Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)

Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)
Award abbreviation: BSocSc(Psych)
QTAC code: 011261
OP/Rank for 2012 entry: OP-15 / Rank-69
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Study mode: on campus
Recommended prior study: English
Fee type 2012: Commonwealth supported places, fee paying 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.

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.

Accreditation

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.

Enquiries

• Contact Student Administration for application and admission information
• Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business for program advice

Program Leader
Professor Mary Katsikitis
Tel: +61 7 5456 5034
Email: mkatsiki@usc.edu.au

Program structure

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.
• When enrolling, refer to the Study Plan.

Core courses

Select 2 core courses from:
COR109 Communication and Thought
COR110 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
COR111 Environment, Technology and Sustainability

Introductory courses

2 required courses:
PSY100 Introduction to Psychology A
PSY101 Introduction to Psychology B

Advanced courses

14 required courses:
PSY200 Research Methods in Psychology A
PSY201 Research Methods in Psychology B
PSY202 Physiological Psychology
PSY203 Introduction to Human Development
PSY204 Social Psychology
PSY205 Motivation and Emotion
PSY300 Advanced Methods in Psychology
PSY301 Cognitive and Perceptual Psychology
PSY302 Intercultural and Indigenous Psychologies
PSY303 Personality and Assessment
PSY304 Human Associative Learning
PSY305 Abnormal Psychology
PSY306 Psychology of Health and Wellbeing
PSY307 Adult Development and Ageing

Elective courses

Select 6 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

TOTAL UNITS 288

Study Plan

The Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) Study Plan is for students commencing in the current semester.

Year 1

• Two (2) core courses:
  One core course should be studied in your first semester and one in your second semester
• Two (2) required introductory level courses
• Four (4) elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Core courses (2)

Select 2 core courses from:

Required courses (2)

Elective courses (4)

Select 4 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Year 2

• Six (6) required advanced level courses
• Two (2) elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Required courses (6)

Elective courses (2)

Select 2 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Year 3

• Eight (8) required advanced level courses

Required courses (8)

TOTAL UNITS 288

Why choose USC? 

It’s the best of both worlds. Students choose USC for its industry focused degrees, experienced academics, student support, overseas study opportunities and relaxed campus atmosphere.

Am I eligible for university study?

Find out what qualifications you need to apply for entry into your proposed study program. If you don’t have the required qualifications, there may be alternative pathways you can take to gain entry to USC.

If you have previously undertaken university or TAFE studies, you may be eligible for credit transfer. 

If English is not your first language, you need to meet the minimum English language requirements for your chosen program. This requirement applies to all students intending to study at the University.

How do I submit an application?

• Current Year 12 students—regardless of whether you are OP-eligible or not—apply for university using the Twelve to Tertiary (TTT) application service on the QTAC website
• Non-school leavers use the Apply by Web (ABW) online application service on the QTAC website
• Postgraduate applicants apply directly to USC
• International students apply directly to USC International
• All other applicants

When should I apply?

Check if the program is offered in Semester 1 and / or Semester 2, then follow the deadlines on the application calendar. The academic calendar provides all the key dates you need to know as a student at USC.

What happens next?

Accept your offer with QTAC (if applicable) and USC, enrol in your classes and attend Orientation.

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to apply:

• Online: find answers to commonly asked questions in the Student FAQs
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business

As a USC student, you will need to refer to your study plan to enrol in the appropriate courses each semester or session.

Find out more about how to enrol or follow these steps:

1. Check the open enrolment dates and the academic calendar for key dates
2. Refer to your Study Plan to plan your courses for the study period
3. Find your courses and decide on your classes in the class timetable
4. Log on to USC Central and enrol in courses and classes
5. Register your major or minor with your faculty (if applicable)
6. Apply for credit transfer or cross-institutional study (if applicable)
7. Pay required study fees by the fee due date

Useful links

• Getting Started Guide
• USC Central Guide
• Common enrolment problems
• Class timetables
• Academic Calendar
• Faculty major and minor offerings
• Student-related policies, plans and procedures
• Contact Student Administration

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to enrol:

• Online: Refer to the USC Central Guide
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business