Study Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services), Bachelor of Psychology at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 67.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,B
TAFE/RTO: DIP
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2024 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 67.00
TAFE/RTO: Cert IV
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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.

Recent secondary education ATAR profile

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
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Degree overview

Study with the No.1 University in SA for graduate careers in Social Sciences¹.
Join the No.1 University in SA for student satisfaction in Social Sciences².
Gain hands-on experience and build industry networks with 560 hours of supervised local and rural work placements.
Graduate with two qualifications, with just one extra year of study.
Study a double degree that provides a balance of courses in psychology and human services.
Join SA’s No. 1 university for psychology research³.
Ranked in the Top 10 in Australia for graduate skills in psychology⁴.
Build your practical skills in our innovative on-campus Social Work and Human Services Studio.
Get practical experience and build pivotal networks with supervised local and rural work placements.
Work alongside practitioners and highly skilled academic staff in simulated real-world scenarios.
Build your practical skills in our innovative on-campus Social Work and Human Services Studio.
Study a curriculum informed by world-class research in Psychology, Social Work and Sociology⁵.
Gain a well-respected qualification that is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.
This degree is also nationally recognised by the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA).

¹ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23, Humanities, Culture and Social Sciences – Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Postgraduate). SA public universities.²ComparED (QILT) Course Experience Questionnaire 2021-22, Humanities, Culture and Social Sciences – Overall Satisfaction Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA Public universities.³The 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). ⁴Ranked #7, ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Skills Development Indicator (Undergraduate). Public universities. ⁵2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Snapshot

This double degree provides a balance of courses in psychology and human services, enabling graduates to enter the workforce with a strong understanding of psychology as it relates to the human services sector.

You will study a range of topics, including:

behavioural and social sciences
human behaviour
critical and analytical skills
research and data analysis
project management
social policy

Through a range of theoretical and practice-based learning opportunities you will gain a sound understanding of the political, behavioural and social sciences, and will be equipped with the skills needed to work in a diverse range of fields. You will also gain practical experience during your field education placement. This is a valuable learning opportunity where you will build industry networks and further enhance practical skills.

What you'll need

Students studying this degree will be required to undertake Criminal History Checks through the Department of Human Services (DHS), a National Police Record Check, and complete a one-day Safe Environments for Children and Young People course prior to being accepted for work placements. Some placements may also require students to hold a current driver's licence and or additional requirements as requested by a specific placement provider.

What you'll learn

Graduates of this double degree will be well equipped to deal with the contemporary issues facing human service professionals. You will study a balance of courses in psychology and human services. The following areas of study are a key focus:

behavioural and social sciences
human behaviour
critical and analytical skills
research and data analysis
project management
social policy

You may also be given the opportunity to choose from a range of specialist psychology courses, including Advanced Research Methods, Conservation Psychology, and Work and Organisational Psychology.

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Human Service Provision	WELF 1014	4.5
Child Development	WELF 1020	4.5
Psychology 1A	BEHL 1003	4.5
Communication Skills in Social Work and Human Services	WELF 1019	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Group Work	BEHL 2009	4.5
Governance and Citizenship in Australia	POLI 1008	4.5
Psychology 1B	BEHL 1004	4.5
Introductory Research Methods	BEHL 2005	4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Australian Social Policy	POLI 1012	4.5
The Social World	SOCU 1003	4.5
Developmental Psychology	BEHL 3011	4.5
Cognitive Psychology	BEHL 3002	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Working with Community	WELF 2010	4.5
Biological and Learning Psychology	BEHL 2012	4.5
Social and Community Psychology	BEHL 2006	4.5
Human Service Workers and the Law	JUST 2005	4.5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Case Management	WELF 3015	4.5
Human Service Intervention	WELF 2012	4.5
Interviewing Skills in Social Work and Human Services	WELF 2020	4.5
Personality Psychology	BEHL 3024	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Human Service Project Management	WELF 2014	4.5
Aboriginal Australians and the Human Services	WELF 2015	4.5
Policy Practice	POLI 2027	4.5
Clinical and Abnormal Psychology	BEHL 3004	4.5
FOURTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Human Service Field Placement A	WELF 3022	9		Rule(s): 1,2
Specialist Psychology Course 1		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 3
Specialist Psychology Course 2		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 3
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Human Service Field Placement B	WELF 3014	9		Rule(s): 1,2
Elective		4.5
Specialist Psychology Course 3		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 3

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
SPECIALIST PSYCHOLOGY COURSES
Health Psychology	BEHL 3012	4.5
Advanced Research Methods	BEHL 3005	4.5
Work and Organisational Psychology	BEHL 3008	4.5
Health, Exercise and Sport Psychology	HLTH 3014	4.5
Cognitive Neuroscience	BEHL 3021	4.5
Language, Context and Social Behaviour	BEHL 3023	4.5
Conservation Psychology	BEHL 3022	4.5
Psychology Research Experience	BEHL 3028	4.5
Psychophysiology of Sleep	BEHL 3029	4.5
Exploring the History and Foundations of Psychology	BEHL 3037	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. Field Education consists of 560 hours of supervised placement to be undertaken in two blocks of 280 hours during the fourth year and after completion of all third year courses. Students are advised that they will be required to attend field education placements generally but not exclusively during normal working hours in both teaching and non-teaching weeks, for between 2 and 5 days per week.

