Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science/Bachelor of Psychology in Counselling and Interpersonal Skills (Dual Degree)

at University of South Australia - Magill Campus Australia

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

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

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.

Fast-track your communication career and gain a bachelor and master qualification in just four years with our 3 + 1 Pathway to Master of Communication package. This unique offering allows you to elevate your career prospects by completing two industry-informed qualifications that have been developed to meet the fast-changing needs of the communication and media industries.

This package provides you with an opportunity to study a three-year bachelor degree and a one-year master degree (typically two years) in four years by substituting four undergraduate courses for selected postgraduate courses in the third year of your bachelor degree.

As part of this packaged program, you will:

• Major in Communication and Media covering strategic communication, media management, public relations, social media, advertising, and professional communication
• Select a sub-major in areas including applied linguistics, digital media, film and television, journalism, languages, marketing or social media
• Study courses in areas such as campaigns and crises; digital design; communication, media and creative industries; and digital entrepreneurship
• Undertake an industry-supervised project in your final year
• Study industry-informed degrees, which are adaptable and agile changing to the needs and demands of industry.

During your studies you will develop an advanced understanding of communication strategies and theories, and graduate with the capabilities to be a successful leader and decision-maker in any communication setting, across a diverse range of industries. 

What you'll learn

Your undergraduate degree will start with core courses in communication, where you will create, develop and deliver communication strategies for traditional and online media. You will also develop writing skills for a range of platforms, including traditional media, social media and digital platforms.

You will:

• Learn how to manage media and public relations in contemporary society, including the analytical thinking required for strategic planning and communication management 
• Study emerging trends within the communications industry, along with media law and ethics
• Major in Communication and Media covering strategic communication, media management, public relations, social media, advertising, and professional communication
• Select a sub-major in areas including digital media, film and television, journalism, linguistics, marketing or social media
• Undertake an industry internship in your third year
• Study courses in areas such as campaigns and crises; digital design; communication, media and creative industries; and digital entrepreneurship
• Undertake an industry-supervised project or research thesis in the final year of your masters degree.

Through your postgraduate studies, you’ll build your professional skills in social and digital media management, public relations and strategic communication. You’ll also:

• Develop your knowledge of the social and political aspects of communication underpinned by advanced research methods and planning skills
• Explore topics including digital design and strategic communication in campaigns and crises
• Develop your knowledge of the social and political aspects of communication underpinned by advanced research methods and planning skills
• Study in a workshop-based environment with connections to industry partners, real-world projects, and placement and networking opportunities

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. 

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

This master degree is designed for those who have already completed an undergraduate degree and who would like to work in a setting where they teach English to speakers of other languages.

The unique curriculum allows you to explore a range of educational issues, further develop research skills and to collaborate, network and interact with like-minded professionals. You will also learn about recent developments in theories, research, debates and practices regarding the teaching of English as an additional language.

What you'll learn

You will graduate from this master degree with an advanced understanding of educational theory and TESOL methodologies; you will also develop advanced research skills.

The curriculum is separated into two different streams - the Education Project pathway and the Education Thesis pathway. Each pathway explores research methods, with the Thesis pathway preparing students for further learning, such as doctoral studies.

This industry-relevant postgraduate qualification is for students who have already completed a three-year bachelor degree and would like to increase their employment prospects with an early childhood qualification.

The curriculum is practical in nature and is solely focused on the education of children from birth to eight years of age. Practical learning is a major component and you will complete four supervised placements in childcare, preschool/kindergarten and junior primary schools, totalling 80 days.

What you'll learn

This degree has been designed to develop skilled, committed and flexible early childhood educators.

The focus is on practical learning, particularly relating to the principles and concepts relevant to early childhood development and learning. You will focus on four major areas:

• Child development
• Curriculum studies
• Professional experience
• Education studies

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 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