Study Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for International students.

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International students

Start date
February
July

Campus
Magill

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
MBAA

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Fees
2020: AUD$ 28,000 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL)
2021: AUD$ 29,400 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL)

Admissions
Student Profile

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
097506E

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 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, international students who speak English as a foreign language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at the University of South Australia. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

English language test

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

See equivalence table for other qualifications and English Language tests accepted by UniSA (PDF)

Admission Requirements by Country

Bangladesh HSC	3.5
Canada High School (OSSD)	60
Eynesbury FSP	310
German Abitur	3.3
India (best 4)	60
Kenya KCSE (average)	B
Malaysia STPM (best 3)	6
Malaysia UEC	32
Norway GPA	2.8
Pakistan HSSC	75
Sri Lanka A Levels (best 3)	6
Sweden GPA	12.5
UK Board GCE A Levels/HK Board	6
Vietnam	7
Australia	70
IB (best 6)	26
USA SAT (1600)	1050
HKDSE	15
Nepal NEB	2.41

View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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Degree overview

Enhance your employment prospects by studying a double major.
Benefit from a top ranked degree for overall graduate satisfaction and overall educational experience – UniSA is ranked No.1 in SA for graduate careers in Psychology¹.
Use this degree as a pathway to further study, including teaching.
Learn from world-class educators and researchers in Psychology, Cultural Studies and Linguistics, Sociology, Creative Arts and Writing, Language, Communication and Culture².
Gain international experience as part of the Hawke Ambassador Volunteer Experience Program.
Have the opportunity to study part of your degree overseas, as part of our international exchange study programs.

¹ComparED (QILT): Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017-19 – Overall Employment Indicator (Undergraduate). Public SA-founded universities only.
²2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Snapshot

This degree is flexible, broad and opens up a diverse range of career possibilities. The Psychology major will equip you with a broad knowledge of psychological science including psychology, mental health, social services and human resources.

What you'll learn

The Psychology major will equip you with a broad knowledge of psychological science including psychology, mental health, social services and human resources. You will develop skills in advanced writing, communication, research and problem solving.

Choose from a range of specialised courses including personality psychology, clinical and abnormal psychology and social and community psychology.

Develop a broad and coherent knowledge of psychological science as a basis for further learning and future careers.

Combine your study of Psychology with any other major within the Bachelor of Arts.

This degree allows you to select two majors ensuring you graduate with a broad knowledge of two areas of interest. You can choose a second major from the following:

* Please note that this major is only available to students whose second language is English.

In addition to your two majors, you will also be required to complete four courses from a selected list of minors (also from the above list), and two elective courses in an area of your interest.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Ideas, Innovation and Communication	COMM 1060	4.5	Note(s): 1
Psychology 1A	BEHL 1003	4.5
Major 2		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 1
Minor		4.5	Note(s): 2,4,5,8
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Introductory Research Methods	BEHL 2005	4.5
Psychology 1B	BEHL 1004	4.5
Major 2		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 1
Minor		4.5	Note(s): 2,4,5,8
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Cognitive Psychology	BEHL 3002	4.5
OR
Developmental Psychology	BEHL 3011	4.5
Major 2		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 1
Minor		4.5	Note(s): 2,4,5,8
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 3,7
OR
Professional Directions Program 1	COMM 2098	4.5	Note(s): 7
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)		4.5
Intercultural Communication	LANG 1054	4.5	Note(s): 1
Biological and Learning Psychology	BEHL 2012	4.5
OR
Social and Community Psychology	BEHL 2006	4.5
Major 2		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 1
Minor		4.5	Note(s): 2,4,5,8
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Personality Psychology	BEHL 3024	4.5
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 3,7
OR
Professional Directions Program 2	COMM 2099	4.5	Note(s): 7
Major 2		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 1
Major 2		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 1
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Clinical and Abnormal Psychology	BEHL 3004	4.5
Specialist Psychology Course - Select from the list below		4.5
Major 2		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 1
Major 2		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 1
Specialist Psychology Course Options (select 1)
Advanced Research Methods	BEHL 3005	4.5	Note(s): 6
Health Psychology	BEHL 3012	4.5	Note(s): 6
Psychophysiology of Sleep	BEHL 3029	4.5	Note(s): 6
Conservation Psychology	BEHL 3022	4.5	Note(s): 6
Psychological Assessment	BEHL 4003	4.5	Note(s): 6
Work and Organisational Psychology	BEHL 3008	4.5	Note(s): 6
Language, Context and Social Behaviour	BEHL 3023	4.5	Note(s): 6

Majors, Sub-majors & Minors

French Studies

Italian Studies

Japanese Studies

Psychology

Creative Writing and Literature

Applied Linguistics

Sociology

Performing Arts

Social Media

Screen Studies

History and Global Politics

English Language

Cultural Studies

Law, Policy and Politics
Rules & notes

Rules

1. Students are required to complete their second major from: Applied Linguistics, Cultural Studies, Creative Writing and Literature, History and Global Politics, English Language, Languages (French/Italian/Japanese), Performing Arts, Screen Studies, Social Media, Sociology or Law, Policy and Politics.

