Program summary
Program title: Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)
Award abbreviation: BSocSc(Psych)
QTAC code: 011261
OP/Rank for 2011 entry: OP-15 / Rank-69
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Recommended prior study: English
Fee type 2011: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288
USC program code: AR374
CRICOS code: 063008D. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
Highlights
- Combine studies in social science with professional training in psychology
- Elective courses allow you to link psychology studies with other disciplines
- Accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council
Combine psychology and social science to work in careers where an understanding of psychology and human behaviour is an advantage, or choose to complete further study to become a registered psychologist.
In this program you obtain a broad understanding of core topics in psychology. Courses introduce you to the professional practice of psychology, and include areas such as cognitive, social, perceptual, physiological, intercultural, Indigenous, and abnormal psychologies. Studies also cover human development, motivation and emotion, personality and assessment, and human associative learning. Electives enable you to link to other areas such as counselling, human services, health promotion, and sports psychology. A fourth year honours program is available (subject to GPA).
Career opportunities
Health and education services, community work, training and development, human resource management, exercise science, research.
Professional recognition
The Australian Psychology Accreditation Council has accredited the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) as a three-year undergraduate sequence in psychology. Following successful completion of an accredited honours year plus either further accredited postgraduate study or supervision following the guidelines of the Psychologists Registration Board in their state or territory, graduates may be eligible for registration as a psychologist in that state or territory.
Study Plan
This Study Plan is valid from Study Period 1, 2011.
For students who commenced study in this program prior to Study Period 1, 2011:
- Find the Student Handbook for the semester in which you commenced.
- Select the program in which you are enrolled.
- Either scroll down to the Program Structure, or select the Recommended Enrolment Pattern link.
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete 2 core courses, 16 required courses and 6 electives.
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the Global Opportunities (GO) Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
Program structure
Year 1
Core courses: (2)
Complete 2 core courses—ONE in your first semester and ONE in your second semester.
Select 2 core courses from:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COR109 | ||||
| COR110 | ||||
| COR111 |
Required courses: (2)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSY100 Introduction to Psychology A |
| 12 | Anti: SCS101 |
| PSY101 Introduction to Psychology B |
| 12 | Pre: The online course offering is not available to students enrolled in an accredited Psychology program or dual degree program due to external accreditation. |
Elective courses: (4)
Select 4 elective courses from any faculty (Science, Health and Education, Arts and Social Sciences or Business).
Year 2
Required courses: (6)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSY200 Research Methods in Psychology A |
| 12 | Pre: PSY100 and PSY101 |
| PSY201 Research Methods in Psychology B |
| 12 | Pre: PSY100 and PSY101 |
| PSY202 Physiological Psychology |
| 12 | Pre: PSY100 and PSY101 |
| PSY203 Introduction to Human Development |
| 12 | Pre: PSY100 and PSY101 |
| PSY204 Social Psychology |
| 12 | Pre: PSY100 and PSY101 |
| PSY205 Motivation and Emotion |
| 12 | Pre: PSY100 and PSY101 |
Elective courses: (2)
Select 2 elective courses from any faculty (Science, Health and Education, Arts and Social Sciences or Business).
Year 3
Required courses: (8)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSY300 Advanced Methods in Psychology |
| 12 | Pre: (PSY200 and PSY201) or PSY207 |
| PSY301 Cognitive and Perceptual Psychology |
| 12 | Pre: (PSY200 and PSY201) or PSY207 |
| PSY302 Intercultural and Indigenous Psychologies |
| 12 | Pre: (PSY200 and PSY201) or PSY207 |
| PSY303 Personality and Assessment |
| 12 | Pre: (PSY200 and PSY201) or PSY207 |
| PSY304 Human Associative Learning |
| 12 | Pre: (PSY200 and PSY201) or PSY207 or (PSY200 and SCI110 and enrolled in AE304 or SE303) |
| PSY305 Abnormal Psychology |
| 12 | Pre: (PSY200 and PSY201) or PSY207 |
| PSY306 Psychology of Health and Wellbeing |
| 12 | Pre: PSY207 or (PSY200 and PSY201) or (PSY200 and SCI110 and enrolled in Program AE304 or SE303) |
| PSY307 Adult Development and Ageing |
| 12 | Pre: (PSY200 and PSY201) or PSY207 |
TOTAL UNITS 288
The University attempts to ensure this information is accurate and up-to-date. However, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary program/course information at any time without notice.
Enquiries
How to apply
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Tel: +61 7 5430 1259
Program Leader
Professor Mary Katsikitis
Tel: +61 7 5456 5034
Email: mkatsiki@usc.edu.au