Bachelor of Primary Education (Honours)

at University of South Australia - Magill Campus Australia

South Australia’s only cognitive neuroscience honours degree integrates biology and psychology, offering a unique opportunity for you to explore the neural underpinnings of human cognition and behaviour.

State-of-the-art learning facilities, including a cognitive neuroscience laboratory, Psychology Clinic and sleep and chronobiology laboratory, offer the opportunity for you to learn in a real-world environment. This practical learning environment will see you graduate with hands-on, practical skills and knowledge.

What you'll learn

Explore brain function and how it is impacted by social and developmental factors with this unique degree that combines biology and psychology. Core psychology courses, along with courses in cognitive neuroscience, anatomy and physiology, will make up the content during your first three years of study.

Many of these courses include a practical component. Research studies are also a key focus. During your third year you will also select from a number of psychology-specific professional development courses, which will complement 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 Assessment

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

This diploma is designed to complement your undergraduate qualification, increase your language skills in English, enhance employment opportunities, and ensure you have the global skills and understanding needed in today’s job market.

What you'll learn

You will undertake an in-depth study of the English Language (for domestic and international students with English as a home or additional language). This diploma develops your proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing in English, your understanding of the related culture and society, and offers experience in applying these in real-world situations.

As a student studying the Sociology major you will investigate cultural, social and political trends and attain much sought-after skills in critical and creative thinking.

You will:

• Understand the complexities of contemporary social life, addressing social problems and examining issues of ethnicity, globalisation, popular culture and social movements
• Have developed both critical and creative thinking capabilities in order to identify trends, structures and social issues that emerge from cultural, political and economic change.
• Be able to undertake systematic methods of investigation and analysis of societal structures within professional contexts in order to contribute effectively to local, national and international initiatives.

What you'll Learn

This degree will explore social life, social change and social problems. You will develop an understanding of the complexities of contemporary social life; addressing social problems and examining issues of ethnicity, globalisation, popular culture and social movements.

You will develop the critical and creative thinking skills to identify trends, structures and social issues that emerge from cultural, political and economic change.

The Bachelor of Arts (Aboriginal Studies) will prepare you to engage thoughtfully with Aboriginal Australians, and will provide you with a broad understanding of issues pertinent to Aboriginal people and communities. You will develop an understanding of the complex interface between Aboriginal knowledges and Western knowledge, perspectives, and practices, and engage in critical dialogues with the many voices and priorities of Aboriginal Peoples and communities.

• Key areas of study include: 
• Aboriginal knowledges and cultures 
• Aboriginal history and colonialism 
• Aboriginal governance structures and nation building 
• Globalisation, national and international trends in relation to Aboriginal Peoples 
• Caring for Country and its role in Aboriginal heritage issues. 

This degree will give you the knowledge and skills to think critically about the various issues impacting Indigenous communities locally, nationally, and globally, and will enable you to engage thoughtfully with Aboriginal communities and contribute to ethical and professional practice.

What you Learn
You will engage in analysis, discussion and debate around key issues that are of significance to Aboriginal peoples and international Indigenous Peoples, such as language revitalisation, Aboriginal nation building and the broader pursuit of self-determination, social and economic development, and social justice.

You will build interdisciplinary knowledge, community leadership skills and cultural awareness, graduating with the skills necessary to succeed in the rapidly changing global workplace.

You will be given the opportunity to study two majors, ensuring you graduate with advanced skills and knowledge that will set you apart from your competitors in the workplace.?You can choose a second major from the following:

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

What you'll learn

The key focus of the Honours degree is research and the production of a pure thesis or artefact-and-exegesis at the end of your studies. Your research could be based on one of the following subject areas:

• Australian Indigenous knowledge and Australian studies
• International relations, politics, peace and security studies, Asian studies, and international risk
• Applied linguistics and language studies
• Sociology, social work and social studies
• Communication, media and cultural studies, and public relations
• Professional and creative communication, including creative writing
• Literary studies
• Journalism, professional and technical writing
• Digital media studies
• Film and television production, screen studies and performing arts

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

Fast-track your communication career and gain a bachelor and master qualification in just four years with our 3 + 1 Pathway to Master of Communication package. This unique offering allows you to elevate your career prospects by completing two industry-informed qualifications that have been developed to meet the fast-changing needs of the communication and media industries.

