Bachelor of Social Science – Behavioural Studies

Swinburne Online

Australia, Melbourne

University Rank:#294

Go to Official Website

Duration3 year(s)

Tuition Fee

AUD 1,504 / per unit

Next IntakeJuly 1, 2026

Bachelor of Social Science – Behavioural Studies

About

Are you fascinated by why people behave the way they do?

The Bachelor of Social Science with a Major in Behavioural Studies will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of psychological theories to give you a deeper understanding of human behaviour.

Taught by experts with experience in therapy, counselling or psychology, you’ll develop a skillset which is highly valued in the field of counselling, social work, support work and more. Throughout the course, you’ll complete activities designed to prepare you for the workplace, such as creating behavioural interventions which are based on psychological frameworks. This will prepare you for a meaningful career where your knowledge will enhance people’s lives.

In addition, you’ll have the freedom to choose half of your degree by selecting electives based on your passions. Graduates who complete this course go on to work in many exciting fields, including research, behaviour support work, behaviour therapy, human resources, youth work, mental health support and more. Wherever this course takes you, your knowledge of human behaviour will open doors for you both personally and professionally.

What will you learn?

Fundamentals of Psychology: How do our minds function? Learn about intelligence, emotions, personalities and other aspects of human behaviour from a psychological perspective.
Core Human Characteristics: Understand the essence of human strengths and virtues and unpack how these influence behavioural patterns.
Develop Intervention Strategies: Learn how social and positive psychology can be used to create meaningful interventions which could be applied in a range of professional settings such as support work.
Sociological Foundations: Develop a new way of seeing the world around you. Learn key sociological concepts which give insight into how social structures shape people in a contemporary world.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Non-Year 12 entry

Completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees and degrees). Additional performance criteria and prerequisite requirements may also apply.

Applicants without a formal qualification but with significant and relevant work experience and appropriate English language skills, or a suitable Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) result, will be considered if they can demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success.

Read our Applying and Enrolling FAQs.

The University may determine selection criteria and restrictions in respect of courses to apply in addition to these entry requirements.

Year 12 entry

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. Minimum ATAR requirements may apply.

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.

Credit arrangements

Credit transfer

Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Speak to a Course Consultant about applying for credit.

Applicants who have completed a Diploma in a related discipline may be eligible for credit of up to 8 units; the equivalent of a third of the course. Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit of up to 16 units.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Speak to a Course Consultant about applying for RPL.

Diploma entry pathways

Pathways allow students to progress from one qualification to another where the first course is recognised as an entry requirement and provides advanced standing to the second.

Credit available may vary depending on the major selected within any given degree but in most instances you may receive up to 8 unit credits.

Our Course Consultants will step you through the process of entry and credit using previous study.

English Program Requirements

English language tests

International students are required to demonstrate their English proficiency before enrolling into a Swinburne Online degree by undertaking one of the following English language tests; The International English Language Test Score (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score.

IELTS

IELTS have over 1,000 testing centres worldwide and run testing throughout the year. Use the IELTS worldwide search to find a testing centre near you.

TOEFL

The TOEFL test is administered worldwide through a network of testing centres. Use the TOEFL Testing Location Search to find a testing centre near you.

Minimum entry score: IELTS

Overall 6.5
With no band below 6

Minimum entry score: TOEFL

Paper Based: 550 (With a written English score of 5)
Internet Based: 79 (With no individual band below 18)

Test results

Once you have received your test results simply contact us via our online application form or by contacting our Course Consultants on 1300 069 765.

Career

Launch a career you’re passionate about

The Bachelor of Social Science with a major in Behavioural Studies prioritises your readiness to succeed come graduation through industry connections embedded in your degree:

Professional Teaching: You will be taught by professionals with clinical experience in therapy, counselling or psychology. Learn from experts with practical, real-world experience who are ready to share their knowledge with you.
Networking: Develop professional connections with your peers as you collaborate on projects and learn industry level skills.
Positive Psychology Skills: Become equipped with professionally backed intervention skills and gain practical knowledge in psychology to apply in your future career.

Mental Health Support Worker

Become an essential part of the mental health support network and specialise in assisting people with a variety of complex needs.

Well-being Officer

Help to foster positive environments in corporate offices, a job which is vitally important to large organisations.

Youth and Welfare Services Worker

Provide crucial support to young people who face challenges and may require counselling or help accessing shelter, food or clothing.

Human Resources Administrator

Support the Human Resources manager and launch your career in the HR sector. You’ll help with employment contracts, corporate well-being and employee relations.

Case Manager

Work with clients to solve complex problems in their lives. You’ll be a key contact in linking clients with essential support services and help to enhance their quality of life.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

1,504 / per unit

Bachelor of Social Science – Behavioural Studies

Swinburne Online

Australia, Melbourne

Go to Official Website