Bachelor of Communication and Media

at University of South Australia - Magill Campus Australia

This degree will provide you with an understanding of psychological theory; psychology research methods; critical and analytical thinking; and counselling and interpersonal skills.

As an honours student you will focus on research methodologies and you will graduate with the ability to design, conduct and evaluate research. UniSA has been ranked number one in South Australia for psychology research1, and as part of your studies you will graduate with specialised knowledge and skills in this area.

What you'll learn

Core psychology courses, along with an Indigenous studies and professional development course, will make up your first three years of study. During your third year you will also select from a number of psychology-specific professional development courses, complementing the degree’s core content. These courses include:

• Health Psychology
• Work and Organisational Psychology
• Language, Context and Social Behaviour
• Conservation Psychology
• Psychophysiology of Sleep
• Psychological Research Experience

This double degree ensures you have the advanced writing and production skills needed for a career in the journalism industry, as well as the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for a career in creative, professional and technical writing.

What you'll learn

This degree will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to work as a journalist and writer in mainstream, niche and community media, publishing and communication fields. The emphasis on professional writing opens doors to a wide variety of allied professions such as technical writing, tender presentations, and marketing and communication.

You will study historical and contemporary fiction, non-fiction, poetry, autobiographies, essays and plays. As you begin to create your own great classics, you will also learn how different oral and written texts have impacted on cultures around the world. A final year industry internship will further extend your knowledge and training. Under the guidance of skilled academics and researchers, you will:

• develop creative writing skills
• explore how different oral and written texts have impacted on the cultures of the world
• learn how to author and edit written, audio and visual texts within news and non-news environments
• develop the production skills required by news and online media, including filming and editing, problem solving and decision-making
• learn how to use industry-standard hardware and software
• develop analytical and research skills

This degree is flexible and opens up a diverse range of career possibilities. You can start with one major, then upon entry choose a second specialisation from one of the following:

• Aboriginal Studies: Gain an understanding of the past and contemporary experiences of Aboriginal Peoples in Australia and internationally 
• Applied Linguistics: develop an in-depth understanding of human language through the integration of theoretical and applied perspectives, with a strong practical, community and industry focus
• Creative Writing and Literature: combine critical engagement with literary theory in a complementary exploration of creative writing techniques across a range of genres
• Cultural Studies: explore the complex and diverse economic, cultural, social, historical and political legacies that influence modern-day society
• History and Global Politics: explore the patterns and processes that have shaped societies over time and learn to analyse, understand and predict events in our contemporary world
• Languages (French/Italian/Japanese): develop the knowledge and skills to express yourself in a major world language in the context of linguistic and cultural diversity
• Law, Policy and Politics: explore legal systems, international and domestic law, the politics of environmental change and marginalisation in world affairs
• Psychology: develop a broad knowledge of psychological science including psychology, mental health, social services and human resources
• Sociology: develop the skills to identify trends and structures in society as they relate to social problems that emerge from cultural, political and economic change

Investigate the interaction between brain function and human behaviour when you study South Australia’s only cognitive neuroscience degree.

This exciting degree integrates psychology and biology, preparing you for a rewarding and stimulating career in neuropsychology. You will learn the information needed for a career in this specialisation, as well as gain practical experience in our on-campus facilities and dedicated laboratories.

What you'll learn

At the completion of this degree you will have a sound knowledge of psychology, combined with specialist knowledge and research skills in cognitive neuroscience. You will also study a combination of specialist psychology courses, electives and courses from the Cognitive Neuroscience major.

This degree provides a framework for understanding the notions of critical disability studies, ableism, ageism and as well as capacities to support individuals living with disability and utilising support networks to live their optimum life.

You will develop a broad and coherent body of knowledge of human service practice, with in-depth understanding in the underlying principles and concepts of:

• Ethical practice
• Social and emotional development and wellbeing, community engagement and promoting independence
• Policy, legislation and programs to support social value and optimal wellbeing.

In addition to this you will also get practical experience as part of the degree’s field education placement component. This is a valuable learning opportunity where you will build industry networks and further enhance your practical skills. 

This double degree provides a balance of courses in psychology and human services, enabling graduates to enter the workforce with a strong understanding of psychology as it relates to the human services sector.

You will study a range of topics, including:

• Behavioural and social sciences
• Human behaviour
• Critical and analytical skills
• Research and data analysis
• Project management
• Social policy 

This degree provides a balance of courses in psychology theory and counselling – for graduates this means you will enter the workforce with a strong understanding of psychology, as well as the analytical, communication and interpersonal skills needed to work with individuals, groups and communities.

