Bachelor of Arts

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

As a student studying the Cultural Studies major you will explore the complex and diverse economic, cultural, social, historical and political legacies that influence modern-day society.

You will:

• Develop a sophisticated body of knowledge regarding cultures and their contexts
• Undertake cultural analysis including weighing evidence, explaining varying perspectives and communicating effectively
• Research and analyse real world problems
• Explore contemporary cultural contexts including computer games, music and popular culture.

This double degree provides a balance of courses in psychology and human services, enabling graduates to enter the workforce with a strong understanding of psychology as it relates to the human services sector.

You will study a range of topics, including:

• Behavioural and social sciences
• Human behaviour
• Critical and analytical skills
• Research and data analysis
• Project management
• Social policy 

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.

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 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

Investigate the interaction between brain function and human behaviour when you study South Australia’s only cognitive neuroscience degree.

This exciting degree integrates psychology and biology, preparing you for a rewarding and stimulating career in neuropsychology. You will learn the information needed for a career in this specialisation, as well as gain practical experience in our on-campus facilities and dedicated laboratories.

What you'll learn

At the completion of this degree you will have a sound knowledge of psychology, combined with specialist knowledge and research skills in cognitive neuroscience. You will also study a combination of specialist psychology courses, electives and courses from the Cognitive Neuroscience major.

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

What you'll Learn

This degree allows you to delve into two distinct yet complementary disciplines when you study a double major. You will develop in-depth knowledge in your chosen specialisations, enhancing your critical thinking, research capabilities and problem-solving skills. You will also graduate with writing, presentation, digital, and communication skills that can be transferred across a range of roles and are highly regarded by prospective employers. Under the guidance of world-class researchers1, you will choose two majors from the following:

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

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.

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.