Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Social Science
The University of Newcastle
CRICOS provider number: 00109J TEQSA provider ID: PRV12056
Courses included
This course has been cancelled
About
Are you interested in the causes of human behaviour and how people interact within social structures? Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour and social science is the study of social and cultural relationships, structures and issues. By studying the combined program, you will learn skills useful in solving societal challenges and positively impact the lives of others.
Areas of study
Clinical and abnormal behaviour, cognition and information processing, developmental psychology, global indigenous studies, history, human geography and the environment, human resource management and industrial relations, human services, leisure and tourism management, linguistics, neuroscience, perceptual processes and learning theory, politics and international relations, psychopharmacology, research methodology, social psychology and personality, sociology and anthropology, statistics.
Note: Not all majors in the Bachelor of Social Science are available on both campuses and are subject to change. Many courses are available online and some courses are delivered from the Newcastle City campus.
Career opportunities
Case worker, juvenile justice officer, Aboriginal cultural educational officer, cultural development officer, case manager/worker, historian, demographer, social scientist, health promotion officer, mediator, careers counsellor, practising psychologist (with further study required).
Professional recognition
This program is accredited with the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Upon completion of an APAC-accredited undergraduate degree, students who go on to complete honours and postgraduate study in psychology will be eligible for provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.
Note: After completion of an APAC-accredited undergraduate degree, a further minimum of three years education and training in psychology is required to register as a psychologist in Australia.
Practical experience
The degree includes an a minimum 140-hour work placement with organisations involved in social research, education, human resources, or community service. The placement is compulsory for students who major in human services. Additional work integrated learning opportunities may include School of Psychology research spaces, the University of Newcastle Psychology Community Clinic, and external professional agencies.
Honours
Available as an additional year (or part time equivalent) to meritorious students.
Fees and charges
Admission criteria
Applicants with recent secondary education
Assumed knowledge: Mathematics Standard or higher, English Standard or higher.
Recommended studies: Biology, English Advanced.
If you have not previously studied one or more of these subjects or have limited knowledge in them, we strongly encourage you to consider enrolling in bridging courses. NUPrep Bridging provides free academic preparation and support short courses, available both on campus and online, to complete before starting your degree.
Explore NUPrep Bridging Courses
Applicants with higher education study
If you have completed or partially completed higher education studies, your grade point average can be converted into a selection rank for admission into our undergraduate programs.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study
If you completed or partially completed competency-based vocational education and training (such as TAFE, a private Registered Training Provider, or vocational studies undertaken in high school), this can be used to determine your eligibility for admission.
Completion of studies at an AQF Level 4 (Cert IV) or higher Guarantees Entry into many of our undergraduate programs.
Review the Guaranteed Entry Admission Scheme.
Applicants with work and life experience
If you do not have an ATAR (or equivalent) or formal qualification, Newcastle University offers a range of pathways toward your preferred degree. No matter what your age or experience, there is a place for you.
Advanced standing
If you have completed prior studies at another higher education institution or registered training organisation, you may be eligible to receive credit towards your undergraduate degree. Please note that you must apply for admission before applying for credit.
Further information
View all details of this course on the University of Newcastle website.
University of Newcastle degrees
The academic content of all programs is subject to routine review.
ATAR profile
ATAR-based offers only (semester 1, 2023)
Use all ATAR profile data as a guide only; it provides a broad overview of the ATARs and selection ranks of previous Year 12 students admitted into that course. ATARs and selection ranks required for entry in 2024 may be different. If you are unsure about including a course among your preferences, contact the relevant institution.
- This ATAR profile table is in line with Commonwealth Government transparency requirements. It is based on offers to recent school leavers (ie completed Year 12 in the last 2 years) who were selected solely or partly on their ATAR. Note that some institutions further differentiate this information on their websites.
- The ATAR values exclude any adjustment factors.
- The selection ranks include the ATAR and any adjustment factors.
Abbreviations
– = data is not available.<5 = less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made.
N/A = no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
NC = new course
NP = Not provided by institution
NR = No reportable profile
NS = No Semester 1 offers
NN = Unavailable (other)
NO = Entry on other criteria
Student profile
Course updates
Courses are added and cancelled throughout the admissions year and course details are subject to change. Check the UAC course search regularly.
Review of programs
The academic content of all programs is subject to routine review. For up-to-date details, visit University of Newcastle degrees.
Honours
Applicants should note that under the revised Australian Qualifications Framework some programs are four-year programs available with direct entry. Other programs are three-year Bachelor degree programs. Meritorious students have the option to apply forto apply for an additional one-year end-on honours component after graduation. Check the course descriptions carefully.