2. Students are required to undertake Criminal History Checks through the Department of Human Services (DHS) for working with Children, in the Aged Care Sector and in Disability Services; obtain a SAPOL National Police Record Check; completed a one-day Safe Environments for Children and Young People course; and the University's online module, Undertaking a Safe Student Placement. Some placements may also require students to hold a current driver's licence, a recognised First Aid Certificate or other requirements as requested by a specific placement provider.

3. 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. Entry to the honours year is based on academic merit and subject to quota.

4. Students who qualify for credit must complete at least 36 units from each of the contributing degrees (ie a total of at least 72 units).

Notes

1. The program is designed to graduate professional human service workers who can function effectively in demanding environments. It satisfies professional and employer requirements through its content and its assessment processes. Students are advised that the program does require consistent participation in a diverse range of potentially challenging classroom, assessment and field activities.

2. Specialist Psychology Courses must be selected from the listed options and are offered subject to student demand and staff availability. See the program specific electives list for options.

3. Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for the one year Bachelor of Arts (Honours) program at UniSA.

4. The Justice & Society Study Tour course can be chosen in place of an elective course as part of this program. Additional fees apply for the study tour component of this course, and enrolment is conditional upon successful application in a competitive Expression of Interest process as well as successful completion of 36 units.

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
projects and presentations
an e-portfolio
essays and assignments
examinations
journals

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.

Why Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services), Bachelor of Psychology

This double degree will set you apart from your competitors – and it can be achieved with only one extra year of study.

You will learn from industry experts and world-class researchers, and gain hands-on, practical experience in our on-campus Social Work and Human Services Studio. In the custom-built studios you will work alongside field practitioners and academic staff in simulated, real-life situations. Using state-of-the-art recording equipment and cameras, you can review your work and learn from your experiences.

You will also build workplace networks when you undertake field education placements.

You will graduate with a strong understanding of issues in psychology and how to implement your learning across a range of human service settings, opening up more diverse employment opportunities.

Real-world connections

As part of your studies you will complete 560 hours of work experience during two supervised field education placements in either local or rural settings. This real-world experience is a major focus of your studies and provides valuable practical experience and the opportunity for you to build important industry relationships. You will also work alongside experienced practitioners and academics in our Social Work and Human Services Studio.

We 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.

Career outcomes

Your career

A career in the human services sector requires a strong interest in human behaviour; you also need to be able to think clearly and logically, to be compassionate, understanding and patient. There are a number of employment opportunities in a wide range of fields available to you upon graduation. Careers to consider:

Community development officer: employed by a city, neighbourhood or other municipality to support the growth, health and vitality of a region.
Community services worker: work with individuals and groups in the areas of psychology, rehabilitation and social work.
Counsellor (with further study): work with individuals and groups to help people overcome problems.
Project manager: use your managerial expertise to manage individual projects; work to meet deadlines and budget requirements.
Policy development officer: this is an advisory role where you will be responsible for analysing data and advising policymakers.
Social researcher: plan, design, conduct, manage and report on a range of social topics, including crime, healthcare, social services and unemployment.
Youth worker: provide practical and emotional support to children and young people.
Family support worker: provide assistance and guidance to children and families; family support workers are often employed by child protection agencies or family services organisations.
Registered psychologist, research psychologist or counsellor (with further study): work with patients to identify and diagnose emotional, mental and behavioural issues.

Professional accreditation and recognition

This program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.

Graduates will be eligible for full membership of the Australian Community Workers Association.

Industry facts

Employment for Welfare Support Workers is expected to increase by 25.2 per cent by November 2026.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Labour Markets Insight, Employment Projections 2021.

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

UniStart - your 100% online pathway to a degree

Just starting out on your university journey, don’t meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree, or want to refresh your study skills? Set yourself up for success and pave the way to a degree with UniStart, UniSA Online’s six-month pathway program launching in 2025.

Apply now

How to apply

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
UniSA College Diploma in Social Sciences (Psychology)
UniSA College Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (Social Sciences)

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a Pathway

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

UniSA Excellence Scholarships

$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.

Learn more

UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship

Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. 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 loads 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 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:

academic counselling
personal counselling
social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
career services and mentoring
Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

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.

Your study spaces

You will have access to two state-of-the art Social Work and Human Services Studios, which are equipped with recording equipment and cameras so that you can practice your skills with the help of field practitioners and academic staff.

Your program director

The program provides diverse career opportunities by connecting you to the real world through teaching and research partnerships with leading and emerging government and non-government human services organisations. The industry connections of academic staff provide immediate context in the teaching of the degree, and you can actively implement your learnings through the opportunity of field placements or internships, leading to employment across a number of sectors.

Mrs Paula McCubbin

Program Director

Enquire

Mrs Paula McCubbin

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

How do I apply?

The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.

The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.

There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.

If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.

You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.

If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying.
Is there a closing date for applications?

Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

Undergraduate

The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.

Postgraduate

Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.

As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.