Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology and Forensic Science)
Undergraduate course
Overview
This course structure is effective from Semester 2 2012.
Students who commenced the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology and Forensic Science) program prior to Semester 2 2012, please refer to the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology and Forensic Science) course structure.
Students who commenced the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology and Forensic Science) program prior to Semester 2 2012, please refer to the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology and Forensic Science) course structure.
This degree allows students to develop specialist knowledge about the application of psychology to aspects of the law, the justice system and forensic science, and statistical skills relevant to forensic issues. This major provides specialised study in forensic science based on an understanding of developmental psychology, cognition and neuroscience, social psychology, personality, psychological assessment and abnormal psychology. Students will complete a variety of research projects, specialist units on research design, and project units related to forensic science.
This course is also offered to domestic students through the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship Program. Successful applicants are awarded HECS waiver scholarships and will be funded for the duration of their course. For further information visit the Scholarships website.
(Students holding an international student visa are required to study full-time and on campus and cannot study part-time.)
| Duration | 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time. An optional and additional year of Industry Based Learning (IBL) may also be available to domestic students. | ||
Campus and intakes  |
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| Study mode | Full-time Part-time (day & evening) | ||
| Course code | N0526FOR | ||
| Fees | For information about Swinburne's fees visit the Fees website. |
Course in detail
Course description
This course structure is effective from Semester 2 2012.
Students who commenced the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology and Forensic Science) program prior to Semester 2 2012, please refer to the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology and Forensic Science) course structure.
Students who commenced the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology and Forensic Science) program prior to Semester 2 2012, please refer to the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology and Forensic Science) course structure.
This degree allows students to develop specialist knowledge about the application of psychology to aspects of the law, the justice system and forensic science, and statistical skills relevant to forensic issues. This major provides specialised study in forensic science based on an understanding of developmental psychology, cognition and neuroscience, social psychology, personality, psychological assessment and abnormal psychology. Students will complete a variety of research projects, specialist units on research design, and project units related to forensic science.
This course is also offered to domestic students through the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship Program. Successful applicants are awarded HECS waiver scholarships and will be funded for the duration of their course. For further information visit the Scholarships website.
(Students holding an international student visa are required to study full-time and on campus and cannot study part-time.)
Course structure
This course will operate under a student workload model based on 100 credit points for a full-time academic year. One credit point is deemed to be equivalent to one hour of student work per week over a semester, whether in contact with staff or in private study. Four units of study, each worth 12.5 credit points, will generally be taken each semester. The typical student's average weekly workload during semester is therefore expected to be 50 hours. Total student contact hours, including lectures, classes, tutorials, flexible learning and laboratory and field sessions will be approximately 16 hours/week during academic semesters.
(Students holding an international student visa are required to study full-time and on campus and cannot study part-time.)
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Social Science, students:
- Must complete 300 credit points (usually 24 x 12.5 credit point units)
- Must complete the compulsory non-credit bearing unit HAC0001 Careers in the Curriculum (0 credit points)
- May complete a maximum of 125 credit points of Stage 1 units
- Must complete a minimum of 50 credit points of Stage 3 units
- Must complete at least one capstone unit (12.5 credit points)
- Must complete at least one Social Science major (a major comprises either 100, 150, or 200 credit points). The remainder of the program will comprise subsequent majors and/or minors (a minor is comprised of 50 credit points), and/or electives
- May complete a maximum of 100 credit points of non-Arts and Social Science units, excluding those units that are required for an Arts or Social Science major/minor
- May complete up to 100 credit points of elective units (i.e. units that do not contribute to either a major or a minor)
- May complete an optional Industry Based Learning (IBL) placement, which is usually taken prior to the final year of study. IBL is not available to students holding an international student visa
A unit of study can only be counted once. Where there are overlaps between majors and/or minors, students in the first instance choose another unit from the list of units available in the major/minor. Where there are no available units, students will be required to complete an alternative Arts or Social Science unit, as approved by the Program Convenor.
