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Bachelor of Psychology (Cognitive Neuroscience)

Degree Level Undergraduate

Years

International students

Start date
February
July

Campus
Magill

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
MBPU

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Fees
AUD$ 34,400 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025

English Language Requirements

IELTS total [6.0]
IELTS reading [6.0]
IELTS writing [6.0]

Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
079096A

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 Certificate IV 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

Prerequisites

None

Assumed Knowledge

None

English language entry requirements

In addition to meeting academic entry requirements, international students who speak English as a second or additional language must also meet the University's English language entry requirements. The minimum language requirements for this program are:

English language test

IELTS total [6.0]
IELTS reading [6.0]
IELTS writing [6.0]

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements: English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)

Admission Requirements by Country

German Abitur	3.5
Kenya KCSE (average)	B+
Malaysia STPM (best 3)	6
Malaysia UEC	30
Norway GPA	3
Pakistan HSSC	85
Sri Lanka A Levels (best 3)	7
Sweden GPA	13
UK Board GCE A Levels/HK Board	7
Vietnam	7.5
Australia	72
IB (best 6)	26
USA SAT (1600)	1110
India (best 4) State Board	75
India (best 4) Central Board	65
HKDSE	15
Nepal NEB	2.61
Bangladesh HSC	4
Canada High School (OSSD)	65
Eynesbury FSP	330

View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

Aim

The Bachelor of Psychology (Cognitive Neuroscience) program will provide an integrated knowledge of the biological basis of behaviour with psychology. The three year Bachelor of Psychology (Cognitive Neuroscience) program qualifies individuals who apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge, and a depth of specialised practical and research skills in cognitive neuroscience (the basic biology of behaviour) and psychology in the context of the biomedical industry or psychological practice. The program also provides students with a potential pathway to further study in psychology or cognitive neuroscience.

Content & Structure

Graduates of the Bachelor of Psychology (Cognitive Neuroscience) degree will have coherent knowledge in psychology, cognitive neuroscience and behavioural as well as neuroscientific research methodologies, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more specialisations as a basis for independent lifelong learning in professional psychology practice. Advanced and innovative topics include conservation psychology, cognitive neuroscience, occupational health, discursive and conversational analysis, psychology and Aboriginal Australians and qualitative, community-based and participatory research methods.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Psychology (Cognitive Neuroscience) degree will have cognitive skills to critically review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge. Graduates will also develop cognitive & technical skills (including practical workplace experience, laboratory work and interpersonal skills training) to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas; cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving real world and scientific problems with intellectual independence; and communication skills to present a clear, coherent & independent exposition of psychological and counselling knowledge and ideas.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Psychology (Cognitive Neuroscience) degree will demonstrate the application of psychological and counselling knowledge and skills with initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional psychology and counselling practice and/or scholarship. They will be able to adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts in areas such as professional psychology, counselling, mental health, research and project work, social services and human resources; with responsibility and accountability for their own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters.

This program comprises 108 units including: 54 units of psychology courses (comprising 45 units of core psychology plus two 4.5 specialist psychology electives), 31.5 units of core cognitive neuroscience courses, 13.5 units of anatomy/physiology courses, a 4.5 unit Aboriginal content course, and a 4.5 unit professional development course.

From 4 August 2025, the University of South Australia will no longer be accepting applications for new students. Study at Adelaide University.

What courses you'll study

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Psychology 1A	BEHL 1003	4.5
Human Anatomy 100	HLTH 1020	4.5
Biology A	BIOL 1007	4.5
Personal and Professional Development	BEHL 1033	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Psychology 1B	BEHL 1004	4.5
Introductory Research Methods	BEHL 2005	4.5
Foundations in Cognitive Neuroscience	BEHL 1024	4.5
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Psychology	BEHL 1032	4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Developmental Psychology	BEHL 3011	4.5
Cognitive Psychology	BEHL 3002	4.5
Human Anatomy 200	HLTH 2022	4.5
Cognitive Neuroscience	BEHL 3021	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Data Science for Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology	BEHL 2023	4.5
Biological and Learning Psychology	BEHL 2012	4.5
Social and Community Psychology	BEHL 2006	4.5
States of Awareness	BEHL 2015	4.5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Specialist Psychology Course		4.5	Note(s): 1
The Neuroscience of Language	BEHL 3030	4.5
Advanced Research Methods	BEHL 3005	4.5
Personality Psychology	BEHL 3024	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Clinical and Abnormal Psychology	BEHL 3004	4.5
Exploring the History and Foundations of Psychology	BEHL 3037	4.5
Neuroscience Across the Lifespan	BEHL 3025	4.5
Psychology Research Experience	BEHL 3028	4.5	Note(s): 2

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
SPECIALIST PSYCHOLOGY COURSES
Health Psychology	BEHL 3012	4.5
Work and Organisational Psychology	BEHL 3008	4.5
Health, Exercise and Sport Psychology	HLTH 3014	4.5
Language, Context and Social Behaviour	BEHL 3023	4.5
Conservation Psychology	BEHL 3022	4.5
Psychophysiology of Sleep	BEHL 3029	4.5

Rules & notes

Notes

1. Students planning to apply for an Honours in Psychology year, either at UniSA or at another Australian university, must successfully complete the Specialist Psychology Course, BEHL 3005 Advanced Research Methods. Specialist Psychology Courses listed above are offered subject to student demand and staff availability. See Electives list for options.

2. Students may be required to undertake Criminal History Checks through the Department of Human Services (DHS), complete a one-day Safe Environments for Children and Young People course, a National Police Check and Responding to Abuse and Neglect training, or hold a recognised First Aid Certificate.