You will study a range of topics, including counselling and interpersonal skills; psychological theory; and specialist psychology courses. You will also be encouraged to engage in research projects and participate in community service activities, and through industry placements in your third year of study you will gain valuable practical experience. Practical learning is a key focus of this degree, it enhances your work-readiness. The value of this study component has been recognised nationally in the form of an award from the Australian Federal Government Office of Teaching and Learning.

What you'll learn

This is a specialised degree that will provide you with a solid understanding of the theory associated with psychology and counselling, as well as critical and analytical thinking skills, data management skills and research skills. You will study a range of courses that cover behavioural research methodologies, cognitive and technical skills and counselling practice.

You will apply your knowledge in a real-world environment when you complete an industry placement during your final year of study.

You will also have the opportunity to further explore specific areas of interest with a series of specialist psychology courses (these courses are subject to student demand and staff availability). The courses include:

• Advanced Research Methods
• Psychophysiology of Sleep
• Health Psychology
• Conservation Psychology
• Language, Context and Social Behaviour
• Work and Organisational Psychology

This degree is flexible and opens up a diverse range of career possibilities. You can start with one major, then upon entry choose a second specialisation from one of the following:

• Aboriginal Studies: Gain an understanding of the past and contemporary experiences of Aboriginal Peoples in Australia and internationally 
• Applied Linguistics: develop an in-depth understanding of human language through the integration of theoretical and applied perspectives, with a strong practical, community and industry focus
• Creative Writing and Literature: combine critical engagement with literary theory in a complementary exploration of creative writing techniques across a range of genres
• Cultural Studies: explore the complex and diverse economic, cultural, social, historical and political legacies that influence modern-day society
• History and Global Politics: explore the patterns and processes that have shaped societies over time and learn to analyse, understand and predict events in our contemporary world
• Languages (French/Italian/Japanese): develop the knowledge and skills to express yourself in a major world language in the context of linguistic and cultural diversity
• Law, Policy and Politics: explore legal systems, international and domestic law, the politics of environmental change and marginalisation in world affairs
• Psychology: develop a broad knowledge of psychological science including psychology, mental health, social services and human resources
• Sociology: develop the skills to identify trends and structures in society as they relate to social problems that emerge from cultural, political and economic change

What you'll Learn

This degree allows you to delve into two distinct yet complementary disciplines when you study a double major. You will develop in-depth knowledge in your chosen specialisations, enhancing your critical thinking, research capabilities and problem-solving skills. You will also graduate with writing, presentation, digital, and communication skills that can be transferred across a range of roles and are highly regarded by prospective employers. Under the guidance of world-class researchers1, you will choose two majors from the following:

• Aboriginal Studies
• Applied Linguistics
• Cultural Studies
• Creative Writing and Literature
• History and Global Politics
• Languages (French/Italian/Japanese)
• Law, Policy and Politics
• Psychology
• Sociology

As a student studying the History and Global Politics major you will develop an in-depth understanding of the patterns and processes that have shaped our societies over time and help you analyse and predict events in our contemporary world.

Key areas of study include:

• The politics of environmental change in Australia and Asia
• Framing global politics through film and documentaries
• Global politics and development
• World history trends
• Global power in the Indo-Pacific region
• Marginalisation in world affairs

What you'll learn

The History and Global Politics major will highlight the patterns and processes that have shaped our societies over time and help you to analyse and predict events in our contemporary world.

This unique double degree will prepare you to work as a human services professional and develop services and support for individuals and communities that experience disadvantage, personal and social difficulties.

The human services field is a rapidly growing sector of the Australian economy and an emerging area of global focus. Employers, both in Australia and internationally, are increasingly seeking skilled human service practitioners who are culturally and linguistically diverse. Graduates with a strong grasp of professional English, social policy skills, intercultural communication skills and proficiency in a second language are in high demand.

You will graduate with skills in research, policy and project management, tailored to your area of interest based on your choice of Arts majors, choosing from Languages (English Language; French, Italian or Japanese Studies); Sociology; or Linguistics. Through 560 hours of supervised work placement you will be ready to work in a wide range of jobs in human services and community development.

Language students will also be given the opportunity to immerse themselves in their chosen language and culture through our exchange and in-country study programs.

What you'll learn

You will develop the skills, knowledge and intercultural expertise to support individuals, families, groups and communities both locally and internationally in the community aid and humanitarian sector.

You will also gain diverse knowledge in political, behavioural and social sciences, all within the context of human services. To complement your studies in Human Services, you will complete two Arts majors, choosing from Languages (English Language; French, Italian or Japanese Studies); Sociology; or Linguistics.