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Bachelor of Social Science – Behavioural Studies

Understand why people do what they do and build a career helping them.

  • Analyse human behaviour from groups to individuals
  • Evaluate and learn to solve behavioural and social challenges
  • Critically analyse and apply sociological concepts to real-world issues
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100% Online

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Undergraduate

Qualification

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3 years full-time

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Mar, Jul, Nov

Start Dates

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23

Units

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$2,174*

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OVERVIEW

What is the Bachelor of Social Science – Behavioural Studies?

The Bachelor of Social Science with a major in Behavioural Studies with Swinburne Online is an undergraduate degree that gives you a practical understanding of why people think, act, and respond the way they do.

Taught by experts with experience in therapy, counselling, or psychology, you’ll learn to interpret human behaviour using insights from behavioural science and sociology.

This course is designed for people who want to support others and make a positive impact through careers in research, youth work, mental health support, and other people-focused fields.

How you’ll study

  • The Bachelor of Social Science – Behavioural Studies runs across three Teaching Periods per year.
  • Expected study load is between 8-10 hours per week per unit.
  • Set your own study pace by taking one or more units per Teaching Period.
  • Learning is delivered through interactive materials, including videos, quizzes, podcasts, diagrams, and written content.
  • 24/7 access to your online classroom, discussion boards, and learning content.

Course highlights

  • Psychological Fundamentals: How do our minds function? Learn about intelligence, emotions, personalities, and other aspects of human behaviour from a psychological perspective.
  • Core Human Characteristics: Explore what drives people’s choices, from their strengths and values to the decisions they make every day.
  • Applying Intervention Strategies: Learn how social and positive psychology can be used to create meaningful interventions which could be applied in a range of professional settings such as support work.
  • Making Sense of Society: Develop a new way of seeing the world around you. Learn key sociological concepts which give insight into how social structures shape people in a contemporary world.
Corey-BW

‘The online flexibility has been a game changer for me. I have no idea where I would be without the ability to study when and how I need to. I have taken my work interstate, overseas, anywhere you can think of.’

Corey, Swinburne Online graduate

5 Stars

Our Social Sciences courses have received a five-star rating for learner engagement and teaching quality, both first nationally, by Good Universities Guide 2026.

THE_World-University-Rankings

Our Social Sciences courses have ranked in the Top 300 by the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026.

‘The online flexibility has been a game changer for me. I have no idea where I would be without the ability to study when and how I need to. I have taken my work interstate, overseas, anywhere you can think of.’

Corey, Swinburne Online graduate

5 Stars

Our Social Sciences courses have received a five-star rating for learner engagement and teaching quality, both first nationally, by Good Universities Guide 2026.

Our Social Sciences courses have ranked in the Top 300 by the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026.

THE_World-University-Rankings

Swinburne Online

Your pathway to the career of your dreams

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Structure

Your course breakdown:

To be awarded the Bachelor of Social Science with a major in Behavioural Studies you must complete 23 units in total made up of:

  • 3 Core Units
  • 1 Core Unit Option
  • 7 Behavioural Studies Major Units
  • 12 Elective Units

Each year is split into three Teaching Periods. You can choose to study full-time or part-time depending on your preference.

What you'll study:

Your core units provide an essential foundation for studying Social Science.

Learning and Communicating Online

Sociological Foundations

Introduction to Research Methods

You must complete one (1) of the following units:

Australian Politics

Connecting with Culture: Indigenous Australian Experiences

Brain and Behaviour

Fundamentals of Psychology

Crime, Deviance, and Conformity

Theories of Counselling

Psychology of Infancy and Early Childhood

Applied Social Psychology

Psychology of Well-Being (Double unit)

Complete twelve (12) electives to round out your degree. Tailor your course to suit your strengths, interests, and career goals by choosing elective units. View our list of available Electives.  

Here’s what our Swinburne Online academic staff recommend for this course:
 

Fundamentals of Criminology

Youth Justice and Crime

Policing: Systems and Practice

Introduction to Forensic Psychology

Entry Requirements

Entry Criteria

Applicants are required to meet one of the following minimum entry requirements:

  • A completed or partially completed tertiary qualification (e.g. relevant Certificate IVs, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree, incomplete or complete Bachelor’s degree); or
  • 4+ years of relevant work experience; or
  • Recent Year 12 Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or equivalent completion, with the required English study score

Want to discuss your eligibility for the Bachelor of Social Science with a major in Behavioural Science? Get in touch with our Course Consultant team on 1300 069 765 to discuss more today!

