Bachelor of Psychological Science and Sociology

The Bachelor of Psychological Science and Sociology will give you a solid foundation in the underlying principles and concepts of sociology, social policy and psychology. Through this degree, you will:

1. develop specialised knowledge in either ageing and disability and/or criminal justice
2. explore topics such as sociological theory, counselling, social policy analysis and community-based and participatory research methods
3. solve real-world case studies relevant to the industry

You can tailor your degree to your interests and broaden your career prospects with the choice of electives. You can select four electives from any of the UniSA Online degrees.

Study Psychological Science and Sociology On Demand with UniSA Online and take full control over your study. Access support seven days a week, plan your study to fit around your life, view learning resources 24/7, and log into the interactive online environment anywhere, any time and on any device.

This is the only degree of its kind in Australia, formally bringing together two powerful disciplinary perspectives on how we live as social beings.

This 100% online degree embeds the skills needed by government and not-for-profit organisations in human services, psychology, social work, health care, and social assistance. The curriculum is relevant, up-to-date and informed by the latest developments in industry.

With a choice of specialisations in ageing and disability and/or criminology, this is a versatile qualification that equips you with the skills to make a real impact on people and the community.

In this degree you’ll develop a strong understanding of psychology, counselling, behavioural research methodologies, sociology and social policy. You'll also be challenged to think deeply about the world we live in as you explore the way individuals, groups and communities behave, think, react and interact.

Recommended study pattern

The program structure is subject to change at any time. (Information correct as at March 2023)

Year 1

• Elective 1
• The Social World (SOCU 1008)
• Psychology Concepts (BEHL 1027)
• Intercultural Communication (LANG 1064)
• Politics and Citizenship in Australia (POLI 1019)
• Sociological Perspectives (SOCU 1007)
• Counselling Concepts (BEHL 1026)
• Aboriginal Australians and Psychology (BEHL 1034)

Year 2

• Working with Community (WELF 2023)
• Australian Social Policy (POLI 2029)
• Minor 1
• Elective 2
• Developmental Psychology (BEHL 2016)
• Social Research Methods (HUMS 2043)
• Minor 2
• Elective 3

Year 3

• Clinical and Abnormal Psychology (BEHL 3032)
• Health Psychology (BEHL 3031)
• Minor 3
• Elective 4
• Work and Organisational Psychology (BEHL 3033)
• Sociology of Gender and Intimacy (HUMS 3053)
• Minor 4
• Elective 5

Rules

1. Students must complete four consecutive courses from one of the two Minors of Ageing and Disability or Criminology. Speak to the Student Advisor regarding the sequencing of courses within your chosen minor.
2. Students may take four courses from the remaining Minor in sequence, OR may choose four courses from the UniSA Online electives list subject to pre-requisite requirements and availability. Speak to the Student Advisor regarding the sequencing of courses within your chosen minor
3. Assessment requirements for this degree include at least one online exam. The online exam software has system compatibility requirements, specifically that tablets, hybrid devices and mobile devices are not supported. Please refer to the online exam requirements prior to conducting your exam to ensure your computer and software is compatible to undertake the exam.

Note:

1. Recognition for prior learning (RPL) may be granted for this course to students who have completed relevant work experience as per the UniSA Online RPL framework. Further credit will be assessed in line with the UniSA RPL policy.

Award requirements

Completion of 24 units including 5 electives.

Choose your subjects

Electives

Ageing and Disability Minor

• Ageing and Disability Friendly Environments (WELF 2021)
• Disability and Ageing: Diversity and Discrimination (WELF 3025)
• (Dis)abling Societies: The Sociologies of Ageing and Disability (SOCU 2018)
• Case Management for Consumer Directed Care in Disability and Aged Care (WELF 3024)

Criminology Minor - refer Rules 2 & 3

• Psychology of Crime and Violence (JUST 3007)
• Human Rights, Crime and Social Justice (LAWS 2043)
• Aboriginal Australians: Policing & Criminal Justice system (SOCU 2019)
• Understanding Crime and Criminology (BEHL 1035)

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

Indicative total fee $45,282

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.

The University of South Australia (UniSA) is ranked as one of the best young universities in the world, and is the number one university in Australia for graduate employability. UniSA offers over 200 world-class degrees that are informed by industry and delivered with a highly practical approach to teaching and learning, and is a valuable partner with Open Universities Australia.

Learn more about UniSA.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

22

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

22

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result:

• Successfully completed equivalent to a minimum of half a year of full-time study of a higher education program at a recognised higher education provider
• Completed an award from a recognised training organisation at Certificate IV or above
• Passed a UniSA Online literacy and numeracy test and have relevant work experience, or
• Completed a UniSA Foundations Studies program or equivalent, or
• Qualified for Special Entry
• Completed a secondary education qualification equivalent to SACE, such as an interstate year 12 or international qualification

Students who do not meet these criteria can start studying now by enrolling in the subjects below. Students will be eligible to apply upon successful completion of four subjects and all subjects will be credited towards the degree.

• HUMS1059 Contemporary Aboriginal Issues
• BEHL1026 Counselling Concepts
• LAWS2036 Criminology and Public Policy
• LANG1064 Intercultural Communication
• POLI1019 Politics and Citizenship in Australia
• BEHL1027 Psychology Concepts
• SOCU1007 Sociological Perspectives
• SOCU1008 The Social World

UniSA Online offers four start dates throughout the year so you can apply as soon as you’re ready. As part of your application, UniSA Online will share information about the next available study period for this program.

If you have previous work experience, or have studied before, you could fast-track your studies by reducing the time it takes to complete your degree.