Bachelor of Psychological Science / Bachelor of Social Science

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Newcastle

Program Overview

This combined degree invites you to explore both human behaviour and the societies we live in, giving you the skills to make a real-world impact. It’s perfect for curious, empathetic thinkers who want to understand why people act the way they do and how social systems shape our lives.

Curriculum Structure:
Year 1: You’ll start with foundational courses that introduce the science of human behaviour and the basics of society. Units like Foundations of Psychological Science and Introduction to Social Science help you develop critical thinking, observation, and research skills, while exploring topics from memory and decision-making to social structures and culture.

Year 2: This year deepens your understanding, combining psychology with social science methods. You might study Cognition and Development and Research Methods in Social Science, where you’ll conduct hands-on investigations, learn to analyse data, and explore mental health, interventions, and social policies in practical contexts.

Year 3: You’ll focus on applying your knowledge through projects and professional experiences. Courses such as Psychology Directed Studies and Work Integrated Learning give you a chance to complete placements, build real-world skills, and prepare for careers in community work, research, or policy development, while tailoring your social science major to your interests.

Focus Areas: Human behaviour, social systems, research methods, mental health, social policy

Learning Outcomes: Understand and analyse human behaviour, apply social science research to real-world challenges, and develop professional skills for diverse career pathways

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): This degree is APAC-accredited, meaning your psychology studies meet professional standards and set you up for further postgraduate training if you aim to become a registered psychologist.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): The University of Newcastle ranks in the world’s top 200 for psychology and top 300 for social sciences, giving your degree global recognition and strong employability prospects.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Psychological Science / Bachelor of Social Science at the University of Newcastle is designed for students who want to dive into the real-world application of understanding human behaviour and society. You’ll develop practical, career-ready skills by engaging directly with communities, analysing social systems, and applying research methods to solve meaningful problems. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, giving you the chance to experience how psychological insights and social science research intersect in workplaces and community settings. By the time you graduate, you’ll have a portfolio of experiences that demonstrate your ability to make a tangible impact in social and organisational contexts:

Here’s how you’ll gain those practical experiences:

Complete a minimum 140-hour professional placement in the later stages of your degree, working in areas like government agencies, non-government organisations, cultural institutions, or community and family services.
Develop skills in social analysis, communication, policy, and research through real-world projects integrated into your courses.
Engage with applied research methods from both psychology and social science, learning to collect, analyse, and interpret data in meaningful contexts.
Gain exposure to diverse career environments, including local, state, and commonwealth public service, providing insight into multiple professional pathways.

This program ensures that your learning is not just theoretical but embedded in experiences that prepare you for work that makes a difference.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Progression & Future Opportunities
Graduates from this combined program leave ready to make a real difference in society, equipped with skills to understand human behaviour and social systems. Typical roles include case worker, community development worker, counsellor, and health promotion officer, but your options also extend to policy, research, and social advocacy.

Here’s what this means for you:

Career-ready support: The University of Newcastle embeds practical, hands-on learning throughout the degree, including a minimum 140-hour placement in government agencies, NGOs, community services, or research organisations to build experience before graduation.
Strong graduate outcomes: 87.6% of graduates are employed within four months of finishing their degree, reflecting high demand for these skills.
Industry connections: The university maintains partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies as well as community organisations, giving you exposure to real-world projects and networks while studying.
Accreditation and credibility: The psychology component is APAC-accredited, providing a recognized pathway should you pursue postgraduate professional qualifications.
Long-term value: Skills in research, analysis, communication, and social problem-solving give you flexibility to adapt to evolving career landscapes in both the public and private sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you could continue into honours programs or postgraduate study in psychology, social science, or related fields. For example, completing an Honours year plus a relevant Master’s could lead to registration as a psychologist, while other postgraduate pathways can deepen expertise in community development, counselling, or social research. The University of Newcastle offers structured pathways and support to help you transition smoothly from undergraduate study to advanced academic or professional qualifications.