Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (Social Sciences), University of South Australia (UniSA). 2025 information for Australian students

This degree is only available to Australian students

You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:

Australian or New Zealand Citizen
Australian Permanent Resident (including Humanitarian Visa holders)

Australian students

Start Date
February
July

Campus
City West

Duration
0.5 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Program Code
DUUS

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Fees
Commonwealth Supported

Entry Requirements
View full entry requirements

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

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.
This program is available to current UniSA students only.

Higher education

- Successful completion of the UniSA Foundation Studies program; or

- A partially completed undergraduate degree.

Essential requirements for admission

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

Aim

The Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (Social Sciences) provides an alternative pathway to bachelor level study for students. Students will study academic literacy as well as foundation discipline specific courses to prepare for success in their preferred bachelor degree. Students who successfully complete the standard six month program of study will be able to use their qualification to apply for entry into a related bachelor program of their choice.

Content & Structure

The program consists of 18 units of study. Students select from a range of electives to tailor the program specifically to their needs to support their future studies in one of the following degrees:

Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Arts (Aboriginal Cultures and Australian Society)
Bachelor of Arts (Applied Linguistics)
Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing and Literature)
Bachelor of Arts (Cultural Studies)
Bachelor of Arts (English Language)
Bachelor of Arts (History and Global Politics)
Bachelor of Arts (Languages)
Bachelor of Arts (Law, Policy and Politics)
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)
Bachelor of Arts (Sociology)
Bachelor of Business (Legal Studies)
Bachelor of Criminal Justice [online only]
Bachelor of Psychological Science and Sociology [online only]
Bachelor of Psychology
Bachelor of Psychology (Cognitive Neuroscience), Bachelor of Psychology (Counselling and Interpersonal Skills)
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
Bachelor of Social Science (Ageing and Disability)
Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services)
Bachelor of Social Work

From 4 August 2025, the University of South Australia will no longer be accepting applications for new students. Study at Adelaide University.

What courses you'll study

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Critical Thinking: Media and Academia	LANG 1068	4.5
Elective 1		4.5	Note(s): 2
Elective 2		4.5	Note(s): 2
Elective 3		4.5	Note(s): 2

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
For students pursuing arts pathways:
Individual and Society in Contemporary Australia	HUMS 1062	4.5
Writing for Academic Purposes	COMM 1085	4.5
Global Citizenship in the 21st Century	HUMS 1064	4.5
For students pursuing legal studies and criminology pathways:
Future Ideas: Information Literacy and the Internet	LIBR 1010	4.5
Introduction to Human Behaviour	BUSS 1072	4.5
Individual and Society in Contemporary Australia	HUMS 1062	4.5
For students pursuing social science or social work pathways:
Individual and Society in Contemporary Australia	HUMS 1062	4.5
Introduction to Human Behaviour	BUSS 1072	4.5
Global Citizenship in the 21st Century	HUMS 1064	4.5
For students pursuing psychology pathways:
Data Literacy: Foundations for Success	MATH 1083	4.5
Introduction to Human Behaviour	BUSS 1072	4.5
Individual and Society in Contemporary Australia	HUMS 1062	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. Students are required to complete the program within 1 year to transfer into an undergraduate degree, subject to competitive entry. Students who do not transfer into an undergraduate degree within this time will be required to apply via SATAC.

2. Commencing students may have their enrolments withdrawn if they fail to engage with their studies (Enrolment policy A48 section 4.5).

3. This program requires weekly participation in all enrolled courses. Student engagement is monitored, with a lack of participation or contact with student support services and/or the Program Director resulting in students being unenrolled from courses they have not engaged with. This action will occur in week 3, prior to census, to ensure students' future program performance (cumulative GPA) is protected.

Notes

1. Students must obtain a competitive Grade Point Average (GPA) to transition into a bachelor's degree upon completion of the undergraduate certificate qualification.

2. Electives should be selected from the list above, aligning with the discipline area students wish to pursue in their bachelor degree. Some elective courses may have prerequisite requirements that must be met prior to enrolment. Students must discuss alternate elective choices with the Program Director to ensure they comply with the program requirements of their future bachelor degree.