Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)

The Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) program offers you a degree in the social sciences with an accredited 12-course major in psychology.

The courses in the program are designed to combine theoretical and professional knowledge within the fields of the social sciences and psychology, and to also develop your practical professional skills.

Courses are taught on-campus with online elements.The program develops your knowledge of the social sciences and psychology, providing you with the disciplinary skills to respond to key contemporary social challenges.You will explore and apply social, political and psychological theories, critically engage with public policy and the policy process, and develop your quantitative and qualitative research skills.

You will study of the foundations of psychology, including biological, developmental, cognitive, and social psychology and explore the relationship between theory and practice through both coursework and a professional placement.

You will have the opportunity to specialise through elective courses in a wide range of areas such as forensic, gender, organisational, and health and sport psychology;

business, marketing and human resources;

youth work, education, social and public policy;

and studies in language and culture (which may be combined with study abroad).

In the final year of the program you will undertake a Capstone course that brings together skills and learning from throughout your degree.On completion of the program you will be able to critically analyse and apply theoretical concepts from the social and psychological sciences to your professional practice and future studies.

You will have developed key critical thinking skills, and be able to apply these to the challenges of professional practice in a rapidly changing world.

You will be able to work professionally in diverse cultural, linguistic and organisational contexts and communicate concepts to a range of different professional and public audiences, using a variety of formats and media.

You will have developed key research literacy skills including the ability to interpret, design, and carry out social and psychological research.You will be equipped to apply these skills and knowledge, either towards further study in the social sciences or psychology, or to enter the professional workplace in a wide variety of fields.

Graduates in this program can expect to work in roles both locally and internationally in areas such as human and social services, government and public policy, education, youth work, aged care and disability, marketing, communication, human resources, and business.Graduates interested in further study may apply for entry into an honours or other postgraduate program in psychology or social science.

These include the Master of Public Policy, Master of Social Work, Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) (Honours) and other graduate programs at RMIT.

Year One of Program

Complete the following Six (6) Courses:

Complete Two (2) of the following Program Option Courses:

AND

Year Two of Program

Complete the following Six (6) Courses:

Select and Complete Two (2) Courses from any:

AND

Year Three of Program

Complete the following Six (6) Courses:

Select and Complete One (1) of the following courses:

Select and Complete One (1) Course from any:

You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school) qualification.

For equivalents to Australian academic entry requirements, see the Country Equivalency web page on the RMIT website.

Prerequisites

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL.

International English language requirement

A minimum of IELTS (Academic module) overall score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0, or equivalent. For equivalents to English entry requirements, see the English requirements web page.

Note: Students are required to complete a Working with Children Check before going on placement.

The program learning outcomes are derived from consultation with key stakeholders, and are consistent with the guidelines set by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (the accreditation authority for the psychology profession in Australia).

Upon successful completion of the program you will be able to:

• Apply professional, theoretical and practical knowledge of the social sciences and psychology to your professional practice and further study.
• Critically analyse, synthesise and apply theoretical and professional insights from the psychological and social sciences to reflect on the challenges facing professional practice in a rapidly changing world.
• Apply logical, critical and creative thinking from the psychological and the social sciences to respond effectively to a range of issues associated with changing social, cultural and political contexts.
• Work professionally, ethically and effectively with others from diverse cultural, linguistic and organisational contexts.
• Communicate effectively using appropriate formats, media and styles to a range of audiences including other professionals, the public and government agencies.
• Design, conduct and critically evaluate evidenced-based ethical research projects in the psychological and social sciences.
• Reflect on the experience of personal and professional practice in international and cross-cultural settings and act in professionalized settings responsibly, ethically and with integrity.