Students who complete a major comprising a minimum of 150 credit points may choose to graduate with a tagged outcome. Only one major may be tagged. Where a major comprises 100 credit points and there an extended major available, a student may choose to complete the additional 50 credit points in order to graduate with a tagged outcome. Where a student chooses not to complete an extended major, and chooses to complete a 100 credit point major, the student may only graduate with an untagged degree outcome i.e. Bachelor of Social Science.
Careers in the Curriculum (CIC)
In addition to the above, students must complete a compulsory unit of study Careers in the Curriculum (HAC0001) 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 their course and is compulsory for all undergraduate students. Students studying CIC will not incur a HECS or fee debt as the cost will be met by the university as part of an initiative to enhance students' career skills.
Winter and Summer Term
This program also provides opportunities to undertake study in an optional six-week Winter and/or Summer term allowing students to complete extra study between the standard semesters. These terms are not mandatory. However, if students wish to vary their study load they may want to consider this option.
In addition to the above, students must complete a compulsory unit of study Careers in the Curriculum (HAC0001) 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 their course and is compulsory for all undergraduate students. Students studying CIC will not incur a HECS or fee debt as the cost will be met by the university as part of an initiative to enhance students' career skills.
Winter and Summer Term
This program also provides opportunities to undertake study in an optional six-week Winter and/or Summer term allowing students to complete extra study between the standard semesters. These terms are not mandatory. However, if students wish to vary their study load they may want to consider this option.
Major specialisations
Majors
A major may comprise 100 credit points of studies (eight units of study), 150 credit points (12 units of study) or 200 credit points (16 units of study) relevant to the particular discipline or field of study. A major will normally include requisite foundation units, have a clearly identifiable professional outcome and satisfy any relevant external professional-body accreditation requirements.
A major may comprise 100 credit points of studies (eight units of study), 150 credit points (12 units of study) or 200 credit points (16 units of study) relevant to the particular discipline or field of study. A major will normally include requisite foundation units, have a clearly identifiable professional outcome and satisfy any relevant external professional-body accreditation requirements.
Where a student has completed the requirements of the degree including a 150 or 200 Social Science major, they are eligible to apply to graduate with the appropriate tagged degree outcome. Only one major may be tagged.
Where a major comprises 100 credit points and there an extended major available, a student may choose to complete the additional 50 credit points in order to graduate with a tagged outcome. Where a student chooses not to complete an extended major, and chooses to complete a 100 credit point major, the student may only graduate with an untagged degree outcome i.e. Bachelor of Social Science.
A major in Social Science is designed to provide students with appropriate breadth and depth of knowledge in a particular field of study and provide suitable preparation for professional graduate employment. It may be based on a single, recognised discipline, or it may be inter-disciplinary in character.
The following majors are offered in the Bachelor of Social Science:
Community Health Major***
Criminology and Forensic Science Major *
Security and Counter Terrorism Major*
Politics and Public Policy Major **
Psychology Major - Arts and Social Sciences***
Community Health Major***
Criminology and Forensic Science Major *
Security and Counter Terrorism Major*
Politics and Public Policy Major **
Psychology Major - Arts and Social Sciences***
* A tagged major/tagged degree outcome is not available for this major.
** Students may choose between the tagged or untagged major. Students wishing to graduate with a tagged outcome must complete the tagged major and other degree requirements.
*** Students may choose between graduating with a tagged degree outcome or an untagged degree outcome following completion of this tagged major and other degree requirements.
Minors
A minor (50 credit points or four units of study) is a set of units that may broaden a student’s learning. A minor is typically derived as a subset of a major, and it may be based on a single, recognised discipline, or it may be inter-disciplinary in character. Minors usually contain no elective choice.
A minor (50 credit points or four units of study) is a set of units that may broaden a student’s learning. A minor is typically derived as a subset of a major, and it may be based on a single, recognised discipline, or it may be inter-disciplinary in character. Minors usually contain no elective choice.
Minors can be taken from any discipline across the university, timetabling permitting. Credit cannot be given for any minor which contains more than two units of study in common with any other minor, co-major or major that student is undertaking.
