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Bachelor of Social Science – Behavioural Studies
If you’re curious about the human mind and want to create positive outcomes for people across different settings, this course is for you.
Undergraduate
Qualification
3 years full-time
Duration
Mar, Jul, Nov
Start Date
24
Units
100% Online
Learning Mode
$2,124*
Fee Per Unit
‘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
23.2% ▴
Becoming a Mental Health Support Worker is not only rewarding, it’s an important role in our community, with jobs openings expected to increase by 23.2% over the next five years.
Our Social Sciences courses have ranked in the Top 250 by the QS Top Universities Rankings for 2025.
Our Social Sciences courses have ranked in the Top 250 by the QS Top Universities Rankings for 2025.
Are you fascinated by why people behave the way they do?
The Bachelor of Social Science with a Major in Behavioural Studies will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of psychological theories to give you a deeper understanding of human behaviour.
Taught by experts with experience in therapy, counselling or psychology, you’ll develop a skillset which is highly valued in the field of counselling, social work, support work and more. Throughout the course, you’ll complete activities designed to prepare you for the workplace, such as creating behavioural interventions which are based on psychological frameworks. This will prepare you for a meaningful career where your knowledge will enhance people’s lives.
In addition, you’ll have the freedom to choose half of your degree by selecting electives based on your passions. Graduates who complete this course go on to work in many exciting fields, including research, behaviour support work, behaviour therapy, human resources, youth work, mental health support and more. Wherever this course takes you, your knowledge of human behaviour will open doors for you both personally and professionally.
What will you learn?
- Fundamentals of Psychology: How do our minds function? Learn about intelligence, emotions, personalities and other aspects of human behaviour from a psychological perspective.
- Core Human Characteristics: Understand the essence of human strengths and virtues and unpack how these influence behavioural patterns.
- Develop 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.
- Sociological Foundations: 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.
Want more information?
Fill in your details to receive detailed information regarding:
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Career and industry pathways
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Course information
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How online study works
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Information about course fees and how to apply
Flexible study
Flexible study
What does flexible study mean for me?
Studying at Swinburne Online gives you the freedom to study how it suits you. Learn when and where it fits in with your life and tailor your study journey to your own needs without giving up what’s important.
Flexible study at Swinburne Online
Personalised study journey
Set a study pace that work with what’s going on in your life. If you’re unsure about how much you can commit to, we can offer part-time options and the option of increasing your unit load as your progress. Interested in fast-tracking your studies? You also have the opportunity to complete up to 12 units per year.
Fit study around your life
You don’t have to put your life on hold to study. Prioritise what matters to you and fit study around family, work and personal commitments through a course that is flexibly designed for online learners.
Multiple intakes
Start when it suits. Swinburne Online offers multiple intake dates and flexible unit availability, so you can choose when you begin your studies or if you need to take a break.
7 day support
Flexible study requires flexible support. As a Swinburne Online student, you’ll have support for extended hours, 7 days a week, with Student Advisors available to help with any queries, and dedicated online tutors in each of your units.
Structure
Structure
Your course structure
The Bachelor of Social Science – Behavioural Studies consists of 24 units, including four core social science units, seven Behavioural Studies major units (one of these being a double unit) and 12 electives.
Why study a degree in Behavioural Studies with Swinburne Online? Our courses are at the forefront of industry and provide you with the practical skills to success come graduation. Get a taste through the course highlight below, or view all units in this bachelor’s degree.
View All UnitsHow you'll learn
How you'll learn
Learning designed for online
Your study journey with Swinburne Online is tailored to the digital space. You’ll study in a dynamic virtual classroom environment and interact with your peers in the custom-built social platform. You will also receive support at the times you need it from advisors who understand studying online.
Online classroom
You’ll complete each of your units in Canvas, your online classroom, and guided through coursework by an online tutor with real-world experience in your field of study. Canvas is where you’ll access classes, assignments and discussion boards with your peers.
Online campus
The Student Hub is your online campus, where you’ll access the support and resources to assist you throughout your study journey. From managing your course to technical support and library resources, you’ll find it all in one easy location.
Tailored support
Swinburne Online will be there for you each step of the way. From enrolment through to graduation, we offer extended, flexible support in each of your units and advisors to assist with any queries.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
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.
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
VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 25 in any English (except EAL) or 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent. Minimum ATAR requirements may apply.
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee offer of a place. See Admissions at Swinburne, for general information about admission process.