Credit for Prior Learning

If you have completed recent prior studies you may be eligible to request course credit or subject exemptions to reduce the duration and cost of your program.

Credit for prior learning evaluates your previous studies related to your chosen subjects.

This is assessed on a case-by-case basis, where every applicant is assessed individually.

To learn more and explore your potential credit for prior learning, get in touch with our Course Consultant team on 1300 069 765 to discuss your options!

Need More Info?

We have plenty of resources to help you! Visit our Applying and Enrolling FAQs or chat with a Course Consultant for advice on your specific situation.

Fees & Scholarships

Estimated Fee Per Unit
  • The estimated fee per unit is $2,174*.
  • There are 23 units in this course; 22 units are worth 12.5 credit points and one double-point unit worth 25 credit points.

*Note: Unit fees may change each year.

There are several ways to help manage your course fees:

  • Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP): Available to Australian Citizens and eligible Permanent Residents, and this will help reduce your course fees.
  • HECS-HELP Loans: Available to Australian Citizens, which will help you defer your fees.
  • Learn more about HELP Loans

Please contact our Course Consultants to find out if you’re eligible for financial support.

There are a variety of Swinburne Scholarships to help reduce your costs.

  • University-funded scholarships
  • Government-funded scholarships
  • Private scholarships and prizes

Scholarships are available for both new and current students.

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student Scholarships

There is a range of scholarships available to support Indigenous students in minimising the costs of study materials, accommodation, relocation and more.

How it works:
1. Check eligibility
2. Gather the relevant documentation
3. Produce a personal statement
4. Obtain your references
5. Apply online here

Please contact our Course Consultants to find out if you’re eligible for Swinburne Scholarships.

Credit for prior study:

  • Good news — if you’re awarded academic credit for prior study, your course fees could be lower! This means a cheaper degree!

Services & amenities fee:

For more details on scholarships and financial support, speak with our Course Consultant team today!

Career Outcomes

Career opportunities with a Bachelor of Social Science – Behavioural Studies

A Bachelor of Social Science with a major in Behavioural Studies can create employment opportunities in mental health, disability support, youth services, community work, well-being, and human resources. According to SEEK (2026), some of the most in-demand roles (and what they pay) include:

$95,000 to $105,000 Average Salary

Work with people with disability to improve quality of life and well-being. Assess behavioural needs, develop and implement behaviour support plans, and provide guidance to care teams.

Work with people with disability to improve quality of life and well-being. Assess behavioural needs, develop and implement behaviour support plans, and provide guidance to care teams.

$70,000 to $90,000 Average Salary

Help individuals modify or change their behaviours to improve their overall well-being and quality of life. Behaviour therapists work with clients of all ages and backgrounds, addressing a wide range of behavioural issues through various therapeutic approaches.

Help individuals modify or change their behaviours to improve their overall well-being and quality of life. Behaviour therapists work with clients of all ages and backgrounds, addressing a wide range of behavioural issues through various therapeutic approaches.

$70,000 to $80,000 Average Salary

Mental health support workers also provide emotional, practical, and psychosocial support to individuals living with mental illness, aiding their recovery and independence.

Mental health support workers also provide emotional, practical, and psychosocial support to individuals living with mental illness, aiding their recovery and independence.

$65,000 to $85,000 Average Salary

Focus on promoting and maintaining the health and well-being of individuals within an organisation or community. Provide support and guidance to individuals, identify and address potential issues, and ensure a safe and healthy environment.

Focus on promoting and maintaining the health and well-being of individuals within an organisation or community. Provide support and guidance to individuals, identify and address potential issues, and ensure a safe and healthy environment.

$75,000 to $85,000 Average Salary

Assist young people with various challenges, including social, emotional, and financial difficulties. This role involves developing programs, monitoring progress, and establishing relationships with various stakeholders like schools and community organisations.

Assist young people with various challenges, including social, emotional, and financial difficulties. This role involves developing programs, monitoring progress, and establishing relationships with various stakeholders like schools and community organisations.

$90,000 to $105,000 Average Salary

Support employees and managers across the employee lifecycle, from recruitment and onboarding to performance and development. People and culture advisors help foster positive workplace experiences and provide guidance on HR policies, procedures and employee relations.

