsibility and accountability for their own learning and practice, individually and in collaboration with others
  F. Interpret and clearly communicate Psychological ideas, problems and arguments using a range of media
  G. Recognise the importance of the relationship between knowledge of the scientific discipline of Psychology and the application of this knowledge in the practice of Psychology

• Subjects - Year two

  Introduction to Data AnalysisPSY002

  Semester one
  

  Introduction to data analysis introduces students to statistical concepts applied to experimental methods. Statistical methods can be applied to scientific disciplines such as psychology but are often used in other broad areas. The ability to understand, critique and communicate quantitative analyses are imperative to providing evidence-based findings and being able to determine the merit of data.
  In this subject students will be introduced to statistical concepts including descriptive statistics, probability and variables. Students will be required to understand and communicate and critique hypothesis testing using a range of statistical techniques.

  Assessment method:Short online submissions indicating students understand statistical methods, and an end of semester take-home exam.

  Thinking PsychologicallyPSY003

  Semester one
  

  Psychology as a broad discipline is constantly changing in line with new findings and a greater understanding of social, biological and personal traits and states. Understanding the evolving landscape of psychological research relies on an understanding and discussion of both the history of science, and the history and contemporary theories of psychology.
  This subject will introduce students to the scientific method in its broad context and in line with historical and contemporary psychological theory. At the completion of this unit students will be able to understand and question assumptions psychologists make and apply this critical lens to several modern psychological theories and techniques.

  Assessment method:Can include a combination of essays, literature reviews, oral presentations, poster presentations, executive summaries, and/or take-home exams.

  Lifespan DevelopmentPSY004

  Semester one
  

  Each individual is unique in their journey through life. Human development is shaped largely by the complexities and intricacies of heredity and environment factors interacting prior to conception and throughout the lifespan. This subject will explore biological, social, psychological and economic factors that shape an individual’s growth and well-being throughout the lifespan. Major theories of development will be critiqued and explanations used to describe lifespan development will be reviewed. The relationship between biological, psychological and environmental factors and mental health will be examined.

  Assessment method:Can include a combination of essays, literature reviews, oral presentations, poster presentations, executive summaries, and/or take-home exams.

  AOD IssuesHEBCHT104

  Semester one
  

  This subject is intended to provide students with knowledge of contemporary issues regarding drug use and treatment in Australia with a focus on the AOD sector. Students will become familiar with theories of addiction as well as theories of various treatment strategies.
  
  On successful completion of this subject, students will be able to:
  a. Discuss how values and attitudes influence both our own and our community’s responses to AOD issues.
  b. Discuss historical, social, cultural and political constructions of drug use and how this affects policy
  c. Discuss theories of drug use in Australia, its associated problems and the socio-economic impact for individuals, their families/carers, and the community
  d. Describe various psychoactive drugs and their effects on individual physiology and behaviour
  e. Compare and contrast a range of interventions for intoxication and withdrawal
  f. Discuss strategies for strengthening early intervention and prevention approaches to harmful AOD use from an individual and community perspective.

  Assessment method:Can include a combination of essays, literature reviews, oral presentations, poster presentations, executive summaries, and/or exams.

  Cognition Language and PerceptionPSY007

  Semester two
  

  Cognitive psychology focusses on the mental processes that allow us to perceive and interpret the world. Understanding the processes that give rise to perception, that allow us to recall memories and to produce speech are fundamental in our understanding of consciousness.
  In this subject students will look at the history of cognitive psychology, sensory perception, attention and memory. Students will apply a critical lens to concepts of psycholinguistics and reasoning while reflecting on their own cognitive processes.

  Assessment method:Can include a combination of essays, literature reviews, oral presentations, poster presentations, executive summaries, and/or take-home exams.

  Individual Differences in Capacity, Behaviour and PersonalityPSY008

  Semester two
  

  Lasting psychological characteristics that distinguish us from one another are components that make up individual differences. Intelligence, personality traits, values and capabilities make up individual differences. These individual differences shape our behaviour and our sense of self and others.
  In this subject students will be introduced t concepts of individual differences in memory, ability to multitask, intelligence and personality traits. At the conclusion of this units students will understand and be able to communicate individual differences and their interactions with behaviour.

  Assessment method:Can include a combination of essays, literature reviews, oral presentations, poster presentations, executive summaries, and/or take-home exams.

  Principals of Social PsychologyPSY006

  Semester two
  

  Social psychology focuses on the thoughts, feelings and behaviours of people. In particular social psychology looks at the dynamic interactions between people and how these can affect learning, behaviours and a concept of self. Social psychology uncovers the nature of individual cognitive in social situations.
  This subject will engage students with historical and contemporary concepts of social psychology including affect, concepts of self and influence. At the conclusion of the subject students will be able to critique and discuss social psychology concepts and research methods.

  Assessment method:Can include a combination of essays, literature reviews, oral presentations, poster presentations, executive summaries, and/or take-home exams.

  Exploring ResearchPSY005

  Semester two
  

  The subject will explore the fundamentals of research, both in terms of conducting it and understanding it.
  An overarching topic is covered each week of the semester. In a mixed-mode approach, each three-hour face-to-face session will incorporate elements of traditional lecture regularly interspersed with discussion, continuous opportunity to ask questions, and posed scenarios that require individual and small-group work to complete and present to the class for wider discussion.
  An assortment of research techniques will be canvassed, with an underlying philosophy that a good researcher is one able to determine and apply the most appropriate combination of techniques to the problem at hand rather than being limited to a small number of preferred methods.

  Assessment method:Can include a combination of essays, literature reviews, oral presentations, poster presentations, executive summaries, and/or take-home exams.

• Course and career pathways

  Nationally recognised training	Diploma Of Mental Health	Diploma Of Business	Diploma Of Counselling	Bachelor Of Psychology	Associate Degree Of Psychology
  Possible job outcome	community rehabilitation and support worker mental health support worker welfare support worker	project coordinator business development manager records manager	counsellor	psychiatric technician rehabilitation specialist social services specialist case manager	case manager psychiatric technician social services specialist career counsellor

• Advanced standing

  Your current skills, knowledge and experience can help you get a qualification.

  Find out about skills recognition and RPL for certificate to advanced diploma courses.

  Find out about advanced standing for graduate certificate, graduate diploma and bachelor degree courses.

• Admission requirements

  Please refer to the course entry requirements document (available above in the course description) for current requirements.

• Fees

  Indicative total course cost $14,840. Total course cost is indicative based upon the 2024 tuition fee. Any increase in fees for subsequent years is not included in this value. Indicative annual tuition fees of $14,840. Indicative fees are based upon a student enrolling in 100% full time study load and does not reflect if subjects are repeated or advanced standing is granted.

   

• Help with fees

  FEE-HELP

  At Chisholm, you can get a FEE-HELP loan to help you pay for all or part of the tuition fees for this degree course. Find out more about using FEE-HELP to study now and pay later.

This course is accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) and aligned to Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) Level 6.