Bachelor of Behavioural Studies
OUA – Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
The Bachelor of Behavioural Studies with a major in Psychological Studies provides students with the knowledge and skills to understand and explain human behaviour. The major commences with a broad introduction to basic psychological elements and concepts. Later in the course, specialised studies in wellbeing; adolescence; trauma; counselling; sports and health are undertaken.
Although this degree program does not have professional accreditation with the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council, graduates in Psychological Studies would be highly sought after by a wide range of organisations in both the public and private sector, for example, human services as research officers, human resource management and personnel, marketing and advertising personnel, in policy development, general research, welfare, community and youth work, and evaluation of community and human services.
Students who wish to become a professional psychologist should complete the Bachelor of Psychological Sciences, a Swinburne University program also available through Open Universities Australia.
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Duration
The course is delivered off-campus via Open Universities Australia, therefore completion of the various units is self-paced.
Study mode
- Online
Course information in detail
- Course detail and course structure.
Course description
The Bachelor of Behavioural Studies with a major in Psychological Studies provides students with the knowledge and skills to understand and explain human behaviour. The major commences with a broad introduction to basic psychological elements and concepts. Later in the course, specialised studies in wellbeing; adolescence; trauma; counselling; sports and health are undertaken.
Although this degree program does not have professional accreditation with the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council, graduates in Psychological Studies would be highly sought after by a wide range of organisations in both the public and private sector, for example, human services as research officers, human resource management and personnel, marketing and advertising personnel, in policy development, general research, welfare, community and youth work, and evaluation of community and human services.
Students who wish to become a professional psychologist should complete the Bachelor of Psychological Sciences, a Swinburne University program also available through Open Universities Australia.
Course structure
To qualify for the Bachelor of Behavioural Studies, students must complete 300 credit points comprising:
- Behavioural Studies - Introductory Studies (50 credit points)
- Psychological Studies major (100 credit points)
- Secondary Studies (150 credit points) comprising approved major, and/or minors, and/or electives
A unit of study can only be counted once. Where there are overlaps between majors and/or minors, students in the first instance choose another unit from the list of units available in the major/minor.
Where there are no available units, students will be required to complete an alternative unit, as approved by the Course Convenor.
Find out more about the full course structure and unit listing.
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities and course aims and objectives.
Career opportunities
Graduates in Behavioural Studies majoring in Psychological Studies are highly sought after by a wide range of organisations in both the public and private sector, for careers in:
- human services (as research officers)
- human resource management
- marketing and advertising
- policy development
- general research
- welfare, community and youth work
- health care settings
- evaluation of community and human services
Aims and objectives
Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Behavioural Studies, graduates will be able to:
- systematically review and critically evaluate research from a variety of sources to inform their knowledge and conceptual understandings in social and behavioural sciences
- formulate arguments that are fit for purpose and demonstrate an understanding of the relevant theories and evidence in behavioural studies
- critically analyse information to generate creative solutions to solve complex problems in the area of social and behavioural sciences
- define and integrate theoretical principles and apply these in their disciplinary areas of expertise
- apply knowledge and skills with responsibility and accountability for their own learning and practice, individually and in collaboration with others
- interpret and communicate ideas, problems and arguments in modes suitable to a range of audiences using a range of media
- coherently articulate a line of reasoning demonstrating cultural sensitivity and apply a framework to analyse and offer solutions to ethical dilemmas in local and international contexts.
Pathways and scholarships
- Scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Students who participate in a six- or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.
Entry requirements
Successful completion of:
VCE Units 3 and 4 – a minimum study score of 25 in any English (except EAL) or 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent.
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee offer of a place. See Admissions at Swinburne for general information about admission process.
- the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification.
- completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including Certificates IV (completed), Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, Associate Degrees and Degrees).
VCE Units 3 and 4 – a minimum study score of 25 in any English (except EAL) or 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent.
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee offer of a place. See Admissions at Swinburne for general information about admission process.
How to apply
Find out more about how to apply for the Bachelor of Behavioural Studies.
View the Course Admission Information, which includes the ATAR and Student profiles for this course. Swinburne’s general admissions information is also available here.
Find out more
Submit an online enquiry
Tel: 1300 SWINBURNE
Email: study@swinburne.edu.au
Tel: 1300 SWINBURNE
Email: study@swinburne.edu.au