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

Entry Requirements

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

Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or

Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points

or

Higher education study

Complete or partly complete a recognized higher education program at a recognized higher education institution

or

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Complete an award from a registered training organization at Certificate IV or above

or

Work and life experience

Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past

English language requirements:

IELTS score of 6.0; TOEFL iBT score of 60 with Reading and Writing not less than 18; TOEFL paper-based test (PBT) score of 550 with TWE of 4.5; Cambridge CAE/CPE score of 169; Pearson's test of English (Academic) (PTE) score of 50 with Reading and Writing communicative scores not less than 50; CELUSA score of AE4.

Course Details

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 learn

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.

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, 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