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Bachelor of Psychological Sciences and Sociology

Undergraduate | 2026

Mode

100% Online

Start date

January, April, June, September

Duration

3 year(s) full-time

Program code

XBPSS

Study as

Full-time

Indicative annual fees

$27,100

Non-tuition fees

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

None

Time commitment

10-15 hours per week per course

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

Secondary education (Year 12)

Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher.

Higher education study

Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) in a higher education award program.

International non-student visa holders

This program is delivered online. It is open to international students who:

are studying online outside of Australia; or
do not require a student visa to undertake this program in Australia.

It is not available to international students wishing to study in Australia on a student visa.

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

IELTS Overall 6.5
IELTS Reading 6.0
IELTS Listening 6.0
IELTS Speaking 6.0
IELTS Writing 6.0

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

International admissions by country

Country	Requirement	Score
Australia	ATAR	65
Bangladesh	Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)	4.75
China	Gaokao	60%
China	Maple Leaf Education Systems World School Program	60%
Global	International Baccalaureate	24
Hong Kong	Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)	15
India	CBSE and CISCE	65
India	State Board Examinations	75
Indonesia	SMA III	70%
Kenya	Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)	B
Malaysia	Matrikulasi	2.33
Malaysia	Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)	2.33
Malaysia	United Entrance Certificate (UEC)	25
Nepal	National Examinations Board (NEB)	2.61
Philippines	High School Diploma (Grade 12) (Academic Track) K12	85%
Singapore	Singapore GCE Advanced Levels	6
Sri Lanka	GCE A Levels	7
Taiwan	GSAT %	60%
Thailand	Matayom 6	3.00
UK / Global	GCE Advanced Levels	6
UK / Global	NCUK	6
USA / Global	Advanced Placement (AP)	6
USA / Global	America College Test (ACT)	20
USA / Global	Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)	1050
Vietnam	Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thôxwng (Vietnamese Year 12)	7.5

Note:

Applications for 100% online study at Adelaide University will open in July 2025, to commence study in 2026.

Why Bachelor of Psychological Sciences and Sociology?

The world needs people who understand people.

With an ageing population, and the continuous review of systems like the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), emerging professionals in Australia need to be able to adapt to changing environments.

With this 100% online degree, you can gain a complementary and much-needed skillset. You’ll have a competitive advantage in human services, psychology, counselling, social and community services, and community healthcare.

Gain insights into human behaviour and resilience. Find roles in government and not-for-profit organisations. Lead efforts to support vulnerable populations, address social inequalities, advocate for change, and build stronger communities.

Overview

This online degree is the only one of its kind in Australia. It brings together two powerful disciplinary perspectives on how we live as social beings.

How does psychology explain human behaviour? What can sociology add? How do these dimensions come together in everyday life?

You'll be challenged to think deeply about the world we live in. Explore the way individuals, groups and communities behave, think, react and interact. Study gender and identity, social divisions and the significance of popular culture in modern society.

You’ll examine the connections between human behaviour, social structures and social policy. Discover how these relationships shape individuals, families, communities and organisations. Apply your learning to real-life scenarios and case studies.

You’ll graduate with a complementary skillset that the industry is telling us they need. You’ll be equipped to make the most of the growing employment opportunities created by the NDIS.

Key features

Study the only degree in Australia formally combining Psychological Sciences and Sociology.
Explore connections between human behaviour, social structures and social policy.
Choose a minor in Criminology, Ageing and Disability, or both.
Learn from industry experts and award-winning researchers in the field.
Benefit from 100% online learning designed for busy adults on the go.
Graduate ready to work as a human services professional in both government and community sectors.

What you'll learn

With our online Bachelor of Psychological Sciences and Sociology, you can take full control over your learning, planning your studies to fit around your life.

Each week, your courses will build upon the last. You’ll learn in increments, with active feedback on an ongoing basis and access to support seven days a week. You’ll be able to view learning resources 24/7 and log in to our interactive online environment anywhere, any time and on any device.

