Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) (Cognitive Neuroscience)
University of South Australia
About
South Australia’s only cognitive neuroscience honours degree integrates biology and psychology, offering a unique opportunity for you to explore the neural underpinnings of human cognition and behaviour.
State-of-the-art learning facilities, such as on-campus laboratories, offer the opportunity for you to learn in a real-world environment.
This practical learning environment will see you graduate will the skills and confidence needed to work in a clinical or research setting.
UniSA has been ranked number one in South Australia for psychology research1, and as part of your studies you will graduate with specialised knowledge and skills in this area.
This degree is a pathway to a career in clinical psychology or neuropsychology, you could choose to further your education with a Master of Psychology (Clinical).
You could also choose to pursue a higher research degree such as a doctorate or master.
Applying for the one year Honours program Students who have completed a three-year degree in psychology or psychological science and wish to apply for the Honours year should lodge an online application direct to the University of South Australia via UniSA’s Apply Online portal using the program code MHPU.
Applications for entry to the Honours year through Apply Online open in early September and close on 30 November.
12015 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
Structure
| Course name | Area and cat no | Units | Reference | Rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIRST YEAR | ||||
| First Semester (Study Period 1, 2, or 3) | ||||
| Psychology 1A | BEHL 1003 | 4.5 | ||
| Human Anatomy 100 | HLTH 1020 | 4.5 | ||
| Biology A | BIOL 1007 | 4.5 | ||
| Personal and Professional Development | BEHL 1033 | 4.5 | ||
| Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5, or 6) | ||||
| Psychology 1B | BEHL 1004 | 4.5 | ||
| Introductory Research Methods | BEHL 2005 | 4.5 | ||
| Foundations in Cognitive Neuroscience | BEHL 1024 | 4.5 | ||
| Aboriginal Australians and Psychology | BEHL 1032 | 4.5 | ||
| SECOND YEAR | ||||
| First Semester (Study Period 1, 2, or 3) | ||||
| Developmental Psychology | BEHL 3011 | 4.5 | ||
| Cognitive Psychology | BEHL 3002 | 4.5 | ||
| Human Anatomy 200 | HLTH 2022 | 4.5 | ||
| Cognitive Neuroscience | BEHL 3021 | 4.5 | ||
| Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5, or 6) | ||||
| Data Science for Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology | BEHL 2023 | 4.5 | ||
| Social and Community Psychology | BEHL 2006 | 4.5 | ||
| Biological and Learning Psychology | BEHL 2012 | 4.5 | ||
| States of Awareness | BEHL 2015 | 4.5 | ||
| THIRD YEAR | ||||
| First Semester (Study Period 1, 2, or 3) | ||||
| Advanced Research Methods | BEHL 3005 | 4.5 | ||
| The Neuroscience of Language | BEHL 3030 | 4.5 | ||
| Personality Psychology | BEHL 3024 | 4.5 | ||
| Specialist Psychology Course | 4.5 | Note(s): 1 | ||
| Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5, or 6) | ||||
| Clinical and Abnormal Psychology | BEHL 3004 | 4.5 | ||
| Specialist Psychology Course | 4.5 | Note(s): 1 | ||
| Neuroscience Across the Lifespan | BEHL 3025 | 4.5 | ||
| Psychology Research Experience | BEHL 3028 | 4.5 | Note(s): 2 | |
| FOURTH YEAR | Rule(s): 1 | |||
| First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3) | ||||
| Psychology Research Methods | BEHL 4052 | 4.5 | ||
| Psychology Honours Research Project 1 | BEHL 4056 | 9 | ||
| Life Span Developmental Psychology | BEHL 4059 | 4.5 | Note(s): 3 | |
| OR | ||||
| Psychology Under the Microscope | BEHL 4053 | 4.5 | Note(s): 3 | |
| Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6) | ||||
| Psychology Honours Research Project 2 | BEHL 4057 | 9 | ||
| Communicating Research | BEHL 4063 | 4.5 | ||
| Introduction to Psychological Practice | BEHL 4060 | 4.5 | ||
| SPECIALIST PSYCHOLOGY COURSES | ||||
| Health Psychology | BEHL 3012 | 4.5 | Note(s): 1 | |
| Work and Organisational Psychology | BEHL 3008 | 4.5 | Note(s): 1 | |
| Language, Context and Social Behaviour | BEHL 3023 | 4.5 | Note(s): 1 | |
| Conservation Psychology | BEHL 3022 | 4.5 | Note(s): 1 | |
| Psychophysiology of Sleep | BEHL 3029 | 4.5 | Note(s): 1 | |
| Psychological Assessment | BEHL 4003 | 4.5 | Note(s): 1 |
Entry requirements
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.
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 Diploma 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
Special Requirements: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.
Learning outcomes
Explore brain function and how it is impacted by social and developmental factors with this unique degree that combines biology and psychology. Core psychology courses, along with courses in cognitive neuroscience, anatomy and physiology, will make up the content during your first three years of study.
Many of these courses include a practical component. Research studies are also a key focus. During your third year you will also select from a number of psychology-specific professional development courses, which will complement the degree’s core content. These courses include:
- Health Psychology
- Work and Organisational Psychology
- Language, Context and Social Behaviour
- Conservation Psychology
- Psychophysiology of Sleep
- Psychological Assessment
During your final year you will undertake advanced coursework and a supervised research project.
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. You can expect them to include:
Your career
The ability to listen and analyse, plus the possession of critical thinking skills and an interest in human behaviour and biology, are key attributes of students considering a career in psychology and cognitive neuroscience. Careers to consider:
- clinical neurophysiological technician: record electrical activity of the brain and nervous system; daily tasks may involve reviewing patient history, gathering data and preparing patients for testing
- laboratory technician (clinical or research): collect samples, perform tests and record results
- research assistant: assist with academic research; research assistants are often employed by universities or research institutes
- laboratory manager (clinical or research): coordinate and organise ongoing activity in a laboratory environment related to the field of psychology and/or neuroscience
- clinical neuropsychologist (with further study): use scientific study of human behaviour and how it relates to brain function to assess patients and offer treatment; neuropsychologists often work as researchers or teachers, or are employed by hospitals or healthcare facilities
- researcher in psychology or neuroscience (with further study): collect and analyse data, conduct tests and experiments, and observe behaviour relating to a specific area of research
- clinical psychologist (with further study): work with patients to identify and diagnose emotional, mental and behavioural issues
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
Applying for the one year Honours program
Students who have completed a three-year degree in psychology or psychological science and wish to apply for the Honours year should lodge an online application direct to the University of South Australia via UniSA’s Apply Online portal using the program code MHPU.
Applications for entry to the Honours year through Apply Online open in early September and close on 30 November.
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.
As a psychology student, you will have access to:
- Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory
- dedicated teaching and learning spaces
Institution
