Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Duration
Full-time 3 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February, July
Entry score
ATAR 80.40
Duration
Full-time 3 years Location
Melbourne City Fees
AU$26,880 (2019 annual)
Next intake
February, July
Overview
Psychology is a science that provides powerful tools and methods for exploring human experience and behaviour.
Psychologists work to assess, diagnose and treat or prevent problems, experienced by people.
Psychologist's work varies. Some 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 program 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
- educational 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 programs recognised by the Australian Psychological Society.
Find out more about becoming a psychologist.
This program is also available as a double degree; Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)/Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology).
Details
This program 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
- 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
- class facilitation mini-conference-style presentations, including taking questions.
All programs are delivered in English.
The field education component in this program 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 courses, 9 social science courses 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 courses. You'll also begin using electives to develop areas of specialisation.
Year 3
You'll cover advanced psychology courses 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 program 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 program 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 program 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
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments).
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.
RMIT admits students from a range of educational pathways, including Year 12 results, previous higher education or vocational education study, work experience, and for some programs - interviews, auditions or portfolios.
Gain a better understanding of the Admission criteria for this program by viewing RMIT’s Admission information.
The highest level of education you have previously completed will determine which category applies to you.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., ATAR or GPA (including any adjustments).
Applicants with recent secondary education (current or within the past two years)
Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent in 2016, 2017 or 2018. If applicable, this includes equity access schemes and any other adjustment factors.
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary access and participation of eligible students from SNAP partner schools.
Applicants with Vocational Education and Training study
Satisfactory completion of an Australian Certificate IV or above (or equivalent).
Applicants with Higher Education study
Satisfactory completion of at least two courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level (or overseas equivalent).
Applicants with Work and Life Experience
Successful completion of an Australian senior secondary certificate of education (Year 12) or overseas equivalent.
Prerequisites: VCE Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL (or equivalent) or achieve an overall score of at least 155 in the STAT multiple choice.
If you were not studying year 12 in 2018 you should 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
Applicants who do not submit a personal statement will be considered on the basis of academic achievement e.g. ATAR.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Indigenous Access Program will support your application into RMIT programs through an informal interview process with support from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Your relevant life, work, educational and training experience as preparation for study, in addition to any formal qualifications, are all considered.
Elite Athlete Program
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program (REAP) supports elite athlete and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence.
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.
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.
Statement: If you have completed an Australian Year 12 or equivalent senior secondary school studies, or RMIT Foundation Studies program more than 12 months ago, you must include with your application a statement outlining your reasons for wanting to study the program and include details of any relevant work or other experience.
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 (Paper Based Test): minimum score of 580 (TWE 4.5)
- 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 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:
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
Fees
In 2019, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958*.
* 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.
Additional expenses
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$303 maximum fee for 2019.
Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
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.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available. In 2019, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958.
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 2019
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2019 |
Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing |
$6,566 per standard year |
Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture |
$9,359 per standard year |
|
$10,958 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 2019 is $303.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
The annual tuition fee for 2019 is AU$26,880.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2019 commencement is AU$83,520.
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.