Bachelor of Psychology in Cognitive Neuroscience

at University of South Australia - Magill Campus Australia

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

This degree will provide you with the knowledge and skills to understand foundations in psychology, and embark on further studies which can lead to a fulfilling career in psychology.

Designed and taught by world-class researchers in the field of psychology at a university ranked No.1 in South Australia for psychology research¹, the curriculum is relevant, up-to-date and informed by the research of our academics.

You will graduate with:

• An understanding of the theoretical basis of psychology
• Critical and analytical thinking skills
• The ability to manage data
• The ability to use and produce research

You can also expand your employment options by combining your Bachelor of Psychology degree with another degree. With just one year of extra study you can graduate with a double degree in areas such as law or human services.

As a student studying the Psychology major you will develop a broad knowledge of psychological science including psychology, mental health, social services and human resources.

Key areas of study include:

• Clinical and abnormal psychology
• Health psychology
• Personality psychology
• Cognitive psychology

In this unique Arts degree you can select a second major in addition to Psychology, further developing skills and knowledge in two distinct specialisations. Studying a double major plus a minor increases your employment prospects as you 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 face-to-face communication skills that can be transferred across a range of roles and are highly regarded by prospective employers.

What you'll learn

This degree will equip you with a broad knowledge of psychological science including psychology, mental health, social services and human resources. 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

Choose from a range of specialised courses including personality psychology, clinical and abnormal psychology and social and community psychology. Develop a broad and coherent knowledge of psychological science as a basis for further learning and future careers.

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As a student studying the Sociology major you will investigate cultural, social and political trends and attain much sought-after skills in critical and creative thinking.

You will:

• Understand the complexities of contemporary social life, addressing social problems and examining issues of ethnicity, globalisation, popular culture and social movements
• Have developed both critical and creative thinking capabilities in order to identify trends, structures and social issues that emerge from cultural, political and economic change.
• Be able to undertake systematic methods of investigation and analysis of societal structures within professional contexts in order to contribute effectively to local, national and international initiatives.

What you'll Learn

This degree will explore social life, social change and social problems. You will develop an understanding of the complexities of contemporary social life; addressing social problems and examining issues of ethnicity, globalisation, popular culture and social movements.

You will develop the critical and creative thinking skills to identify trends, structures and social issues that emerge from cultural, political and economic change.

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 double degree ensures you have the advanced writing and production skills needed for a career in the journalism industry, as well as the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for a career in creative, professional and technical writing.

What you'll learn

This degree will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to work as a journalist and writer in mainstream, niche and community media, publishing and communication fields. The emphasis on professional writing opens doors to a wide variety of allied professions such as technical writing, tender presentations, and marketing and communication.

You will study historical and contemporary fiction, non-fiction, poetry, autobiographies, essays and plays. As you begin to create your own great classics, you will also learn how different oral and written texts have impacted on cultures around the world. A final year industry internship will further extend your knowledge and training. Under the guidance of skilled academics and researchers, you will:

• develop creative writing skills
• explore how different oral and written texts have impacted on the cultures of the world
• learn how to author and edit written, audio and visual texts within news and non-news environments
• develop the production skills required by news and online media, including filming and editing, problem solving and decision-making
• learn how to use industry-standard hardware and software
• develop analytical and research skills

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.

This master degree will provide you with a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for social work practice, including an advanced understanding of:

• Social work values
• Ethics and identity
• Human rights
• Current social issues
• Mental health
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures
• Child protection
• Cross cultural practice

What you'll learn

On completion, you will have advanced knowledge and understanding of current social issues, social work values, and ethics.

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

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