Why Bachelor of Psychological Science and Sociology?
The world needs people who understand people. With an ageing population, and the continuous review of systems like the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), emerging professionals in Australia need to be able to adapt to changing environments.
With this 100% online degree, you can gain a complementary and much-needed skillset with expertise in the science of human thinking and behaviour and knowledge of the societal systems that interact with, and influence this. You’ll have a competitive advantage in human services, psychology, counselling, social and community services, and community healthcare.
Gain insights into human behaviour and resilience. Find roles in government and not-for-profit organisations. Lead efforts to support vulnerable populations, address social inequalities, advocate for change, and build stronger communities.
Overview
This online degree is the only one of its kind in Australia. It brings together two powerful disciplinary perspectives on how we live as social beings.
How does psychology explain human behaviour? What can sociology add? How do these dimensions come together in everyday life?
You'll be challenged to think deeply about the world we live in. Explore the way individuals, groups and communities behave, think, react and interact. Study gender and identity, social divisions and the significance of popular culture in modern society.
You’ll examine the connections between human behaviour, social structures and social policy. Discover how these relationships shape individuals, families, communities and organisations. Apply your learning to real-life scenarios and case studies.
You’ll graduate with a complementary skillset that the industry is telling us they need. You’ll be equipped to make the most of the growing employment opportunities created by the NDIS.
Note: Students wishing to become a registered psychologist will need to undertake further study after completion of this program. Students would need to apply for a Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Program code: XGDPS), followed by either Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) (Program code: XGDPA) or a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) 1 year (Program code: HBPSY), and a Master of Psychology program (Master of Psychology (Clinical) - Program code: MAPSC; Master of Psychology (Health) - Program code: MAPSH; Master of Psychology (Organisational and Human Factors) - Program code: MAPSO).
Key features
Study the only degree in Australia formally combining Psychological Sciences and Sociology. - Explore connections between human behaviour, social structures and social policy.
- Choose a minor in Criminology, Ageing and Disability, or both.
- Learn from industry experts and award-winning researchers in the field.
- Benefit from 100% online learning designed for busy adults on the go.
- Graduate ready to work as a human services professional in both government and community sectors.
What you'll learn
With our online Bachelor of Psychological Sciences and Sociology, you can take full control over your learning, planning your studies to fit around your life.
Each week, your courses will build upon the last. You’ll learn in increments, with active feedback on an ongoing basis and access to support seven days a week. You’ll be able to view learning resources 24/7 and log in to our interactive online environment anywhere, any time and on any device.
You’ll gain a solid foundation in the underlying principles and concepts of sociology, social policy and psychology. You’ll study a combination of interdisciplinary courses, including:
- Intercultural communication
- Politics and citizenship in Australia
- Aboriginal peoples and psychology
- Developmental psychology
- Sociology of gender and intimacy
- Work and organisational psychology
- Working with community.
Explore sociological theory, counselling and social policy analysis, as well as community-based and participatory research methods. You’ll learn how to influence policymakers and work with marginalised youth. Build conflict resolution skills. Solve real-world problems and review case studies relevant to the industry.
You’ll have a choice of specialisation in either Ageing and Disability or Criminology and Criminal Justice. Or choose to study both!
You can also tailor your degree to your interests and enhance your career prospects with broader electives. These could be in anything from Public Health to Business and Marketing.
