Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)
This course has been discontinued - the information is provided for continuing students.
Overview
Students who are planning to commence in 2010, please refer to Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) course information.
Students of Swinburne's Social Science (Psychology) degree acquire knowledge and skills in a variety of study areas that improve their ability to understand and explain human behaviour and to analyse and devise social policies. The Psychology major (APS-accredited) provides a broad introduction to a range of relevant studies, with more specialised study in developmental psychology, cognition, social psychology, personality, design and measurement, psychological measurement and abnormal psychology.
Social Science (Psychology) students acquire a range of analytical and research skills – skills that are highly valued by employers in a range of industries. Course activities also develop skills such as independent thinking, conceptual analysis, theory development, writing clearly and effectively, planning research projects, attention to detail and time management. Other activities develop skills such as public speaking, interviewing, planning group projects and organising seminars. These activities and skills help prepare students for management and leadership positions.
Social Science students learn to use ideas and information stored in libraries and electronic databases and acquire computer skills. They develop a strong sense of personal integrity and an awareness of the role of ethics in private and public life. These generic skills enhance students' abilities to solve problems and to make decisions. Consequently Swinburne Social Science (Psychology) graduates are well equipped to find work in a variety of areas, in both the public and private sectors.
| Duration | Three years full-time or equivalent part-time. An optional and additional year of Industry Based Learning (IBL) may also be available. | ||
Campus and intakes  |
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| Study mode | Full-time Part-time (day) | ||
| Course code | N063 | ||
| Fees | Swinburne offers domestic undergraduate studentsCommonwealth Supported Places (CSP). Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens or holders of an Australian permanent resident visa are classified as domestic students. All other students are considered international students. HELP The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) is a suite of income contingent loans for Australian citizens and holders of Australian permanent humanitarian visas. HELP consists of:
Note: New Zealand citizens and holders of other Australian permanent resident visas do not have access to HELP loans. These students must pay their student contributions or tuition fees up front without a discount. For further information on your support and study options visit the 'Going to Uni' website at: http://www.goingtouni.gov.au |
Course in detail
Course description
Students who are planning to commence in 2010, please refer to Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) course information.
Students of Swinburne's Social Science (Psychology) degree acquire knowledge and skills in a variety of study areas that improve their ability to understand and explain human behaviour and to analyse and devise social policies. The Psychology major (APS-accredited) provides a broad introduction to a range of relevant studies, with more specialised study in developmental psychology, cognition, social psychology, personality, design and measurement, psychological measurement and abnormal psychology.
Social Science (Psychology) students acquire a range of analytical and research skills – skills that are highly valued by employers in a range of industries. Course activities also develop skills such as independent thinking, conceptual analysis, theory development, writing clearly and effectively, planning research projects, attention to detail and time management. Other activities develop skills such as public speaking, interviewing, planning group projects and organising seminars. These activities and skills help prepare students for management and leadership positions.
Social Science students learn to use ideas and information stored in libraries and electronic databases and acquire computer skills. They develop a strong sense of personal integrity and an awareness of the role of ethics in private and public life. These generic skills enhance students' abilities to solve problems and to make decisions. Consequently Swinburne Social Science (Psychology) graduates are well equipped to find work in a variety of areas, in both the public and private sectors.
Course structure
The Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) is a three year full-time or six year part-time course requiring the successful completion of 24 units of study (300 credit points), of which 19 units of study must be Arts or Social Science units of study. All units of study in the degree are normally worth 12.5 credit points. A full-time load consists of eight units of study per year (four per semester) and four units of study per year (two per semester) for a part-time load. Students are required to complete 12 psychology component units of study, a mandatory unit of study, an additional major or two minors, and electives.
Mandatory unit of study HMA103 Statistics and Research Methods A
Careers in the Curriculum (CIC)
In addition to the above, students must complete a compulsory unit of study HAC0001 Careers in the Curriculum to be awarded the degree. Careers in the Curriculum (CIC) is an innovative unit designed to assist Swinburne students to enhance their employability and career prospects. It is usually undertaken in the second year of your course and is compulsory for all undergraduate students who commence their course from 2007 onwards. Students studying CIC will not incur a HECS or fee debt for the unit as the cost will be met by the university as part of an initiative to enhance students' career skills.
Final Year Experience - Major Projects
As part of the Swinburne Model for Professional Learning, all incoming undergraduates from 2007 will undertake 25 credit points of
professionally focused final year major projects within their programs of study. Entry with advanced standing may require alternate study sequences to be undertaken.
In addition to the above, students must complete a compulsory unit of study HAC0001 Careers in the Curriculum to be awarded the degree. Careers in the Curriculum (CIC) is an innovative unit designed to assist Swinburne students to enhance their employability and career prospects. It is usually undertaken in the second year of your course and is compulsory for all undergraduate students who commence their course from 2007 onwards. Students studying CIC will not incur a HECS or fee debt for the unit as the cost will be met by the university as part of an initiative to enhance students' career skills.
Final Year Experience - Major Projects
As part of the Swinburne Model for Professional Learning, all incoming undergraduates from 2007 will undertake 25 credit points of
professionally focused final year major projects within their programs of study. Entry with advanced standing may require alternate study sequences to be undertaken.
