Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Duration
Full-time 3 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February, July Duration
Full-time 3 years Location
Melbourne City
Overview
Are you looking to work as a psychologist? Are you interested in assessing, diagnosing and treating problems experienced by people? Psychology is a science that provides powerful tools and methods for exploring human experience and behaviour.
Psychologist’s support individuals, who are experiencing difficulties, and others design policies and campaigns to benefit communities.
The combination of a social science degree with a psychology specialisation is ideal for those interested in the interaction between individuals and the world around them.
Why study psychology
- Psychology studies can lead to becoming a clinical psychologist.
- You'll become a better communicator.
- You'll have a better understanding of yourself and the people around you.
- Gain an understanding of research.
- Study decision-making and problem-solving and develop well-honed critical thinking skills.
- Get the skills needed to help you in your future career, even if you don't become a psychologist.
If you want to work in areas that call for a grasp of the insights, traditions and practices of psychology, this course is for you.
Get your foot in the door
You'll have the opportunity to put your skills to practice, and meet potential future employers, on a professional work-placement.
Psychology studies can lead to careers in human services organisations, community-based agencies, human resource management, multicultural agencies and education settings.
How to become a psychologist
To register as a psychologist, you'll need to complete the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology), the Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) (Honours) (1 year full-time) and the Master of Clinical Psychology (2 years full-time), or equal courses recognised by the Australian Psychological Society.
Find out more about becoming a psychologist.
This course is also available as a double degree; Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)/Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology).
Details
This degree is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), which provides access to further APAC-accredited study in Australia and overseas and can lead to national and international registration as a psychologist.
You will specialise in psychology, with breadth studies in sociology, communication, research, and understanding policy.
You'll have the opportunity to undertake a minor specialisation in Indigenous studies or choose to study a language. Or you can follow a minor interest area in sustainability or cultural studies.
How you will learn
Learning is student centred with academic staff drawing on modern world examples of pop culture (film, tv shows), activism (ie the Occupy movement), the internet, or analysis of modern social phenomenon (hipsters) to illustrate sociological theories in lectures and readings.
You'll take part in interactive coursework through psychology laboratories, excursions, online workshops and/or learning modules, and activity-based workshops.
Through individual and group presentations, you develop skills in presenting ideas to large groups, facilitating discussion, engaging in debate and visually organising information through mind-mapping.
You'll examine case studies, including field notes, auto-ethnographies (a form of research written in the first person where the researcher reflects on what is going on around them), documentaries and analyses, journal articles, academic texts, and more; exploring the work of experts in your field.
You'll learn academic writing skills, including how to create structured essays, write lab reports, and complete reflective journaling.
Tools and resources
You will have access to online and digital resources through the MyRMIT student portal, including discussion boards, resources from all Australian university libraries and specialised learning labs to boost your skills in statistics, essay structure and critical thinking.
Assessments
Assessments range from the traditional to the innovative, and may include formal essays, online quizzes, oral presentations, posters, graded group discussions, exams, artefact analysis, interviews and class facilitation mini-conference-style presentations.
All degrees are delivered in English.
The field education component in this degree means you will have the opportunity to apply what you have learned to a workplace. You'll work under the guidance of an experienced practitioner, such as a qualified psychologist.
Field education is a great way to meet potential employers, develop networks and career opportunities. Some students have received ongoing employment after a placement.
Examples of past students placements include:
- Shadowing a psychologist at private clinic.
- Working with an advertising agency to understand consumer behaviour.
- Working with an NGO in Indonesia to conduct aid research and establish a public health awareness campaign.
- Acting as spotter on the political campaign trail for a major political party.
- Working at a gallery in Indonesia curating cultural artefacts.
- Volunteering with Camp America in the USA and developing a deeper understanding of developmental psychology.
RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.
This degree is based in the social sciences with a comprehensive psychology specialisation, comprising 11 psychology subjects, 9 social science subjects and 4 electives.
