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$ 32,400 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2024

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
081882A

Degree overview

  • Ranked South Australia’s No. 1 university for psychology research1.
  • Join Australia's Top 10 university for graduate skills in psychology2.
  • Graduate with the only undergraduate university degree in South Australia specialising in counselling and interpersonal skills.
  • Get hands-on experience and build pivotal networks with a third-year industry placement - UniSA is the only University in South Australia to offer work placement opportunities as part of all 3-year undergraduate Psychology degrees.
  • Gain a well-respected qualification that is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.
  • Discover how you can undertake further study towards becoming a registered psychologist or research psychologist.

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. 

Snapshot

Snapshot

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.

What you'll need

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).

What you'll learn

What you Learn

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:

  • Advanced Research Methods
  • Psychophysiology of Sleep
  • Health Psychology
  • Conservation Psychology
  • Language, Context and Social Behaviour
  • Work and Organisational Psychology.

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Psychology 1A BEHL 1003 4.5
Counselling Foundations BEHL 1022 4.5
Personal and Professional Development BEHL 1033 4.5
Students must choose one of the two course options below
Communication Skills in Social Work and Human Services WELF 1019 4.5
OR
Effective Communication PERF 1001 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Psychology 1B BEHL 1004 4.5
Introductory Research Methods BEHL 2005 4.5
Aboriginal Australians and Psychology BEHL 1032 4.5
Group Work BEHL 2009 4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Developmental Psychology BEHL 3011 4.5
Cognitive Psychology BEHL 3002 4.5
Counselling Skills BEHL 2013 4.5
Psychology Applications BEHL 2024 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Biological and Learning Psychology BEHL 2012 4.5
Social and Community Psychology BEHL 2006 4.5
Counselling Interventions BEHL 3018 4.5
Career Development BEHL 2021 4.5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Personality Psychology BEHL 3024 4.5
Psychology Placement BEHL 3027 9 Note(s): 1
Specialist Psychology Course 4.5 Note(s): 2
Second Semester (Sudy Period 4, 5 or 6)
Clinical and Abnormal Psychology BEHL 3004 4.5
Specialist Psychology Course 4.5 Note(s): 2
Specialist Psychology Course 4.5 Note(s): 2
Working with Community WELF 2010 4.5

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

Assessment

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

  • case studies
  • research reports
  • projects
  • presentations
  • essays
  • quizzes
  • article evaluations
  • journals
  • 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.

Global opportunities

Why Bachelor of Psychology (Counselling and Interpersonal Skills)

Why this Degree

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).

Real-world connections

As part of your studies you will complete an industry placement in your final year. This practical component is a major focus of your studies and provides valuable hands-on experience and the opportunity for you to build important industry connections.

We also host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

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.

UniSA Video

Career outcomes

Your career

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:

  • Student support worker: provide support to students with a range of personal issues affecting their studies.
  • Community development officer: work with cities, neighbourhoods or other municipalities to ensure the growth, health and vitality of a region.
  • Drug and alcohol case worker: provide counselling support to individuals and families affected by drugs and alcohol.
  • Disability support officer: provide support for people in the community with intellectual, physical, social and emotional disabilities.
  • Counsellor (with further study): work with individuals in a confidential setting helping them to overcome problems.
  • Youth worker: work with young people providing support and encouragement.

To become a registered psychologist or research psychologist, you will need to complete further study. Find out more.

Professional accreditation and recognition

This program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.

Industry facts

column-chart-growth

Employment for social and welfare professionals in Australia is projected to increase by 39,300 (24.3 per cent) by May 2024.

Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2019

line-graph-growth

By 2024, employment for counsellors in Australia is projected to increase by 24.8 per cent.

Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2019

job-listings

Healthcare and social assistance has been the primary provider of new jobs in the Australian labour market since the 1990s.

Australian Government Department of Employment 2019

How to apply

How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.

Alternative Pathways

Australian

There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including: 

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.

More scholarships

Your study experience and support

As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.

Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. 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 lots 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

Student services

Our international 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:

  • career advice and mentoring
  • help with student visas and health cover
  • personal counselling
  • academic counselling
  • fees and finance help
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • accommodation services 
  • as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. 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.

Student services

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Location This degree is delivered at the following campus.

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 study spaces

Your program director

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.

Dr Alex Agostini

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for Dr Alex Agostini
Portrait image for Dr Alex Agostini

Dr Alex Agostini

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

anchor-arrow
More FAQs

What others are saying

This course provides me with the knowledge and skills to both understand psychology but also specialise in counselling, as they go hand-in-hand for the role of a counsellor. Undertaking a university degree will open up more opportunities for me to develop my career in the psychology and counselling fields.

Mandy Allen

Bachelor of Psychology (Counselling and Interpersonal Skills)

Business_Shoot_Magill-67 cropped.jpg

Mandy Allen

Bachelor of Psychology (Counselling and Interpersonal Skills)