You’ll gain a solid foundation in the underlying principles and concepts of sociology, social policy and psychology. You’ll study a combination of interdisciplinary courses, including:

Intercultural communication
Politics and citizenship in Australia
Aboriginal peoples and psychology
Developmental psychology
Sociology of gender and intimacy
Work and organisational psychology
Working with community.

Explore sociological theory, counselling and social policy analysis, as well as community-based and participatory research methods. You’ll learn how to influence policymakers and work with marginalised youth. Build conflict resolution skills. Solve real-world problems and review case studies relevant to the industry.

You’ll have a choice of specialisation in either Ageing and Disability or Criminology and Criminal Justice. Or choose to study both!

You can also tailor your degree to your interests and enhance your career prospects with broader electives. These could be in anything from Public Health to Business and Marketing.

What courses you'll study

Complete 144 units comprising:

90 units for all Core courses, and
24 units for Discipline courses, and
30 units for Electives

Complete 90 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name UO Intercultural Communication	Course code COMM1006	Units 6
Course name UO Politics and Citizenship in Australia	Course code POLI1013	Units 6
Course name UO Psychology Concepts	Course code PSYC1017	Units 6
Course name UO Aboriginal Australians and Psychology	Course code PSYC1021	Units 6
Course name UO Counselling Concepts	Course code SOCI1008	Units 6
Course name UO Sociological Perspectives	Course code SOCI1011	Units 6
Course name UO The Social World	Course code SOCI1012	Units 6
Course name UO Australian Social Policy	Course code POLI2014	Units 6
Course name UO Developmental Psychology	Course code PSYC2018	Units 6
Course name UO Social Research Methods	Course code SOCI2017	Units 6
Course name UO Working with Community	Course code SOWK2009	Units 6
Course name UO Health Psychology	Course code PSYC3027	Units 6
Course name UO Clinical and Abnormal Psychology	Course code PSYC3028	Units 6
Course name UO Work and Organisational Psychology	Course code PSYC3029	Units 6
Course name UO Sociology of Gender and Intimacy	Course code SOCI3017	Units 6

Complete 24 units for either of the following:

24 units for all Ageing and disability, or
24 units for all Criminology

	Course code	Units
Course name UO Ageing and Disability Friendly Environments	Course code SOCI2011	Units 6
Course name UO (Dis)abling Societies: The Sociologies of Ageing and Disability	Course code SOCI2013	Units 6
Course name UO Case Management for Consumer Directed Care in Disability and Aged Care	Course code SOCI3012	Units 6
Course name UO Disability and Ageing: Diversity and Discrimination	Course code SOCI3016	Units 6

	Course code	Units
Course name UO Understanding Crime and Criminology	Course code CRIM1007	Units 6
Course name UO Aboriginal Australians, Policing and the Criminal Justice System	Course code CRIM2006	Units 6
Course name UO The Psychology of Crime and Violence	Course code CRIM3005	Units 6
Course name UO Human Rights, Crime & Social Justice	Course code SOCI2018	Units 6

Complete 30 units comprising:

30 units from Free electives

Career outcomes

Professionals with knowledge in both psychology and sociology are better equipped to solve real-world issues. You can apply your interdisciplinary knowledge to support individuals and communities in leading happier, healthier and more independent lives.

You could work one-on-one with individuals or families. You might collaborate with small to medium communities such as neighbourhoods, schools and support groups. Perhaps you’ll find your calling on a larger scale, advocating for policy changes on behalf of clients, organisations or governments.

You could also be a:

Disability support coordinator
Aged care coordinator
Community development officer
Crime prevention officer
Drug and alcohol caseworker
Policy development officer and analyst.

Industry trends

The healthcare and social assistance sectors are predicted to experience the highest rate of employment growth of any industry between now and 2033 (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024).

Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and the growing needs of our ageing population, are driving demand for professionals in care and support roles. There is also increasing need for childcare and home-based care services.

Studying an online Bachelor of Psychological Sciences and Sociology at Adelaide University will give you a doubly relevant qualification – and a competitive edge – for rewarding careers in this booming sector.

How to apply

Applications for 100% online study at Adelaide University will open in July 2025, to commence study in 2026.

