Bachelor of Psychology (Counselling and Interpersonal Skills)
Undergraduate
2025
You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
Undergraduate
2025
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 67.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,B
TAFE/RTO: DIP
View Guaranteed Entry Info
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 67.00
TAFE/RTO: Cert IV
View full entry requirements
The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.
Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:
Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.
OR
Higher education study
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
OR
Work and life experience
1The only university in SA to have all its assessed Psychology and Cognitive Sciences research rated well-above world standard. 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 2ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2020-21, Skills Development Indicator (Undergraduate). Public universities.
This degree provides a balance of courses in psychology theory and counselling – for graduates this means you will enter the workforce with a strong understanding of psychology, as well as the analytical, communication and interpersonal skills needed to work with individuals, groups and communities.
You will study a range of topics, including counselling and interpersonal skills; psychological theory; and specialist psychology courses. You will also be encouraged to engage in research projects and participate in community service activities, and through industry placements in your third year of study you will gain valuable practical experience. Practical learning is a key focus of this degree, it enhances your work-readiness. The value of this study component has been recognised nationally in the form of an award from the Australian Federal Government Office of Teaching and Learning.
Improve your employability by undertaking a double degree which combines your Bachelor of Psychology (Counselling and Interpersonal Skills) with another degree. With just one year of extra study you can graduate with a double degree in human resource management, or exercise and sport science.
You could also become a registered psychologist or research psychologist with further study. To follow this career path at UniSA, you must complete the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) degree. Students can apply to transfer into the full four-year Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) degree if they have achieved a minimum GPA of 6 and have completed between 4 courses and 2.5 years of a UniSA bachelor degree. Find out more.
Students choosing to study the optional work placement course within the degree are required to undertake Criminal History Checks through the Department of Human Services (DHS); obtain a National Police Record Check; and complete the Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect – Education and Care (RRHAN-EC) (Fundamentals) course. Some placements may also require students to hold a current driver’s licence, and/or additional requirements as requested by a specific placement provider (likely to only apply in health settings etc).
This is a specialised degree that will provide you with a solid understanding of the theory associated with psychology and counselling, as well as critical and analytical thinking skills, data management skills and research skills. You will study a range of courses that cover behavioural research methodologies, cognitive and technical skills and counselling practice.
You will apply your knowledge in a real-world environment when you complete an industry placement during your final year of study.
You will also have the opportunity to further explore specific areas of interest with a series of specialist psychology courses (these courses are subject to student demand and staff availability). The courses include:
You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.
This is the only undergraduate university degree in South Australia specialising in counselling and interpersonal skills.
Graduates will exit their degree with a strong understanding of psychological issues, as well as the analytical, communication and interpersonal skills needed to work with individuals, groups and communities. In addition, you will learn from industry experts and award-winning researchers at a university ranked number one in the state for research in psychology1.
Practical experience is also a key focus of this hands-on degree, and during your third year of study you will embark on real-world industry placements. International study opportunities are also available through our student exchange program.
1The only university in SA to have all its assessed Psychology and Cognitive Sciences research rated well-above world standard. 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
Hear from UniSA staff and former Psychology students Dr Alex Agostini and Dr Stephanie Centofanti on where a degree in Psychology can take you.
A career in psychology and counselling requires a strong interest in human behaviour; you also need to be able to think clearly and logically, communicate effectively and be compassionate, understanding and patient.
Careers to consider include:
To become a registered psychologist or research psychologist, you will need to complete further study. Find out more.
This program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.
Applying to study with us:
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.
Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.
Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
As a psychology student, you will have access to:
You will graduate from your Psychology program with a knowledge of theories and concepts, along with critical and analytical research skills through a mix of practical and theoretical learning opportunities. I look forward to working with you to understand how the skills and knowledge you will develop can be applied to your chosen career pathway – either as a psychologist or in a broad range of other career opportunities.
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying.
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.