This package provides you with an opportunity to study a three-year bachelor degree and a one-year master degree (typically two years) in four years by substituting four undergraduate courses for selected postgraduate courses in the third year of your bachelor degree.

As part of this packaged program, you will:

• Major in Communication and Media covering strategic communication, media management, public relations, social media, advertising, and professional communication
• Select a sub-major in areas including applied linguistics, digital media, film and television, journalism, languages, marketing or social media
• Study courses in areas such as campaigns and crises; digital design; communication, media and creative industries; and digital entrepreneurship
• Undertake an industry-supervised project in your final year
• Study industry-informed degrees, which are adaptable and agile changing to the needs and demands of industry.

During your studies you will develop an advanced understanding of communication strategies and theories, and graduate with the capabilities to be a successful leader and decision-maker in any communication setting, across a diverse range of industries. 

What you'll learn

Your undergraduate degree will start with core courses in communication, where you will create, develop and deliver communication strategies for traditional and online media. You will also develop writing skills for a range of platforms, including traditional media, social media and digital platforms.

You will:

• Learn how to manage media and public relations in contemporary society, including the analytical thinking required for strategic planning and communication management 
• Study emerging trends within the communications industry, along with media law and ethics
• Major in Communication and Media covering strategic communication, media management, public relations, social media, advertising, and professional communication
• Select a sub-major in areas including digital media, film and television, journalism, linguistics, marketing or social media
• Undertake an industry internship in your third year
• Study courses in areas such as campaigns and crises; digital design; communication, media and creative industries; and digital entrepreneurship
• Undertake an industry-supervised project or research thesis in the final year of your masters degree.

Through your postgraduate studies, you’ll build your professional skills in social and digital media management, public relations and strategic communication. You’ll also:

• Develop your knowledge of the social and political aspects of communication underpinned by advanced research methods and planning skills
• Explore topics including digital design and strategic communication in campaigns and crises
• Develop your knowledge of the social and political aspects of communication underpinned by advanced research methods and planning skills
• Study in a workshop-based environment with connections to industry partners, real-world projects, and placement and networking opportunities

As a student studying the Applied Linguistics major you will gain an in-depth understanding of human language and learn how language shapes human experience, through the integration of theoretical and applied perspectives, with a strong practical, community and industry focus.

You will:

• Explore the ways in which language is fundamental to human understanding, communication and cultures.
• Gain expertise in the applications of linguistics to contemporary issues and professional concerns.
• Use your high-level linguistic, analytical, research and problem-solving skills as global professionals in a world of linguistic and cultural diversity.

What you'll learn

Under the guidance of world-class researchers1 you will embark on an in-depth study of the nature of human language. You will focus on:

• Developing an in-depth understanding of human language, and how languages and cultures shape communication, identities and learning in the contemporary world.
• Exploring what is fundamental to human understanding, communication and culture.
• Using your high-level linguistic, analytical, research and problem solving skills as global professionals in a world of linguistic and cultural diversity.

This industry-relevant postgraduate qualification is for students who have already completed a three-year bachelor degree and would like to increase their employment prospects with an early childhood qualification.

The curriculum is practical in nature and is solely focused on the education of children from birth to eight years of age. Practical learning is a major component and you will complete four supervised placements in childcare, preschool/kindergarten and junior primary schools, totalling 80 days.

What you'll learn

This degree has been designed to develop skilled, committed and flexible early childhood educators.

The focus is on practical learning, particularly relating to the principles and concepts relevant to early childhood development and learning. You will focus on four major areas:

• Child development
• Curriculum studies
• Professional experience
• Education studies