If you want to start your studies earlier, consider applying to the University of Adelaide or UniSA now, and continue onto Adelaide University in 2026.

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Fit study around your life

From 24/7 access to specialised support, discover the benefits of studying online with Adelaide University.

Learn more

Ask Adelaide University

You’ll access all your learning resources, submit assessments, and engage with your academic team and peers via Adelaide University's unique online learning platform, available 24/7.

You'll learn through a mix of interactive experiences including videos, virtual forums, online discussions and activities, with no need to attend an Adelaide University campus, not even for assessments or exams.

Our degrees are specifically designed for online learning, and you'll be fully supported throughout your studies by our local student support team and our expert academics, available seven days a week. You'll stay engaged with networking opportunities and virtual events, and once you graduate, you're invited to either join us in Adelaide, or celebrate via livestream with your family and friends.

As a general rule, any desktop or laptop computer produced in the last three years will be capable of meeting the online learning requirements. While mobiles and tablets are able to access most of your online content, we recommend using a desktop or laptop computer to make the most of the online learning experience. You'll also require a reliable internet connection, and you may need a webcam.

As an Adelaide University student, you'll have free access to the full Office 365 ProPlus suite, which includes Word, Excel and PowerPoint. If your degree requires specialised software, you'll also be able to download this to your device for free.

You'll have 24/7 access to your learning resources via the online learning platform, and can study when and where it suits you. In some rare instances, assessments or contact with your online academic team may require you to be online at a set time, however these times are generally flexible. You'll be able to discuss your requirements with your academic team or speak to our student support team if you need assistance.

If your course has an exam, you will generally need to sit this at a designated date and time.

Yes, if you have studied at university or completed a VET qualification (Certificate IV or above), or can demonstrate significant and relevant work experience, you could be eligible to receive credit towards your degree.

Your eligibility for credit will be assessed once you have submitted your application, and you will be informed of your credit outcome before your application is approved and you need to enrol. If you don't have the information required to be considered for credit when you apply to study, you will still be able to apply for credit after your application has been approved, with an outcome usually determined within a few days.

No, if you are enrolled in a 100% online Adelaide University program, you are not able to enrol into an on-campus course as part of your degree. However, as an Adelaide University student, you are welcome to visit our Adelaide campuses and participate in student events and clubs, utilise our sporting facilities and libraries, and attend your graduation ceremony in-person.

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Your study experience and support

Studying 100% online with Adelaide University means joining a dynamic community of learners – all supported by dedicated teams committed to your success. From day one to graduation, you’ll have access to comprehensive academic, student and technical support teams to ensure you get the most out of your online learning journey.

Student support services

Need help with enrolments, managing your study load, or setting your academic goals? Our student support team is here to assist. They’re your first point of contact for advice and are available seven days a week, including out-of-hours and on weekends. Get the help you need – when it suits you.

As an online student, you’ll also have access to our specialised on-campus student support services. Whether you’re looking for career advice, health and wellbeing support, international student assistance, accessibility services, or something else, we’ve got you covered. Visit the Support webpage to explore the services available.

Online academic support

From understanding course content to tackling assignments, writing, and referencing, our expert academics are here to guide you. Available seven days a week, they’ll provide personalised support to help you progress through your studies.

Tech support

We’ve got your back when it comes to technology. Our IT support team is available 24/7 to resolve any tech challenges you might face. With fast response times and tailored solutions, we’ll ensure nothing stands in your way. You’ll also enjoy free access to software downloads required for your program.

Study hours

Adelaide University’s 100% online programs offer the flexibility to fit your lifestyle. You can engage with course materials at any time that works for you – there’s no need to log in at set times. To stay on track, we recommend setting aside 10 to 15 hours per week for each course, but you can adapt your schedule and your study load to suit your needs.

Assessment

All assessments, including exams (if required) are conducted 100% online – so you’ll never need to travel to submit an assignment or sit an exam. Depending on your program, your assessments might include:

An industry-relevant project or case study
An online presentation
Essays and reports.