2. Enrolment in the English Language major is only available to students for whom English is their second, third or additional language. They are designed to strengthen students' bilingual or multilingual proficiencies for international career advancement.

3. Students intending to undertake a Master of Teaching (Secondary) should consult with their program director for a schedule of recommended courses.

Notes

1. This course is one of two core courses that provide a foundation for the program.

2. Students in the Bachelor of Arts undertake a second major from within the program, normally comprising 8 courses: two at Level 1 (Introductory), two at Level 2 (Intermediate) and four at Level 3 (Advanced).

3. All students complete two 4.5 unit Electives, unless directed to do English as an Additional Language as their elective courses. See undergraduate elective courses.

4. A minor consists of four courses (18 units), two of which are generally at Level 1 (Introductory) and two at Level 2 (Intermediate).

5. The Hawke Ambassador International Volunteer Experience course can be chosen in place of the minor sequence and is equivalent to 18 units. Students who choose this option will swap their first year (Level 1 Introductory) minor sequence to Elective 1 and Elective 2. Students can then choose to study the Hawke course in their second year (Level 2 Intermediate). Students will be required to complete the two available Level 2 Intermediate course options at second year in the opposite study period to undertaking the Hawke course.

6. Students must select one Specialist Psychology Course from the list as part of their Arts (Psychology) Major.

7. Students complete either Electives or Professionals Direction Program courses 1 and 2.

8. Students are advised to select their minor from within the majors offered by the MBAA Bachelor of Arts

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 and 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:

individual and group presentations
critical analysis
essays
reflective journals
research assignments
portfolios
case studies
online quizzes
reports
assignments

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. Australian and international students may have the option to do an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas. We have links with universities worldwide. 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.

Why Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)

Study a degree that equips you with a broad understanding of psychology and its applications, including research methods, personality psychology, and clinical and abnormal psychology. This is a top ranked degree for overall graduate satisfaction and overall educational experience – in fact we’re number one in South Australia for Humanities, Culture, and Social Sciences.*

This degree increases your employment prospects by enabling you to gain expertise in two different areas of interest.

There is also an opportunity to study a portion of your degree overseas, as part of the University’s Hawke Ambassador Volunteer Experience Program. As part of this program you will volunteer with an international non-government organisation (NGO), usually in an overseas destination.

*2017 Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT)

Career outcomes

Your career

The nature of this degree means the employment prospects are broad and diverse. Professional careers include:

case manager
market researcher
human resources
policy advisor
researcher

This major can be used as a pathway into further studies in social work. Students wishing to be eligible to undertake further studies in Psychology (such as Honours Psychology or Master of Psychology (Clinical)) should consider the Bachelor of Psychological Science or Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) and related programs.

With additional qualifications you may choose to work in teaching, academia or policy research and development.

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:

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

SAIBT Diploma of Arts

Credit transfer

You could be eligible for credit for previous studies you have undertaken. Find out online.

Go to credit assessor

Life in Adelaide

Current international students talk about living in Adelaide and studying at UniSA.

Hear from our students

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

Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship

Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.

Learn more

International Merit Scholarship

Recipients can get a 25% reduction on tuition fees for their first year of study for selected degrees.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

As a student at the University of South Australia 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, laboratories, and areas 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 have access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, 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 has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, a perfect 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

International Student Services will make your life at university easier. We want you to be successful, and if you need help we will be there to assist. Support services include:

careers advice
help with student visas and health cover
personal counselling
academic counselling
fees and finance help
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
services offered through our student association, USASA
accommodation services

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers. You can work with them face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies. They also offer help with the English language. When you become a UniSA student you can contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and any other questions you might have.

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 campus

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

Your study spaces

As an arts student, you will have access to:

on-campus Multimedia Languages Lab, where you can connect in real-time with native speakers from around the world
The Hartley Playhouse Theatre – a 200-seat auditorium ideal for live performances
on-campus TV Studio featuring one of the largest green screens in SA and home to national television shows aired on Channel 44
a broadcast-standard digital radio studio which produces UniCast, a 24 hour online radio station

Your program director

I am a senior lecturer in Applied Linguistics, program director of the Bachelor of Arts, and member of the Research Centre for Languages and Cultures (RCLC).

My background is in philosophy and linguistics. My interests include how language matters as a form of expertise in professions and organisations, particularly in health settings. I’m involved in projects in psychiatry, mental health and aged care that aim to improve how language is used and understood at important times in people's lives.

Dr Jonathan Crichton

Program Director

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Dr Jonathan Crichton

Program Director

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Ask UniSA

How to apply?

There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.

Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
Is there a closing date for applications?

There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.