Bachelor of Social Science in Psychology

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

RMIT University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) at RMIT University combines psychology with a broader social science perspective, helping you understand how individuals interact with society and the world around them. It is ideal for students interested in human behaviour, community impact, and social systems, while also offering the first step in a pathway toward becoming a registered psychologist.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
You begin by building a foundation in both psychology and social sciences, focusing on understanding human behaviour in social contexts. Early studies develop key skills in communication, critical thinking, and research, while introducing psychological concepts and how individuals interact within society.

Year 2
In the second year, you deepen your understanding of psychological theory and its application to real-world settings. You will explore areas such as human behaviour, social systems, and decision-making, while strengthening your analytical and problem-solving abilities through research-focused learning.

Year 3
Your final year focuses on applying your knowledge in professional contexts and preparing for future careers or further study. A key highlight is the professional work placement, where you gain hands-on experience, build industry connections, and apply psychological concepts in real environments.

Focus Areas (in a string):

Social psychology, human behaviour, community and cultural studies, decision-making, research methods, human services, social systems

Learning Outcomes (in a string):

Understanding human behaviour in social contexts, developing strong communication and research skills, enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving, applying psychology to real-world and community settings

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

This program forms the first three years of a six-year pathway toward becoming a registered psychologist, leading to further accredited study (Honours and postgraduate psychology).

Reputation (Employability & Outcomes):

RMIT is known for its strong industry integration and applied learning approach, with this program designed to prepare graduates for roles across community services, human resources, education, and social sectors, supported by real-world work placement opportunities.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At RMIT University, the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) is designed to immerse students in real-world social and psychological environments, not just classroom theory. The program emphasises applied learning through community engagement, research activities, and industry exposure, ensuring students graduate with both practical experience and a strong understanding of how psychology operates within society. From developing research skills to working directly with organisations, students gain meaningful, hands-on experience throughout their degree:

A compulsory professional work placement in the final year, allowing students to gain direct experience in community, government, or organisational settings
Engagement with real-world social issues through applied projects and case-based learning
Development of research skills, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation in social contexts
Opportunities to work on community-focused projects that apply psychological theories to real-life challenges
Access to RMIT’s collaborative learning spaces and social science research environments
Exposure to interdisciplinary learning across sociology, psychology, and human services
Practical skill-building in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving through group-based assignments

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this program develop a strong understanding of human behaviour within social systems, combined with communication, analytical, and practical skills that are highly valued across industries. Many go on to roles such as community development officer, human resources coordinator, youth worker, or social research assistant, while others choose to continue into professional psychology pathways:

Career support through RMIT’s employability services, including job-readiness programs, resume workshops, and industry networking opportunities
Strong industry exposure through placement experiences, enhancing employability upon graduation
Pathway into psychology registration through further accredited study (Honours + postgraduate)
Versatile skill set applicable across government, non-profit, healthcare, and corporate sectors
Opportunities to work in community services, education, policy development, and organisational environments

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can progress to an Honours year in Psychology (subject to entry requirements), which is required for professional accreditation. This can lead to postgraduate programs such as a Master of Psychology (Clinical, Counselling, or Organisational) or research degrees, ultimately enabling registration as a professional psychologist or advancement into specialised social science careers.