Bachelor of Social Science with a Major in Behavioural Studies

During this Course students will learn about:

• Fundamentals of Psychology How do our minds function? Learn about intelligence, emotions, personalities and other aspects of human behaviour from a psychological perspective.
• Core Human Characteristics Understand the essence of human strengths and virtues and unpack how these influence behavioural patterns.
• Develop Intervention Strategies Learn how social and positive psychology can be used to create meaningful interventions which could be applied in a range of professional settings such as support work.
• Sociological Foundations Develop a new way of seeing the world around you. Learn key sociological concepts which give insight into how social structures shape people in a contemporary world.

On successful completion of this Course students will be able to:

1. Systematically review and critically evaluate research from a variety of sources to inform their knowledge and conceptual understandings in the social sciences.
2. Formulate arguments that are fit for purpose and demonstrate an understanding of the relevant theories and evidence in their areas of disciplinary expertise.
3. Critically analyse information to generate creative solutions to solve complex problems in the social sciences.
4. Define and integrate theoretical principles and apply these in their disciplinary areas of expertise.
5. Apply knowledge and skills with responsibility and accountability for their own learning and practice, individually and in collaboration with others.
6. Interpret and communicate ideas, problems and arguments in modes suitable to a range of audiences using a range of media.
7. 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.

The Bachelor of Social Science with a major in Behavioural Studies will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of psychological theories to give you a deeper understanding of human behaviour.

Taught by experts with experience in therapy, counselling or psychology, you’ll develop a skillset which is highly valued in the field of counselling, social work, support work and more. Throughout the course, you’ll complete activities designed to prepare you for the workplace, such as creating behavioural interventions that are based on psychological frameworks. This will prepare you for a meaningful career in which your knowledge enhances people’s lives.

In addition, you’ll have the freedom to choose half of your degree by selecting electives based on your passions. Graduates who complete this course go on to work in many exciting fields, including research, behaviour support work, behaviour therapy, human resources, youth work, mental health support and more. Wherever this course takes you, your knowledge of human behaviour will open doors for you both personally and professionally.

Recommended study pattern

To be awarded the Bachelor of Social Science with a major in Behavioural Studies you must complete 24 units in total made up of:

• 4 Core Units
• 7 Behavioural Studies Major Units (one of these being a double unit)
• 12 Elective Units

Course Units

In this major, you must complete Learning and Communicating Online, Sociological Foundations and Introduction to Research Methods. You may then choose to complete Connecting with Culture: Indigenous Australian Experiences OR Australian Politics.

Learning and Communicating Online (COM10003)

Sociological Foundations (SOC10004)

Introduction to Research Methods (PSY10005)

Connecting with Culture: Indigenous Australian Experiences (INS10001)

Australian Politics (POL10001)

Behavioural Studies Major Units

Brain and Behaviour (PSY10007)

Introduction to Theories of Counselling (PSY20001)

Psychology of Infancy and Early Childhood (PSY20008)

Applied Social Psychology (PSY30014)

Deviance, Difference & Conformity (SOC20020)

Psychology of Well-being (Double unit) (PSY30011)

Fundamentals of Psychology (PSY10008)

Elective Units

Tailor your course to suit your strengths, interests and careers goals. Here’s what our Swinburne Online academic staff recommend for the Behavioural Studies major:

Fundamentals of Criminology (CRI10002)

Youth Justice and Crime (CRI30010)

Policing: Systems and Practice (CRI20001)

Introduction to Forensic Psychology (FOR10001)

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 total fee $52,197

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.

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15

Applicants are required to meet one of the following minimum entry requirements:

• A completed or partially completed tertiary qualification (e.g. relevant Certificate IVs, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree, incomplete or complete Bachelor’s degree); or
• 4+ years of relevant work experience; or
• Recent Year 12 Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or equivalent completion, with the required English study score.

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.

Credit for Prior Learning

If you have completed recent prior studies, you may be eligible to request course credit or subject exemptions to reduce the duration and cost of your program.

Credit for prior learning evaluates your priors studies related to your chosen subjects.

This is assessed on a case-by-case basis, where every applicant is assessed individually.