What courses you'll study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 90 units for all Core courses, and
- 24 units for Discipline courses, and
- 30 units for Electives
Complete 90 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
UO Intercultural Communication
|
Course code
COMM1006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Politics and Citizenship in Australia
|
Course code
POLI1013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Australian Social Policy
|
Course code
POLI2014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Psychology Concepts
|
Course code
PSYC1017
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Aboriginal Australians and Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC1021
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Developmental Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC2018
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Health Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC3027
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Clinical and Abnormal Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC3028
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Work and Organisational Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC3029
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Counselling Concepts
|
Course code
SOCI1008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Sociological Perspectives
|
Course code
SOCI1011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO The Social World
|
Course code
SOCI1012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Social Research Methods
|
Course code
SOCI2017
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Sociology of Gender and Intimacy
|
Course code
SOCI3017
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Working with Community
|
Course code
SOWK2010
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Units |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | |
|
Course name
Or program elective |
Units
6
|
|
Course name
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Units
6
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Course name
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Units
6
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Course name
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Units
6
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Units
6
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Course name
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Units
6
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Course name
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Units
6
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Course name
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Units
6
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| Year 2 | |
|
Course name
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Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
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|
Course name
Course must be from same discipline throughout. |
Units
6
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|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
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|
Course name
Course must be from same discipline throughout. |
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
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| Year 3 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Course must be from same discipline throughout. |
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
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|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Course must be from same discipline throughout. |
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
Complete 24 units for either of the following:
- 24 units for all Ageing and disability, or
- 24 units for all Criminology
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
UO Ageing and Disability Friendly Environments
|
Course code
SOCI2011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO (Dis)abling Societies: The Sociologies of Ageing and Disability
|
Course code
SOCI2013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Disability and Ageing: Diversity and Discrimination
|
Course code
SOCI3016
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Case Management for Consumer Directed Care in Disability and Aged Care
|
Course code
SOCI3036
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
UO Understanding Crime and Criminology
|
Course code
CRIM1007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Aboriginal Australians, Policing and the Criminal Justice System
|
Course code
CRIM2006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO The Psychology of Crime and Violence
|
Course code
CRIM3005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Human Rights, Crime & Social Justice
|
Course code
SOCI2018
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Units |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | |
|
Course name
Or program elective |
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Course must be from same discipline throughout. |
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Course must be from same discipline throughout. |
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Course must be from same discipline throughout. |
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Course must be from same discipline throughout. |
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
Complete 30 units comprising:
- 30 units from Program electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
UO Critical Approaches to Online Learning
|
Course code
SOCI3014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Elective 1
|
Course code
AUXX1011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Elective 2
|
Course code
AUXX1012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Elective 3
|
Course code
AUXX1013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Elective 4
|
Course code
AUXX1014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Elective 5
|
Course code
AUXX1015
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Units |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | |
|
Course name
Or program elective |
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Course must be from same discipline throughout. |
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Course must be from same discipline throughout. |
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Course must be from same discipline throughout. |
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Course must be from same discipline throughout. |
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Professionals with knowledge in both psychology and sociology are better equipped to solve real-world issues. You can apply your interdisciplinary knowledge to support individuals and communities in leading happier, healthier and more independent lives.
You could work one-on-one with individuals or families. You might collaborate with small to medium communities such as neighbourhoods, schools and support groups. Perhaps you’ll find your calling on a larger scale, advocating for policy changes on behalf of clients, organisations or governments.
Industry trends
The healthcare and social assistance sectors are predicted to experience the highest rate of employment growth of any industry between now and 2033 (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024).
Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and the growing needs of our ageing population, are driving demand for professionals in care and support roles. There is also increasing need for childcare and home-based care services.
Studying an online Bachelor of Psychological Science and Sociology at Adelaide University will give you a doubly relevant qualification – and a competitive edge – for rewarding careers in this booming sector.
Your study experience and support
Studying 100% online with Adelaide University means joining a dynamic community of learners – all supported by dedicated teams committed to your success. From day one to graduation, you’ll have access to comprehensive academic, student and technical support teams to ensure you get the most out of your online learning journey.
Student support services
Need help with enrolments, managing your study load, or setting your academic goals? Our student support team is here to assist. They’re your first point of contact for advice and are available seven days a week, including out-of-hours and on weekends. Get the help you need – when it suits you.
As an online student, you’ll also have access to our specialised on-campus student support services. Whether you’re looking for career advice, health and wellbeing support, international student assistance, accessibility services, or something else, we’ve got you covered. Visit the Support webpage to explore the services available.
Online academic support
From understanding course content to tackling assignments, writing, and referencing, our expert academics are here to guide you. Available seven days a week, they’ll provide personalised support to help you progress through your studies.
Tech support
We’ve got your back when it comes to technology. Our IT support team is available 24/7 to resolve any tech challenges you might face. With fast response times and tailored solutions, we’ll ensure nothing stands in your way. You’ll also enjoy free access to software downloads required for your program.
Study hours
Adelaide University’s 100% online programs offer the flexibility to fit your lifestyle. You can engage with course materials at any time that works for you – there’s no need to log in at set times. To stay on track, we recommend setting aside 10 to 15 hours per week for each course, but you can adapt your schedule and your study load to suit your needs.
Assessment
All assessments, including exams (if required) are conducted 100% online – so you’ll never need to travel to submit an assignment or sit an exam. Depending on your program, your assessments might include:
- An industry-relevant project or case study
- An online presentation
- Essays and reports.
