Bachelor of Psychological Science and Sociology

Discover how society can shape human behaviour with Adelaide University's 100% online Bachelor of Psychological Science and Sociology.

Gain a strong foundation in sociology, social policy, and psychology through interdisciplinary courses such as intercultural communication, Australian politics and citizenship, Aboriginal peoples and psychology, developmental and organisational psychology, gender and intimacy, and working with community.

Build your conflict resolution skills and explore case studies that reflect the realities of today's social and community sectors. Choose to specialise in ageing and disability or criminology and criminal justice, or choose to study both.

Graduate ready to work in roles that help individuals and communities lead happier, healthier and more independent lives.

This 100% online degree is the only one of its kind in Australia – combining two disciplinary approaches to understanding our lives as social beings.  

Delve into the connections between individual behaviours, societal frameworks, and public policies. Examine how these elements collectively influence the experiences and opportunities of individuals, families, communities, and organisations. Apply theoretical knowledge to analyse real-world scenarios and case studies. 

Graduate with the skills to work as a human services professional in government and community sectors. You’ll also be ready to make the most of the growing employment opportunities created by the NDIS. 

Recommended study pattern

Year 1

UO Critical Approaches to Online Learning (SOCI3014) or Program Elective

UO The Social World (SOCI1012)

UO Psychology Concepts (PSYC1017)

UO Intercultural Communication (COMM1006)

UO Counselling Concepts (SOCI1008)

UO Aboriginal Australians and Psychology (PSYC1021)

UO Politics and Citizenship in Australia (POLI1013)

UO Sociological Perspectives (SOCI1011)

Year 2

UO Working with Community (SOWK2010)

UO Australian Social Policy (POLI2014)

UO Developmental Psychology (PSYC2018)

UO Social Research Methods (SOCI2017)

Ageing and Disability - Major or Criminology - Major

Ageing and Disability - Major or Criminology - Major

Program Elective

Program Elective

Year 3

UO Health Psychology (PSYC3027)

UO Work and Organisational Psychology (PSYC3029)

UO Clinical and Abnormal Psychology (PSYC3028)

UO Sociology of Gender and Intimacy (SOCI3017)

Ageing and Disability - Major or Criminology - Major

Ageing and Disability - Major or Criminology - Major

Program Elective

Program Elective

Ageing and Disability Major:

UO Ageing and Disability Friendly Environments (SOCI2011)

UO (Dis)abling Societies: The Sociologies of Ageing and Disability (SOCI2013)

UO Disability and Ageing: Diversity and Discrimination (SOCI3016)

UO Case Management for Consumer Directed Care in Disability and Aged Care (SOCI3036)

Criminology Major:

UO Understanding Crime and Criminology (CRIM1007)

UO Aboriginal Australians, Policing and the Criminal Justice System (CRIM2006)

UO The Psychology of Crime and Violence (CRIM3005)

UO Human Rights, Crime & Social Justice (SOCI2018)

Note: Subjects must be from the same major throughout.

Award requirements

Students must complete 24 subjects including 4 discipline subjects and 5 electives.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $51,417

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Adelaide University is Australia’s new major university, delivering an accessible, contemporary and future-focused teaching and learning experience.

Adelaide University’s range of 100% online undergraduate and postgraduate programs is designed by experts and shaped by industry, with world-class research informing your learning. Experience flexible study, tailored student support when you need it, and on-demand learning resources. Join a vibrant community of online learners and launch your next move.

Learn more about Adelaide University

Explore Adelaide University courses

QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

8

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

10

Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) in a higher education award program.

Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher.

• Completion of an Adelaide University approved enabling, pathway or bridging program; OR
• A competitive result in the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT); OR
• Successful completion of an Adelaide University online literacy and numeracy test and have relevant work experience; OR
• Qualify for special entry.

English language entry requirements for International students only.

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

IELTS Overall 6.5

IELTS Reading 6

IELTS Listening 6

IELTS Speaking 6

IELTS Writing 6

N/A