Bachelor of Social Science with a Major in Behavioural Studies
Undergraduate
SWI-SSB-DEG 2025Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
Build amazing people skills to understand those around you
Investigate issues in contemporary Australian society, zooming in on the behaviour and social interaction of individuals and groups. By understanding personality and predicting behaviour, you’ll be prepped for careers in support services and more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 36 months
- Total subjects
- 24
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Bachelor of Social Science with a Major in Behavioural Studies
About this degree
Personality
Learn about the major approaches psychologists use to understand personality.
Social Psychology
Explain and predict people’s behaviour in social situations.
Development
Understand the processes involved in psychological growth and how people change with age.
Psychological Disorders
Explore different psychological abnormalities and disorders.
Cognition
Examine cognitive processes, including perception, attention, memory and learning.
On successful completion of this Course students will be able to:
- Systematically review and critically evaluate research from a variety of sources to inform their knowledge and conceptual understandings in the social sciences.
- Formulate arguments that are fit for purpose and demonstrate an understanding of the relevant theories and evidence in their areas of disciplinary expertise.
- Critically analyse information to generate creative solutions to solve complex problems in the social sciences.
- Define and integrate theoretical principles and apply these in their disciplinary areas of expertise.
- Apply knowledge and skills with responsibility and accountability for their own learning and practice, individually and in collaboration with others.
- Interpret and communicate ideas, problems and arguments in modes suitable to a range of audiences using a range of media.
- Coherently articulate a line of reasoning demonstrating cultural sensitivity and apply a framework to analyse and offer solutions to ethical dilemmas in local and international contexts.
If you consider yourself a ‘people person’ and human behaviour interests you, consider the Bachelor of Social Studies majoring in Behavioural Studies.
This degree with give you the skills to analyse the behaviour, relationships and motivations of people around you. These skills will open up a wide choice of prospective industries and work environments, such as family counselling, social work or human resources.
If you have a specific interest in becoming a psychologist, you should consider our APAC-accredited Bachelor of Psychological Sciences.
Recommended study pattern
Course Units
- Learning and Communicating Online (COM10003)
- Australian Politics (POL10001)
- Brain and Behaviour (PSY10007)
- Fundamentals of Psychology (PSY10008)
- Introduction to Research Methods (PSY10005)
- Introduction to Theories of Counselling (PSY20001)
- Psychology of Infancy and Early Childhood (PSY20008)
- Psychology of Wellbeing (Double unit) (PSY30011)
- Applied Social Psychology (PSY30014)
- Sociological Foundations (SOC10004)
- Deviance, Difference & Conformity (SOC20020)
- Connecting with Culture: Indigenous Australian Experiences (INS10001).
Award requirements
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Social Science, students must complete 300 credit points comprising of:
- Two (2) Core units of study and two (2) Core units of study based on selected major discipline area (50cps).
- Eight (8) units of study from a Social Science discipline major in one of the following areas: Behavioural Studies, Criminology, Security and International Relations, or Security and Counter Terrorism (100 credit points).
- Twelve (12) units of study (150 credit points) comprising a co-major, advanced minor, minor and/or electives.
Students may not complete more than 150 credit points (normally 12 units) at Introductory Level. A unit of study can only be counted once, where units are shared between majors and/or minors, students must choose an approved alternate.
Students studying Security and International Relations Major cannot also study Security and Counter Terrorism Major due to the similarity of units.
Students also have an opportunity to undertake a WIL Professional Placement.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative first year fee
$15,142
Indicative total fee $45,426
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.
Swinburne University of Technology leads the way with innovative and new ways of teaching, learning and thinking. It offers a wide range of study options, from pre-apprenticeships, undergraduate, postgraduate and PhDs, including online degrees with Open Universities Australia. Swinburne is known for career-oriented education and encouraging lifelong learning.
Learn more about Swinburne.
Explore Swinburne courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 19
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 14
How to apply
Swinburne University of Technology manages enquiries and applications for this degree.
Complete your details and we'll make sure your enquiry is sent to Swinburne University of Technology who will contact you to discuss this degree.
Don't worry, we're still here to help you - you'll receive a personalised follow-up from an Open Universities Australia student advisor to make sure you have found the right degree for you.
Entry requirements
Completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees and degrees). Additional performance criteria and prerequisite requirements may also apply.
Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit of up to 16 units.
Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification.
VCE Pre-requisites
- Applicants must meet the associated minimum ATAR score.
- Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL.
Applicants without a formal qualification but with significant and relevant work experience and appropriate English language skills, or a suitable Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) result, will be considered if they can demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success.
International students are required to demonstrate their English proficiency before enrolling into a Swinburne Online degree by undertaking one of the following English language tests; The International English Language Test Score (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score.
Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit of up to 16 units.
Credit transfer
Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Speak to a Course Consultant about applying for credit.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Speak to a Course Consultant about applying for RPL.
Career opportunities
Counselling Supporter
Provide guidance and support on personal or psychological problems.
Child Protection Officer
Create a protective, safe and supportive environment for children.
Community Worker
Support members of the community who need assistance to manage the challenges of everyday life.
Human Resources Officer
Provide administration services for the recruitment and employment of staff.
Career outlook
- Health and Welfare Services Managers:
- Over $120K
- Human Resource Professionals:
- $75K to $93K
- Social Workers:
- $75K to $93K