Year 1
You'll study the foundations and principles of psychology, plus social science units that explore:
- environmental studies
- economics
- social constructionism
- philosophy
- sociology
- politics.
Year 2
The emphasis shifts from social science to psychology. Here you will explore biological, developmental, cognitive and social psychology as well as a smaller number of social science subjects. You'll also begin using electives to develop areas of specialisation.
Year 3
You'll cover advanced psychology subjects on:
- psychological assessment
- the philosophy of psychology
- psychopathology
- program management
- program evaluation.
Students will also undertake a 35-day professional work placement.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) | City Campus |
3 years full time - 6 years part time
|
3 years full time
|
BP112 | 035023D |
Choose a program structure
Program code: BP112
Career
You'll enjoy excellent employment prospects in the public, private and community sectors.
The skills learned in this course are especially relevant to areas such as child protection, human resource management, education, welfare and the health sector and in community-based agencies.
Graduates find work in areas including:
- federal and state government departments (Centrelink, Department of Human Services)
- disability services
- rehabilitation services
- community development programs
- dispute mediation
- employment placement and case management
- equal employment opportunity program development
- immigration advice and referral centres
This degree also provides an academic foundation to pursue further specialised study in clinical, educational, organisational, developmental or forensic psychology.
Students seeking to qualify as a practising psychologist must apply either for entry to Honours, or an equivalent graduate year of study in psychology.
Students who continue study and successfully complete a fourth year (Honours or equivalent) qualify for registration as a probationary psychologist. Another 2 years of study, generally taken as a Master of Psychology, qualifies you as a psychologist.
Careers
- social psychologist
- social researcher
- social policy officer
- organisational behaviour specialist
- human resources manager
- welfare service officer
The degree is accredited by the professional accreditation body for tertiary psychology courses, the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
Successful completion of an APAC-accredited psychology specialisation is a partial requirement for registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.
Admissions
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about RMIT’s commitment to admissions transparency.
You must meet the minimum academic entry requirements for this program. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee you entry due to the competitive nature of this program. Overseas qualifications will be assessed for Australian equivalence.
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent year 12 applicants.
RMIT’s selection criteria, outlined below according to your highest completed level of education, will provide you with a better understanding of the minimum admissions requirements needed for this program.
Selection criteria
This information is for applicants who are currently undertaking an Australian Year 12 or equivalent or whose highest qualification is a completed secondary education within the last two years (2017, 2018).
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) including units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
Important! As part of this program you are required to complete additional requirements. You can find more information under the heading ‘Professional compliance requirements’.
Personal statement
If you did not study year 12 in 2019, you are encouraged to submit a personal statement outlining:
- your reasons for wanting to study this program
- your intended career path
- the personal strengths and attributes you will bring to the program
- details of any related work or voluntary experience
If you do not submit a personal statement you will be considered based on your academic achievement only.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
ATAR profile
View the ATAR profile and selection rank from students offered a place into this program wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in 2020.
This information is for applicants who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian certificate IV or above (or equivalent)
Personal statement
You are encouraged to submit a personal statement outlining:
- your reasons for wanting to study this program
- your intended career path
- the personal strengths and attributes you will bring to the program
- details of any related work or voluntary experience
If you do not submit a personal statement you will be considered based on your academic achievement only.
You may satisfy the required English prerequisite by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
Important! As part of this program you are required to complete additional requirements. You can find more information under the heading ‘Professional compliance requirements’.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
This information is for applicants whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education program.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of at least two courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level (or equivalent)
Personal statement
You are encouraged to submit a personal statement outlining:
- your reasons for wanting to study this program
- your intended career path
- the personal strengths and attributes you will bring to the program
- details of any related work or voluntary experience
If you do not submit a personal statement you will be considered based on your academic achievement only.
