Bachelor of Psychology in Counselling and Interpersonal Skills

at University of South Australia - Magill Campus Australia

Graduates of this degree (the only one of its kind in South Australia) are qualified to work as journalists in any medium, across any platform, and in media organisation newsrooms, local community news sites, niche and community media, and as freelance/entrepreneurial journalists. They are also well qualified to work across communication fields. An emphasis on professional writing opens doors to a wide variety of allied professions, such as technical writing, tender presentations, and marketing and communication.

You can explore journalistic areas of interest such as:

• Science, space and technology
• Data and investigative journalism
• Governments and politics
• International relations
• Economy, business and finance
• Social and legal justice, and inclusion
• Travel writing
• Culture and arts journalism
• Environment and sustainability
• Sports journalism.

The English Language major will equip you with communicative proficiency and intercultural expertise to work in local and global contexts.

You will:

• Develop advanced level English skills to equip you as a career-ready professional
• Gain intercultural expertise to work internationally in a wide range of contexts
• Develop research and project management skills to help you pursue honours, research or postgraduate studies
• Gain a high-level understanding of how English affects the experience of individuals and communities globally.

What you'll learn

The English Language major will equip you with communicative proficiency and intercultural expertise to work in local and global contexts.

What you'll learn

This unique double degree will provide you with expertise in the science of exercise and sport, human thought and behaviour. You’ll develop cognitive and creative skills to solve real-world scientific problems and apply your knowledge in diverse contexts such as sports and mental health.  

You'll learn how to provide exercise advice, deliver strength and conditioning services, do biomechanical analyses, and share skill acquisition knowledge to enhance people's physical and mental wellbeing from children, to elite athletes, to older people. 

Your courses in psychology theory and counselling will help you enter the workforce with a strong understanding of the analytical, communication and interpersonal skills needed to work with individuals, groups and communities.

In the first two years, you’ll study exercise and sport science courses, with an introduction to psychology, which will give you a solid understanding of:

• Human anatomy and physiology
• Fundamental movement skills
• Skill acquisition
• Physical activity and health

The third and fourth years have a strong practical focus. You’ll develop critical thinking and practice-based skills to:

• Develop influencing skills and intervention strategies
• Gain knowledge of psychological disorders, including their causes and range of treatments
• Study the relationship between psychology and physical activity

This honours degree provides you with advanced knowledge of the political, behavioural and social sciences. On completion, you may be eligible to further your qualification with postgraduate study, including doctoral study. The focus of this degree is on the following four major areas of study:

• Social work theory
• Social work practice and skills
• Social policy
• Social research

You will also gain practical experience as part of this degree’s field education placement component. This is a valuable learning opportunity where you will build industry networks and further enhance your hands-on, practical skills. You will also have the opportunity to solve real-world issues by partnering with a community organisation and develop research to create real impact.

Further hands-on experience is gained in our state-of-the-art Social Work and Human Services Studio, where you will take part in simulated, real-life situations. These studios are an important part of your learning and provide a dedicated space where you can practice your skills. 

What you'll learn

This honours degree provides an advanced level of knowledge of the political and behavioural sciences with a specific focus on the following four major areas of study:

• Social work theory: you will develop knowledge of various social work approaches as they relate to individuals, families, communities, groups and organisations
• Social work practice and skills: you will work in custom-built Social Work and Human Services Studio to develop a range of skills needed to work in social practice; in this dedicated space you will work alongside field practitioners and academic staff in simulated, real-life situations
• Social policy: learn how to identify the social policies that affect people’s lives, and the strategic ways that social workers may be able to influence these policies
• Social research: learn how to use, evaluate, construct and undertake research

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 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.

As a student studying the Languages major you will embark on an in-depth study of French, Italian or Japanese language (find out about other languages available through cross-institutional study by talking to the program director). You will also be given the opportunity to immerse yourself in your chosen language(s) and culture(s) through our exchange and in-country study programs. 

You will:

• Acquire competence in the speaking and writing of one or more major world language(s) both face-to-face and online;
• Be equipped with transferable language and intercultural skills required for work in international and multilingual professions and industries, part of which can be spent studying the chosen language in-country.
• Be equipped to work independently and collaboratively to construct effective arguments and produce creative and critical texts across a wide range of multilingual genres and media.
• Have a defined set of speaking, writing, editing and relevant analytical skills in the target language that can be used in a broad range of multilingual professional contexts.

You will also graduate with advanced writing, presentation, digital, communication, research and problem-solving skills that can be transferable across a range of roles and languages and are highly regarded by prospective employers.

What you'll learn

Under the guidance of world-class researchers you will embark on an in-depth study of French, Italian, Japanese or English (for non-English speaking students). You will develop your proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing in your chosen language, as well as your understanding of the related culture and society.

You will also be given the opportunity to immerse yourself in your chosen language(s) and culture(s) through exchange and in-country study programs. This degree allows you to select two majors ensuring you graduate with a broad knowledge of two areas of interest. You can choose your second major from the following:

• Aboriginal Studies
• Applied Linguistics
• Cultural Studies
• Creative Writing and Literature
• History and Global Politics
• Law, Policy and Politics
• Psychology
• Sociology

Based at the Magill campus, this degree offers Honours with a difference. Graduate ready to teach, with enhanced career opportunities, and the added benefit of graduating with a professional Honours degree. You will graduate skilled, confident and ready to pursue your teaching career in primary education (F-6).

The Bachelor of Primary Education (Honours) is a four-year professional degree solely focused on teaching that will equip you with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge to thrive as a contemporary educator in junior primary and primary settings.

As well as real-world experience, you will be given the opportunity to fine-tune your learning with a primary specialism, focusing on a particular Learning Area aligned with the Australian Curriculum:

• Arts
• Design and Technology
• English
• Health and Physical Education
• Humanities and Social Sciences
• Languages
• Mathematics
• Religious Education (Catholic Studies)
• Science

As a student studying the Law, Policy and Politics major you will develop an understanding of relevant legal systems, international and domestic law, the politics of environmental change and marginalisation in world affairs.

What you'll learn

The Law, Policy, and Politics major will contextualize Australia’s legal and political systems in the broader context of global politics and international policy and law. You will complete courses in relevant disciplines from across the university.

This degree helps you develop many transferable skills including:

• A broad knowledge of global legal and political systems
• Critical analysis
• Contemporary research strategies
• Applying knowledge to a range of legal and political contexts

As a student studying the Creative Writing and Literature major you will explore historical and contemporary fiction, non-fiction, poetry, autobiographies, essays, films and plays.

What you'll learn

The Creative Writing and Literature major allows you to delve into a variety of creative forms and texts. You will study historical and contemporary fiction, non-fiction, poetry, autobiographies, essays, films, and plays. As you begin to create your own great classics, you will also learn how different written and multimedia texts have impacted cultures around the world. Under the guidance of highly experienced academics:

• Develop analytical skills
• Develop creative writing skills
• Explore how different written and multimedia texts have impacted on the cultures of the world.