Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services), Bachelor of Psychological Science

This double degree provides a balance of courses in psychology and human services – for graduates this means you will 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 practical learning 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 the degree’s field education placement component.

This is a valuable learning opportunity where you will build industry networks and further enhance practical skills.

What you'll need All students studying this degree will be required to complete criminal history screening through the Department of Communities and Social Inclusion prior to being accepted for work placements.

The clearance is valid for three years and can take up to eight weeks to be processed.

You must also hold a current Child Safe Environments Certificate.

Some placements may also require a current driver's licence and a recognised First Aid Certificate.

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 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

Assumed Knowledge

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.

All students studying this degree will be required to complete criminal history screening through the Department of Communities and Social Inclusion prior to being accepted for work placements. The clearance is valid for three years and can take up to eight weeks to be processed. You must also hold a current Child Safe Environments Certificate. Some placements may also require a current driver's licence and a recognised First Aid Certificate.

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.

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 and 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.

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. There may be essays, assignments and examinations. You could also expect:

As part of your studies you will complete 560 hours of work experience during two supervised field education placements in a range of local, rural and international 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. In fact, students are often employed by the agencies in which they do their placements. You will also work alongside real-world practitioners and academics in our Social Work Studios.

We host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

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. If you think you’ve got what it takes, the employment opportunities are excellent and the demand for graduates is high1, with graduating students finding work in a wide range of fields. Careers to consider:

• community development officer: employed by a city, neighbourhood or other municipality to ensure 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 in need; family support workers are often employed by adoption agencies, protective service agencies, or family services organisations

You could further improve your employment prospects by continuing your studies with a one-year Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree or a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) degree.

1Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015

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

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and areas 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 has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal perfect 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.

Our student support services will make your life at university easier. We want you to be successful, and if you need help, we're here to assist. We provide a full range of support services, including:

• academic counselling
• personal counselling
• social support services, including family support and nearby childcare

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.

You will have access to two state-of-the art Social Work 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.