You may satisfy the required English prerequisite by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
Important! As part of this program you are required to complete additional requirements. You can find more information under the heading ‘Professional compliance requirements’.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) more than two years ago, including units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
Personal statement
You are encouraged to submit a personal statement outlining:
- your reasons for wanting to study this program
- your intended career path
- the personal strengths and attributes you will bring to the program
- details of any related work or voluntary experience
If you do not submit a personal statement you will be considered based on your academic achievement only.
You may satisfy the required English prerequisite by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
Important! As part of this program you are required to complete additional requirements. You can find more information under the heading ‘Professional compliance requirements’.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
Working with Children Check
You will be required to hold a Victorian Working with Children Check valid for 5 years, prior to undertaking professional placement as part of this program.
Note: for placements undertaken interstate, a valid Working with Children Check will be required for that state.
Available only to applicants currently studying Year 12
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary participation by giving priority access to RMIT diploma and degree programs to eligible applicants currently studying Year 12 at a SNAP partner school.
Available only to applicants currently studying Year 12 or whose highest qualification is a completed Year 12.
Subject adjustments
A study score of 30 in Biology, Maths: Further Mathematics or Psychology equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 6 points.
Regional adjustments
RMIT automatically allocates adjustment factors to applicants from a low socio-economic status area for all programs that select primarily on ATAR. Low socio-economic status areas are determined by applying the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Socio-Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA) Index of Education and Occupation.
Available to all applicants
Equity access schemes
Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
This program has been recognised as being under-represented by female applicants. Additional adjustment factors may apply to those applying to category 1 of the Special Entry Access Scheme or RMIT access application.
Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.
Elite Athlete Program
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Indigenous Access Program supports you through an informal interview process where you will receive support from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education training, higher education study or work or life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
- are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
- have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
- have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program
The STAT overall score will be competitively ranked for selection.
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English prerequisites. You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification) with a minimum 70% average (check calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
None.
Working with Children Checks
Students are required to complete a Working with Children Check before going on placement.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program
To complete this program, you will need to meet its inherent requirements. These are the non-academic abilities you will need to participate in and complete your studies.
Some inherent requirements for this program include:
- reading and writing skills for understanding and contributing to reports and briefs
- managing your behaviour and emotions to provide safe and competent client care
- time based problem solving, planning and managing competing demands and tasks
View the full list of Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) inherent requirements:
Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program
To complete this program, you will need to meet its inherent requirements. These are the non-academic abilities you will need to participate in and complete your studies.
Some inherent requirements for this program include:
- reading and writing skills for understanding and contributing to reports and briefs
- managing your behaviour and emotions to provide safe and competent client care
- time based problem solving, planning and managing competing demands and tasks
View the full list of Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) inherent requirements:
Who are they for?
Inherent requirements apply to every applicant and may be worth considering if you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition.
Why do you need to know?
By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, and the non-academic abilities you may need in this program, you can:
- understand more about the program
- determine if you may need support during your studies
- make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you.
What support is available?
If there are any activities that may be difficult for you to undertake, please discuss this with RMIT program staff or Equitable Learning Services (ELS).
If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we may be able to support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.
To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with ELS.
Pathways
Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry.
Depending on the course, this may include completing a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree or undertaking recognised professional experience.
For more information, use our Pathways finder or contact Info Corner to discuss your options.
Credit and recognition of prior learning
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience. Find out if you might be eligible.
Fees
2020 indicative fees
In 2020, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,684 to AU$11,155*.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$308 maximum fee for 2020.
- Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Annual fee adjustment
Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Defer your payment
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available. In 2020, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,684 to AU$11,155.
In a CSP, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the Australian Government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of the courses in which you enrol, not the overall program.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
Courses (subjects) fall into one of three bands. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2020
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2020 |
Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing |
$6,684 per standard year $835 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture |
$9,527 per standard year |
|
$11,155 per standard year |
HECS-HELP Loans
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.
SA-HELP Loans
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your HECS-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to the full amount of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You will only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying).
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2020 is $308.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your degree, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
The annual tuition fee for 2020 is AU$27,840.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2020 commencement is AU$86,400.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.