Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) (Cognitive Neuroscience)
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2025
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Year 12 (ATAR-based): 83.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): NA
TAFE/RTO: AdvDIP
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Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 83.00
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Entry requirements
Admission criteria
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- Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
- Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
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- Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
- Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Diploma or above
OR
Work and life experience- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Special Requirements: For entry to the fourth-year Honours stream, students must achieve a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 5.5 for all the professionally accredited Level 2 and Level 3 psychology courses plus BEHL 2005 Introductory Research Methods as well as an overall program GPA of 5.0. Students who do not meet this requirement, on satisfactory completion of the third year, will exit the program early with the award of the degree of Bachelor of Psychology (Cognitive Neuroscience).Prerequisites
NoneAssumed Knowledge
None
Degree overview
- Study South Australia’s only undergraduate degree specialising in cognitive neuroscience.
- Join Australia's Top 10 university for graduate skills in psychology1.
- Ranked South Australia’s No. 1 university for psychology research2 .
- Gain advanced research skills, and have the opportunity to have your manuscripts published in scientific journals.
- Benefit from our state-of-the-art campus facilities, including a cognitive neuroscience laboratory, Psychology Clinic and a live-in sleep and chronobiology laboratory.
- Gain a well-respected qualification that is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.
- Have the opportunity to complete work placement in your third year.
- Discover how you can undertake further study towards becoming a registered psychologist or research psychologist.
1Ranked #7, ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Skills Development Indicator (Undergraduate). Public universities.2The 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).
Snapshot
South Australia’s only cognitive neuroscience honours degree integrates biology and psychology, offering a unique opportunity for you to explore the neural underpinnings of human cognition and behaviour.
State-of-the-art learning facilities, including a cognitive neuroscience laboratory, Psychology Clinic and sleep and chronobiology laboratory, offer the opportunity for you to learn in a real-world environment. This practical learning environment will see you graduate with hands-on, practical skills and knowledge.
With further study you could also become a registered psychologist or research psychologist. To follow this career path, you must complete additional postgraduate studies in psychology. Find out more
What you'll learn
Explore brain function and how it is impacted by social and developmental factors with this unique degree that combines biology and psychology. Core psychology courses, along with courses in cognitive neuroscience, anatomy and physiology, will make up the content during your first three years of study.
Many of these courses include a practical component. Research studies are also a key focus. During your third year you will also select from a number of psychology-specific professional development courses, which will complement the degree’s core content. These courses include:
- Health Psychology
- Work and Organisational Psychology
- Language, Context and Social Behaviour
- Conservation Psychology
- Psychophysiology of Sleep
- Psychological Assessment
During your final year you will undertake advanced coursework and a supervised research project.
You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- research reports
- essays and assignments
- presentations and skills demonstrations
- examinations
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Honours
This is a four-year, professional degree with honours. The honours component includes a minimum of one year of advanced studies in research and professional practice. You will receive First Class, Second Class or Third Class Honours, depending on your performance.
During the honours preparation, you will undertake courses in research methods and ethics. Within the honours thesis course, you will undertake a research project under the supervision of an experienced researcher and report on this project through a thesis and oral presentation. You will graduate with industry experience and connections, and a higher-level qualification than a bachelor degree. Your honours year will prepare you for future leadership roles and postgraduate study.
Why Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) (Cognitive Neuroscience)
This is the only cognitive neuroscience honours degree offered in South Australia – it is taught by world-class researchers at a university ranked number one in South Australia for research in Psychology1.
Studying this degree will see you graduate industry-ready; you will explore the impact that social and developmental factors have on cognition in our state-of-the-art laboratories, as well as explore the brain-based mechanisms behind these processes.
You will also benefit from our award-winning research, and as part of your studies complete in-depth research and project work that will equip you with specialised skills needed for a career in this area.
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).
This could be you
Hear from UniSA staff and former Psychology students Dr Alex Agostini and Dr Stephanie Centofanti on where a degree in Psychology can take you.
Your career
The ability to listen and analyse, plus the possession of critical thinking skills and an interest in human behaviour and biology, are key attributes of students considering a career in psychology and cognitive neuroscience. Careers to consider:
- cognitive neuroscientist: research the relationship between the brain and mind to understand how thoughts, memories, languages and actions are processed
- behavioural scientist: develop and test behavioural interactions and cognitive processes
- clinical neurophysiological technician: record electrical activity of the brain and nervous system; daily tasks may involve reviewing patient history, gathering data and preparing patients for testing
- laboratory technician (clinical or research): collect samples, perform tests and record results
- research assistant: assist with academic research; research assistants are often employed by universities or research institutes
- laboratory manager (clinical or research): coordinate and organise ongoing activity in a laboratory environment related to the field of psychology and/or neuroscience
- clinical neuropsychologist (with further study): use scientific study of human behaviour and how it relates to brain function to assess patients and offer treatment; neuropsychologists often work as researchers or teachers, or are employed by hospitals or healthcare facilities
- researcher in psychology or neuroscience (with further study): collect and analyse data, conduct tests and experiments, and observe behaviour relating to a specific area of research
- registered psychologist or research psychologist (with further study*): work with patients to identify and diagnose emotional, mental and behavioural issues
*To follow this career path at UniSA, you will need to complete further study. Find out more.
Professional accreditation and recognition
This program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council. On completion of the program, graduates will have met the academic requirements for associate membership of the Australian Psychological Society and the prerequisites to apply for postgraduate study in Psychology.
Applying to study with us:
- go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
- you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application
Alternative Pathways
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
- UniSA College Diploma in Social Sciences (Psychology)
Deferment
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.
Scholarships
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.
UniSA Excellence Scholarships
$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.
UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship
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.
Your study experience and support
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.
Student services
Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:
- academic counselling
- personal counselling
- social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
- common rooms
- prayer rooms
- security officers
- career services and mentoring
- Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
- as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.
When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your study spaces
As a psychology student, you will have access to:
- Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory
- Sleep and Chronobiology Laboratory
- Psychology Clinic
- Dedicated teaching and learning spaces
Your program director
My research focuses on the development of a model of language that respects basic design principles of the human brain. I am also interested in the neurobiology of reading, language and ageing, and the notion of "complexity" in cognitive science especially in language theory.
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
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. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
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.
Postgraduate
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.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
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.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
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.
What others are saying
As part of this degree I had the opportunity to visit neuroscience labs and gain first-hand experience with brain imaging techniques such as EEG (Electroencephalography). This provided me with a closer view of the theory explored in class.
Purva Gadhia
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) (Cognitive Neuroscience)
Psychotherapist | SA Health Internship
