Bachelor of Social Science in Human Services/Bachelor of Psychology (Dual Degree)

at University of South Australia - Magill Campus Australia

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.

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. 

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.

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 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

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 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

The Bachelor of Film and Television is an innovative degree that puts you at the cutting edge of film, television, visual effects (VFX) production and theory.

You'll develop the technical knowledge and experience needed to enter the exciting world of screen production and content creation. While you study you will develop the skills and contacts you need for a successful career in the creative industries; graduating with a digital portfolio of work and practical industry experience.

You also have the opportunity to specialise in visual effects in your third year of study at world-renowned VFX studio, Rising Sun Pictures where you will study alongside industry professionals and mentors. 

Second and third-year students have the opportunity to participate in the Film Concept Lab and work alongside We Made A Thing Studios and other industry professionals in the production of films for festival release.

What you'll learn

Throughout the degree, you will explore theory and practice combining traditional and digital forms required by industry. You will gain an understanding in all stages of the professional production cycle from conceptualisation and script writing, through to production and post-production.

You will analyse film and media from around the globe to gain insight into different creative contexts, forms and practices. You will develop professional knowledge in screenwriting, cinematic design, and the production of documentary, experimental and narrative film and television, and VFX, while understanding different media platforms and the end-user experience.

You can specialise in Film and Television production or VFX. In the Film and Television production specialisation, you will complete a series of industry, production and screen theory courses, and will have the opportunity to apply for the UniSA and WeMat Film Concept Lab. In the VFX specialisation, you will study the third year of the degree at Rising Sun Pictures (RSP), working alongside world-class visual effects artists who have created hundreds of sequences for motion pictures, including Thor: Love and Thunder, Elvis, Hawkeye, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.

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

Based at the Magill campus, this education 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 early childhood or primary education (birth to 8 years of age).

This industry-relevant degree 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 teacher in childcare, preschool, and junior primary settings.

What you'll learn

The aim of this degree is to provide you with knowledge across a range of contexts. The learning is largely practically-based, and centres heavily on the principles and concepts relating to early childhood development and learning, as well as curriculum planning for learners aged from birth to eight years of age. The four key components of the curriculum include:

• Primary specialism
• Curriculum studies
• Professional experience
• Education studies