Expand your mind by studying human behaviour
Gain a unique insight into human nature that will take you further in any career, with the Bachelor of Social Studies majoring in Behavioural Studies.
During this degree you’ll learn how to analyse the behaviour, relationships and motivations of people around you. You can apply these skills in a variety of work environments, such as family counselling, social work or human resources.
This course is not accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council. As this course does not provide an accredited pathway towards registration as a psychologist in Australia, students with a specific interest in becoming a psychologist should view the APAC accredited Bachelor of Psychological Science.
Career opportunities
Counselling Supporter
Provide guidance and support on personal or psychological problems.
Child Protection Officer
Create a protective, safe and supportive environment for children.
Community Worker
Support members of the community who need assistance to manage the challenges of everyday life.
Human Resources Officer
Help nurture and develop highly productive and supportive work environments.
Learning at Swinburne Online
An industry-recognised qualification
The Bachelor of Social Science with a Major in Behavioural Studies is an accredited degree from a university ranked among the top 3% in the world. Taught by leading academics, this course has been designed to give you the skills employers are looking for. You will graduate with the same degree as on-campus students, which will open doors to opportunities both here and overseas.
A community of critical thinkers
At Swinburne Online, you will join a supportive online community of like-minded psychology students. Like you, each person will bring a unique perspective to discussions and classes, where you will work with others on a range of activities and real-life case studies. Our students support each other throughout their degree, offering a pool of advice, ideas and encouragement. You’ll also collaborate with experienced professionals, and form valuable networks with those working in the industry.
A unique learning experience
You shouldn’t have to put your life on hold to study, so we have created a degree that can fit around it. You’ll learn in an interactive environment with other like-minded students. Here you will conduct research, practice both critical and reflective thinking, and analyse real situations with others. Our study groups and discussion boards allow you to share your ideas at any time of the day or night.
What you will learn
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Personality
Learn about the major approaches psychologists use to understand personality.
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Social Psychology
Explain and predict people’s behaviour in social situations.
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Development
Understand the processes involved in psychological growth and how people change with age.
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Psychological Disorders
Explore different psychological abnormalities and disorders.
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Cognition
Examine cognitive processes, including perception, attention, memory and learning.
Support and assistance
Everyone has questions from time to time. That’s why we have a dedicated team of tutors and support staff on-call to help you, seven days a week. So whether you need help with an assignment or have a technical issue, there’s always someone you can talk to.
Course units
- COM10003 Learning and Communicating Online
- POL10001 Australian Politics
- PSY10003 Psychology 100
- PSY10004 Psychology 101
- PSY10005 Introduction to Research Methods
- PSY20001: Introduction to Theories of Counselling
- PSY20008: Psychology of Infancy and Early Childhood
- PSY30011: Psychology of Wellbeing (Double unit)
- PSY30014: Applied Social Psychology
- SOC10004: Sociological Foundations
- SOC20020 Deviance Difference & Conformity
- Electives 12 elective units
Entry criteria
Non-Year 12 entry
Completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees and degrees). Additional performance criteria and prerequisite requirements may also apply.
Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit.
Applicants without a formal qualification but with significant and relevant work experience and appropriate English language skills, or a suitable Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) result, will be considered if they can demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success. Read our Applying and Enrolling FAQs
The University may determine selection criteria and restrictions in respect of courses to apply in addition to these entry requirements.
Year 12 entry
Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification.
VCE Pre-requisites
- Applicants must meet the associated minimum ATAR score
- Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
The full Course Information Set and Whole of Institution Set are available for reference.