Credit arrangements
Credit transfer
Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Speak to a Course Consultant about applying for credit.
Applicants who have completed a Diploma in a related discipline may be eligible for credit of up to 8 units; the equivalent of a third of the course. 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 of up to 16 units.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Speak to a Course Consultant about applying for RPL.
Diploma entry pathways
Pathways allow students to progress from one qualification to another where the first course is recognised as an entry requirement and provides advanced standing to the second.
Credit available may vary depending on the major selected within any given degree but in most instances you may receive up to 8 unit credits.
Our Course Consultants will step you through the process of entry and credit using previous study.
Fees
Fees
The estimated fee per unit for this course is $2,124*.
There are 24 units in total, with 12.5 credit points per units.
*Unit fees are subject to change annually.
Commonwealth provided loans are available to assist eligible students to pay their course fees and there are a range of university, government and privately funded scholarships and prizes.
Discover more information about HELP loans.
Course fees will be affected by a student’s unit selection and any credit awarded in recognition of previous academic experience.
This course is offered to domestic and offshore international students. Depending on your citizenship, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place.
Domestic students also contribute to student services and amenities via an annual fee.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for both commencing and current students. You may be eligible for Swinburne Scholarships.
Career Outcomes
Career Outcomes
Launch a career you’re passionate about
The Bachelor of Social Science with a major in Behavioural Studies prioritises your readiness to succeed come graduation through industry connections embedded in your degree:
- Professional Teaching: You will be taught by professionals with clinical experience in therapy, counselling or psychology. Learn from experts with practical, real-world experience who are ready to share their knowledge with you.
- Networking: Develop professional connections with your peers as you collaborate on projects and learn industry level skills.
- Positive Psychology Skills: Become equipped with professionally backed intervention skills and gain practical knowledge in psychology to apply in your future career.
Mental Health Support Worker
Become an essential part of the mental health support network and specialise in assisting people with a variety of complex needs.
Well-being Officer
Help to foster positive environments in corporate offices, a job which is vitally important to large organisations.
Youth and Welfare Services Worker
Provide crucial support to young people who face challenges and may require counselling or help accessing shelter, food or clothing.
Human Resources Administrator
Support the Human Resources manager and launch your career in the HR sector. You’ll help with employment contracts, corporate well-being and employee relations.
Case Manager
Work with clients to solve complex problems in their lives. You’ll be a key contact in linking clients with essential support services and help to enhance their quality of life.
Testimonial
‘This course will benefit you in any situation you’re around people. I use the things I learned from positive psychology day in and day out as I now work for a mental health support line. What really impressed me was the real-world knowledge the staff share with you; it hasn’t just come from a book. At Swinburne Online you learn from professionals who have sat down with real people, just like me.’
Justin
Swinburne Online graduate
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FAQs
What are other students asking?
Q.
Do I need to be logged on to study at specific times?
A.
You won’t normally have to be online at a specific time. Your course material is available for you from the beginning of each teaching period and you can work through it in the hours that suit you.
There are some live webinar sessions that run approximately once a month. These are a special opportunity for students to sign in at the same time as their tutors, normally before an assessment deadline. It gives you the chance to ask any questions relating to the assignment in real time and hear other student’s questions and thoughts. We understand that students won’t always be able to make these sessions, so they can be replayed the next day.
Q.
Do I have to purchase learning materials?
A.
For students undertaking a degree, most of your learning materials are included with a free license provided to you by Swinburne Online. However, in some cases, you will be notified via your student email that you will need to buy specific software or eTexts. For TAFE Business students, all of your learning materials will be available online and are covered by your course fees. You won’t need to purchase any further materials.
Q.
How does online study work?
A.
You can undertake our courses from anywhere with an internet connection, including the comfort of your own home during social isolation.
Swinburne Online takes domestic students for both degrees and TAFE diplomas from anywhere in Australia. International students are also accepted for our degrees, although some differences to their payment processes will apply.
You won’t normally have to be online at a specific time. Your course material is available for you from the beginning of each teaching period and you can work through it in the hours that suit you.
There are some live webinar sessions that run approximately once a month. These are a special opportunity for students to sign in at the same time as their tutors, normally before an assessment deadline. It gives you the chance to ask any questions relating to the assignment in real time and hear other student’s questions and thoughts. We understand that students won’t always be able to make these sessions, so they can be replayed the next day.