Psychology Component The Psychology Component is an approved grouping of 12 Psychology units of study. It consists of 10 mandatory units of study and two approved electives.
Major
A major is an approved grouping of eight units of study in an area of study. It consists of two Stage 1 units of study (eg: HAS100) and six post-Stage 1 units of study. At least three units of study must be taken at Stage 3 (eg: HAS303). The remaining post-Stage 1 units of study may be taken at Stage 2 or 3. Students wishing to undertake a Psychology major are required to complete 10 units of study (refer to the relevant area of study section).
Minor
A minor is an approved grouping of five units of study in an area of study. It normally consists of one unit of study at Stage 1 and four post-Stage 1 units of study, at least one of which is normally at Stage 3. Students wishing to undertake a Japanese minor are required to complete six units of study (refer to relevant area of study section).
A minor is an approved grouping of five units of study in an area of study. It normally consists of one unit of study at Stage 1 and four post-Stage 1 units of study, at least one of which is normally at Stage 3. Students wishing to undertake a Japanese minor are required to complete six units of study (refer to relevant area of study section).
Elective An elective is a unit of study that is not taken as part of a major or minor. Students may include one of the three-subject Electives Plus Sequences as part of their elective choice (see below).
In addition to completing the mandatory units of study and psychology component, students must choose one of the following options:
Option 1
- Major
- Three Electives
Option 2
- Minor 1
- Minor 2
- One Elective
Note: In addition students must complete a minimum of 19 Arts and Social Sciences units of study, regardless of which of the above options they choose.
Course requirements and restrictions
The following course requirements and restrictions apply:
Course requirements and restrictions
The following course requirements and restrictions apply:
- a maximum of 10 Stage 1 units of study can be completed in the degree
- students must complete a minimum of six Stage 3 units of study
- compulsory unit HAC0001 must be completed
- a unit of study can only be counted once as part of a major, minor or elective
- students are not permitted to enrol in units of study where they have completed other units of study that are deemed to be equivalent, e.g. dual-coded units of study such as HAH210/HAH310
- equivalent units of study cannot be used for credit at a level other than that which the student has enrolled, e.g. if a student has enrolled in a unit of study coded as a Stage 2 unit of study (HAH210), it cannot be counted as a Stage 3 unit of study
- students are permitted to include one non-Social Science or non-Arts minor as part of their course structure. If so, no further non-Social Science or non-Arts units of study will be counted towards the degree
- students must complete a minimum of 19 Arts or Social Science units of study.
- the maximum number of units of study that may be completed for the degree course is 26.
- Students may only receive credit for one of: HMA103, HMA104, HMA105, HMB110, HMB111 and HMS102.
Prerequisites/Corequisites
Students must ensure they have met prerequisite/corequisite requirements listed for each subject before enrolling.
Students must ensure they have met prerequisite/corequisite requirements listed for each subject before enrolling.
Major specialisations
To qualify for the award of the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) degree, students must complete a psychology component and one major or two minors, and elective(s).
Social Science majors/minors
Arts majors/minors
Please refer to the Bachelor of Arts for details.
Business Discipline area minors
Business Discipline area minors
- Accounting Co-Major and Minors - 2009
- Chinese - 2009
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation Co-Major and Minors - 2009 #
- Finance Minor - 2009
- Human Resource Management Co-Major and Minors - 2009
- International Business Co-Majors and Minors - 2009
- Law Minor - 2009
- Management Co-Major and Minors - 2009
- Marketing Co-Major and Minors - 2009 #
# Not all units/minors are available in 2009.
Note: Students should choose a Business minor carefully as only five non-Arts and non-Social Science units of study count towards the degree.
Electives Plus Sequences
Electives Plus sequences provide Swinburne degree students with options to broaden their career skills and strengthen their employability by selecting from units of study outside their degree discipline.
Electives Plus sequences provide Swinburne degree students with options to broaden their career skills and strengthen their employability by selecting from units of study outside their degree discipline.
Students undertaking this course can choose to study Electives Plus sequences of up to three units from one of the following themes:
- Effective Communication
- Establishing and Running a Business - pre 2009
- Italian Language Practice and Culture - pre 2009
- Enterprising Marketing - pre 2009
- Multimedia: Web Development
- Information Orientation and Knowledge Management
- Undergraduate Research Skills
- Design: Process and Strategy Electives Plus sequence
- The Networked Economy
Electives Plus sequences are available in all Swinburne degree programs subject to timetabling constraints, with the exception of double degree programs, specialist double major degrees, and where entry has been approved with advanced standing.
Units of study
The psychology component of the course consists of the following subjects:
Stage 2
HAY205 Cognition and Human Performance
HAY206 Developmental Psychology
HMA278 Design and Measurement 2
HMA279 Design and Measurement 3
HAY205 Cognition and Human Performance
HAY206 Developmental Psychology
HMA278 Design and Measurement 2
HMA279 Design and Measurement 3
Stage 3
HAY307 Social Psychology
HAY308 The Psychology of Personality
HAY309 Psychological Measurement
HAY321 Abnormal Psychology
HAY307 Social Psychology
HAY308 The Psychology of Personality
HAY309 Psychological Measurement
HAY321 Abnormal Psychology
And two of the following subjects:
HAH100 Introduction to Philosophy
HAH103 Critical Thinking
HAS100 Sociology 1A (Introductory Sociology)
HAS101 Sociology 1B (Social Institutions and Social Change)
HAH219-HAH319 Philosophical Psychology
HAS296 The Family, Sex and Society.
