Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) (Cognitive Neuroscience)
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2025
You're viewing degree information for International students
You're considered an International student if you are:
- NOT an Australian or New Zealand citizen
- NOT an Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Program Code
MHPU
Prerequisites
None
Assumed Knowledge
None
Fees
AUD$ 34,400 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025
Admissions
Student Profile
English Language Requirements
- IELTS total [6.0]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements
CRICOS Code
091255A
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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
NoneEnglish 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 testPlease 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)- IELTS total [6.0]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
Admission Requirements by Country
Canada High School (OSSD) 75 Eynesbury FSP 370 German Abitur 3 Kenya KCSE (average) B+ Malaysia STPM (best 3) 9 Malaysia UEC 26 Norway GPA 4 Pakistan HSSC 85 Sri Lanka A Levels (best 3) 9 Sweden GPA 15 UK Board GCE A Levels/HK Board 9 Vietnam 8.5 Australia 83 IB (best 6) 29 USA SAT (1600) 1270 India (best 4) State Board 80 India (best 4) Central Board 70 HKDSE 17 Nepal NEB 2.81 Bangladesh HSC 4
Degree overview
- Join Australia's Top 10 university for graduate skills in psychology1.
- UniSA’s psychology research is recognised globally as world-class2.
- 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 our Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Psychology Clinic and 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.
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)
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.
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.
International Merit Scholarship
Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.
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
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.
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?
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.
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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.
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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.
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