The following minors are offered in the Bachelor of Social Science: Communication Minor
Community Health Minor
Criminology Minor
Cultural Studies Minor
Digital Media Minor
Forensic Science Minor
Games and Interactivity Minor
International Exchange Minor
Italian Minors (Arts)
Japanese Minors (Arts)
Journalism Minor
Literature Minor
Media Minor
Security and Counter Terrorism Minor
Philosophy Minor
Politics and History Minor
Politics and Public Policy Minor
Psychology Minor (Arts & Social Sciences)
Psychophysiology Minor (Arts)
Sociology Minor
Sport Science Minor
Statistics Minor
Sustainability Management Minor
Community Health Minor
Criminology Minor
Cultural Studies Minor
Digital Media Minor
Forensic Science Minor
Games and Interactivity Minor
International Exchange Minor
Italian Minors (Arts)
Japanese Minors (Arts)
Journalism Minor
Literature Minor
Media Minor
Security and Counter Terrorism Minor
Philosophy Minor
Politics and History Minor
Politics and Public Policy Minor
Psychology Minor (Arts & Social Sciences)
Psychophysiology Minor (Arts)
Sociology Minor
Sport Science Minor
Statistics Minor
Sustainability Management Minor
Students also have the option to select their minors from other faculties/areas however students should note that a maximum of 100 credit points of non-Arts and Social Science units may be undertaken, excluding those units that are required for an Arts or Social Science major/minor. Note: Undertaking certain majors/minors may impact on anticipated course completion.
Units of study
Psychology and Forensic Science major:.
All units are valued at 12.5 credit points each unless otherwise indicated.
All units are valued at 12.5 credit points each unless otherwise indicated.
In order to meet the requirements of the Psychology and Forensic Science major, students must complete 200 credit points comprising the Psychology major, including the capstone unit HAY303 Psychology Project A, and the Forensic Science minor.
Students must complete all 11 of the following Psychology compulsory units:
HAY100 Psychology 100
HAY101 Psychology 101
HMA103 Statistics and Research Methods A
HAY205 Cognition and Human Performance
HAY206 Developmental Psychology
HMA278 Design and Measurement 2
HMA279 Design and Measurement 3
HAY308 The Psychology of Personality
HAY303 Psychology Project A
HAY307 Social Psychology
HAY321 Abnormal Psychology
and any one of the following Psychology elective units **
HAS111 Sociological Foundations
HACM104 Media Literature Film: Text and Context
HAP100 Australian Politics
HAH100 Introduction to Philosophy
HAH319 Philosophical Psychology
HAY305 Psychology Project B
and
all four of the following Forensic Science minor units HAY120 Introduction to Forensic Psychology
HES1020 Introduction to Forensic Science
HMA280 Statistics for Forensics
HAY320 Advanced Topics in Forensic Psychology
HAY100 Psychology 100
HAY101 Psychology 101
HMA103 Statistics and Research Methods A
HAY205 Cognition and Human Performance
HAY206 Developmental Psychology
HMA278 Design and Measurement 2
HMA279 Design and Measurement 3
HAY308 The Psychology of Personality
HAY303 Psychology Project A
HAY307 Social Psychology
HAY321 Abnormal Psychology
and any one of the following Psychology elective units **
HAS111 Sociological Foundations
HACM104 Media Literature Film: Text and Context
HAP100 Australian Politics
HAH100 Introduction to Philosophy
HAH319 Philosophical Psychology
HAY305 Psychology Project B
and
all four of the following Forensic Science minor units HAY120 Introduction to Forensic Psychology
HES1020 Introduction to Forensic Science
HMA280 Statistics for Forensics
HAY320 Advanced Topics in Forensic Psychology
** Note: As from Semester 1 2013, the requirements for the Psychology elective units were amended to:
- and one of the following Psychology elective units:
HAY120 Introduction to Forensic Psychology
HAY130 Introduction to Sport Psychology
HAY140 Criminology: Theory and Practice
HAH319 Philosophical Psychology
HET320 Psychophysiological Project
- and one of the following Psychology elective units:
HAY120 Introduction to Forensic Psychology
HAY130 Introduction to Sport Psychology
HAY140 Criminology: Theory and Practice
HAH319 Philosophical Psychology
HET320 Psychophysiological Project
Students who successfully complete the requirements of the Bachelor of Social Science program, including the Psychology and Forensic Science major, are eligible to apply to graduate with the associated tagged outcome i.e. Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology and Forensic Science).