Support employees and managers across the employee lifecycle, from recruitment and onboarding to performance and development. People and culture advisors help foster positive workplace experiences and provide guidance on HR policies, procedures and employee relations.

$85,000 to $95,000 Average Salary

Case managers work to support individuals and families; they coordinate and oversee the overall care plan for individuals, often in more complex situations.

Case managers work to support individuals and families; they coordinate and oversee the overall care plan for individuals, often in more complex situations.

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Behavioural Studies vs Psychological Sciences: Which degree is right for you?

If you’re interested in studying human behaviour, both Behavioural Studies and Psychological Sciences can provide a strong foundation. While the degrees share some common themes, they differ in their focus, learning approach and potential career pathways. Use the comparison below to explore which option best aligns with your interests and goals. 

What is the main focus of each degree?

  • Behavioural Studies: Understanding and applying human behaviour in real-world settings. 
  • Psychological Sciences: Understanding the science of behaviour and mental processes. 

What will I learn?

  • Behavioural Studies: Behaviour change, counselling concepts, well-being, infant development and applied psychology. 
  • Psychological Sciences: Psychological theory, research design, data analysis and scientific approaches to behaviour. 

How does this degree approach human behaviour?

  • Behavioural Studies: More applied and practice-focused. 
  • Psychological Sciences: More research and evidence-focused. 

What are the typical career pathways?

  • Behavioural Studies: Community services, well-being programs, behavioural insights, people and culture, program coordination and support roles. 
  • Psychological Sciences: Psychology-related pathways, research roles and further psychology study. 

Online Study

What’s it like to study with Swinburne Online?

Each degree is thoughtfully designed for online learning, ensuring your experience is fulfilling and supported. At Swinburne Online, we want to ensure that your journey with us is a success. Our team of academic and online experts have developed engaging, media-rich course materials using cutting-edge digital technology and advanced teaching resources.

Your online study journey

 

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Here’s what you can expect

  • Personalise your study journey with full-time or part-time options — 100% online, no travel needed
  • Start when it suits you with multiple intake dates
  • Study on your terms, balancing life, family, and work — anytime, anywhere
  • Stay connected with students and industry experts through discussion boards and virtual classrooms
  • Get support 7 days a week for general help whenever you need it
  • Learn with confidence with dedicated online tutors for each unit, ready to answer all your academic questions

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Your online classroom: Canvas

What you’ll use Canvas for:

  • Explore all your units and modules
  • Watch learning sessions in your own time
  • Participate in group discussions and communicate with tutors and classmates
  • Receive assessments and feedback
  • Track your study progress
  • Log in on your desktop or mobile

FLEXIBLE STUDY AT SWINBURNE ONLINE

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Your online campus: The Student Hub

Think of the Student Hub as your online campus, where you will be able to:

  • Manage your enrolment and university administration services
  • Keep up with your fees, key course dates, and study information
  • Access library and technical support
  • Access student support such as: Study Buddies, HelpHub, study planners, and more
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Dedicated student support at Swinburne Online

You are supported at every stage of your journey with Swinburne Online.

You’ll have access to:

  • Student Advisors – to help plan your course, enrol you in units and assist with other general enquiries you may have
  • Online Learning Advisors – to support you with unit content, assessments and referencing
  • Student Coaches – who can advise you on best practice study habits, motivation, and time management
  • Study Buddies – connects you with peers to collaborate on coursework, share knowledge and stay motivated
  • 7‑day support – to assist you at any time

Indigenous Student Services

If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student, you can access dedicated support through Swinburne’s Moondani Toombadool Centre. Moondani Toombadool means ‘embracing teaching and learning’ in the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri People! 

Support available includes: 

  • Dedicated student support services 
  • Indigenous Academic Support Program (IASP) 
  • Cultural and engagement programs 
  • Networking opportunities, career support and much more 

Learn more about the Moondani Toombadool Centre.

Learn more about units, fees, entry criteria, career outcomes and more.

Download a course guide

The Swinburne Online-SEEK connection

The Swinburne Online-SEEK connection

The suite of Swinburne Online Business degrees provides students with the opportunity to forge connections within the industry. Students hear from industry leaders and work with real-life clients with demonstrated experience within their respective fields, such as SEEK.