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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.
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)
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
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
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:
1. Students are required to undertake Criminal History Checks through the Department of Human Services (DHS) and to have completed a one-day Safe Environments for Children and Young People course prior to undertaking this course. Some placements may also require students to hold a current driver's licence, National Police Check, Responding to Abuse and Neglect training, or recognised First Aid Certificate.
2. Students planning to apply for an Honours in Psychology year, either at UniSA or at another Australian university, must select and successfully complete the Specialist Psychology Course, BEHL 3005 Advanced Research Methods. Specialist Psychology Courses are offered subject to student demand and staff availability. See the program specific electives list for options.
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:
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.
Why Bachelor of Psychology (Counselling and Interpersonal Skills)
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.
Hear from UniSA staff and former Psychology students Dr Alex Agostini and Dr Stephanie Centofanti on where a degree in Psychology can take you.
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
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
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
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:
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.
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
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:
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
Mandy Allen
Bachelor of Psychology (Counselling and Interpersonal Skills)
Fees This is based on the total number of units for this program where one EFTSL is expressed as 36 units.
*UniSA accepts applications for programs commencing beyond the year advertised and tuition fees for these years will be higher. Please note that your tuition fees will be subject to an annual increase.