HAS290 Sociology of the Body
HASP307 Qualitative Research Methods
HAH100 Introduction to Philosophy
HAH103 Critical Thinking
HAS100 Sociology 1A (Introductory Sociology)
HAS101 Sociology 1B (Social Institutions and Social Change)
HAH219-HAH319 Philosophical Psychology
HAS296 The Family, Sex and Society.
HAS290 Sociology of the Body
HASP307 Qualitative Research Methods
Graduate outcomes
Career opportunities
Graduates in psychology are highly sought after by a wide range of organisations to work in, for example, human services as research officers, as human resource managers, marketing and advertising personnel, in policy development, research, welfare, community and youth work. After completing a degree with a major in psychology, graduates can undertake a fourth year in psychology and further study in professional psychology such as counselling, health, clinical, organisational, and sports psychology.
Course experience
Industry learning
Industry-Based Learning (IBL) is an optional program in which students are placed in paid, supervised employment relevant to their studies as part of their degree. IBL gives you practical experience to add to your academic studies and is aimed at increasing a your employability upon graduation. All IBL placements are subject to availability of places. It is not available to international students holding a student visa. For further information visit: www.swinburne.edu.au/lss/iblHonours
Outstanding Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) students have the option of undertaking a specialised additional year of study, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree. Honours provides students with an opportunity to enhance their research ability and permits further studies and specialisation in their major discipline. The Honours year is offered in the areas of Industry and Community Studies, Languages, Media and Cultural Studies, Psychology, and Social Sciences. Please see entry for the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) for details.Swinburne Abroad
Swinburne offers International Exchange Programs as well as other Education Abroad Programs to help internationalise your degree. International Exchange is an academic program allowing you to study at a Swinburne Partner Institution for one or two semesters during your degree. Swinburne's Partner Institutions offer many relevant subjects as well as a secure base to explore a different culture. Your studies whilst on exchange can be credited towards your Swinburne degree, provided they are relevant and approved by Swinburne. For further information visit the Swinburne Abroad website.Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Successful completion of an appropriate Victorian Year 12 or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification.
2009 VCE Prerequisites: Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 20 in English (any).
Extra requirements: Some applicants must sit the STAT Multiple Choice test if they are one of the applicants outlined under STAT at www.swinburne.edu.au/vtac or on the Swinburne information pages in the VTAC guide.
2009 VCE Prerequisites: Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 20 in English (any).
Extra requirements: Some applicants must sit the STAT Multiple Choice test if they are one of the applicants outlined under STAT at www.swinburne.edu.au/vtac or on the Swinburne information pages in the VTAC guide.
All Non-Year 12 students (NONY12) should refer to the VTAC website at: http://www.vtac.edu.au for further infomation.
Pathways
An advanced credit transfer system, known as the Pathways program, is in place at Swinburne. Through Pathways, students with one or more of a wide range of post-secondary qualifications (both local and international) can gain entry into a course with advanced standing. Certain subject requirements must be met and an acceptable standard of results achieved in order to gain admission and for maximum credit to be granted. For further information refer to 'Swinburne Pathways: Credit Transfer Guide at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/corporate/marketing/pathways//
Credit transfer
Applicants with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of the course may be granted credit for those studies and/or entry to the course with advanced standing. University policies apply and applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Contact the Faculty of Life and Social Sciences for further information.Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit or partial credit towards a qualification in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Further details for students considering Higher Education courses: http://www.swin.edu.au/corporate/registrar/ppd/files/stuinf.htmApply
Course fees
Swinburne offers domestic undergraduate studentsCommonwealth Supported Places (CSP). Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens or holders of an Australian permanent resident visa are classified as domestic students. All other students are considered international students.
HELP
The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) is a suite of income contingent loans for Australian citizens and holders of Australian permanent humanitarian visas. HELP consists of:
- HECS-HELP (previously HECS) – is available to eligible Commonwealth supported students. It provides students with a loan to cover their student contribution amount. Students are eligible for a 20% discount if they choose to pay all, or at least $500, of their student contribution up-front.
- FEE-HELP (previously PELS) – is available to eligible fee paying undergraduate and postgraduate students. It provides students with a loan to cover their tuition fees (lifetime maximum $81,600 from 1 January 2008). The FEE-HELP limit is indexed on 1 January each year.
- OS-HELP – is available to eligible Commonwealth supported students, who wish to study overseas, with a loan to cover expenses such as accommodation and travel.
Note: New Zealand citizens and holders of other Australian permanent resident visas do not have access to HELP loans. These students must pay their student contributions or tuition fees up front without a discount.
For further information on your support and study options visit the 'Going to Uni' website at: http://www.goingtouni.gov.au