A detailed Program structure is available at the Faculty of Life and Social Sciences website.
Graduate outcomes
Aims and objectives
The Bachelor of Social Science degree is designed to produce graduates who are able to contribute effectively and professionally to a dynamic global economy because they possess:
- Knowledge, conceptual understanding and expertise in specific areas of study in the humanities and social sciences
- An understanding of the relationship between theory, research and practice
- A capacity for critical analysis, creativity and problem solving
- Professional skills, including the ability to use modern technology
- Independent and lifelong learning skills
- Comprehensive written and oral communication skills
- A strong sense of personal integrity and an appreciation of the role of ethics in private and public life
- Excellent problem-solving, teamwork and decision-making skills
The combined focus on generic skills and sound academic and professional knowledge within the Bachelor of Arts degree equips students well for a lifelong process of personal development. Students with these attributes are highly sought after by employers who increasingly seek people with well-developed generic skills, in addition to professional competencies.
Career opportunities
Psychology graduates are highly sought after in a range of human services positions. These might include employment in community and mental health, human resource management, policy development, research, welfare, journalism, marketing and advertising. These courses also provide the first step to becoming a professional psychologist. After completing a degree with a major in psychology, students may apply to undertake a fourth year in psychology and then further study in specialist areas of professional psychology such as counselling, health, clinical, organisational, forensic and sports psychology.
Professional recognition
The Psychology and Forensic Science major at Swinburne incorporates the Psychology sequence accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Students who successfully complete the Psychology component of the major will be eligible for APAC recognition. The Psychology and Forensic Science major should not be confused with training towards the psychological specialisation 'Forensic Psychology' for which postgraduate study is required.
Graduate attributes
Swinburne intends that its teaching programs assist all its graduates to be:
- Capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas
- Entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community
- Effective and ethical in work and community situations
- Adaptable and manage change
- Aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing (such as sociocultural, economic, natural)
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/ibl
Honours
Outstanding Bachelor of Social Science 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. It also leads to a wide range of job opportunities and gives students a market edge. The honours year is offered in the areas of Industry and Community Studies, Psychology, Social Science, Culture, Nature and Civilisation, Languages, Media and Multimedia. Please see the 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
ATAR
72.30
2012 Round 1 Clearly-In ATAR (CSP)Entry requirements
Successful completion of an appropriate Victorian Year 12 or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification.
2013 VCE prerequisites: Units 3 and 4–a study score of at least 30 in English (ESL) or at least 25 in any other English.
Extra requirements: Test (some applicants only): Applicants must sit the STAT Multiple Choice 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: www.vtac.edu.au for further information.
Credit transfer
Applicants with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be granted ‘credit’ and/or entry into the course with ‘advanced standing’. University policies apply and applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. For further information refer to ‘Swinburne Pathways: Credit Transfer Guide.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: www.future.swinburne.edu.au/pathways/rpl/higher-edApply
How to apply
Applications must be made through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC).
VTAC code: 34151 (CSP)
For further information, visit the VTAC website at: www.vtac.edu.au
Part-time study is also available to Australian citizens and holders of Australian residency.
VTAC code: 34151 (CSP)
For further information, visit the VTAC website at: www.vtac.edu.au
Part-time study is also available to Australian citizens and holders of Australian residency.
Applicants who have not already applied through VTAC can apply direct to the university by following the step-by-step process on our How to Apply page.
This course is available for mid-year intake. Applications are made directly to Swinburne and will be taken on a case-by-case basis. Application forms can be downloaded from our How to Apply website.