Bachelor of Arts (Major: Behavioural Science)

Program Overview

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Bachelor of Arts (Major: Behavioural Science)

Overview

The University of Notre Dame Australia's Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Behavioural Science will expose you to human diversity and teach you to work collaboratively with individuals, groups and communities to advance their goals. You will use specialist knowledge in psychology, sociology, political science and cultural studies to promote overall social wellbeing.

Why Study This Major?

The Behavioural Science Major is based on the premise that everyone is entitled to social justice and equity and is concerned with the practical application of this premise to all aspects of human interaction. The Major equips you to promote social justice and equity, focussing on the strengths and competencies of individuals and communities.

Program Summary

To complete a Bachelor of Arts with a Behavioural Science Major, you are required to study 24 courses, eight of which will form the Major. Most Majors build sequentially in content, theme and skills and work towards the acquisition of advanced skills and knowledge by the completion of your third year of study. Normally, you will take at least one course from your Major in each semester.

You may also choose to use eight elective courses to study a Second Major in another discipline or six elective courses to study a Minor in another discipline. This means you’ll have four or six more electives that you can select from any courses in the School of Arts & Sciences, providing you meet the pre-requisites that may apply.

Requirements

• Students must complete 200 units of credit, as follows:
  • Students complete these EIGHT courses:
    • BESC1002 Contemporary Family Issues
    • BESC1050 Social Science Research
    • BESC2240 Discourse, Power, and Politics
    • BESC2250 Culture and Society
    • BESC3150 Professional Practice in Behavioural Science
    • BESC3930 Community: Policy and Development
    • BESC3110 Qualitative Research Methods and Practice
    • ARTS3002 Internship or Professional Project
  • Core Curriculum
    • CORE I: Foundations of Wisdom
    • CORE II: Elective
      • Electives in philosophy and/or theology
      • Professional embedded electives that integrate studies in a profession with philosophy and/or theology
      • An option to undertake a pilgrimage embedded in the study of the philosophy and theology of pilgrimage, e.g., World Youth Day
      • An option to undertake a course that integrates philosophy & theology with community service and charity work
      • An option to undertake an elective in philosophy, theology, and the liberal arts contained within an international experience

Entry Requirements

• Academic requirements for this program are outlined below. In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency.
• Applicants with recent Secondary Education:
  • Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank* of 70
  • OR International Baccalaureate (IB) score of 25
• Applicants with Higher Education:
  • Successful completion of 2 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*
  • OR Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP
• Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study:
  • Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
• Applicants with Work and Life Experience:
  • Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:
    • Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required*.
    • OR Completion of STAT with scores of at least 135 in the Multiple Choice section and 140 in the Written English section*.
    • OR Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts graduates will be able to:

1. Demonstrate broad theoretical and practical knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts of one or more disciplines or practice areas
2. Identify appropriate sources and evaluate information
3. Demonstrate an awareness of different conceptual approaches and/or research methods
4. Demonstrate the technical skills, professional skills and ethical practice required by one or more disciplines
5. Synthesise knowledge and apply skills in order to solve complex problems
6. Communicate arguments and/or ideas in a range of forms
7. Work independently and, where appropriate, in collaboration with others; and
8. Reflect upon personal knowledge, skills and experiences.

Practical Component

80 hour internship is required.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program can follow diverse career paths in the private and public sectors, with many working in community development, youth work, policy development, and corporate liaison.

Real-World Experience

You will learn from academics who are industry leaders and, through our practicum placements and internship programs, you will gain real professional experience and make valuable contacts with potential employers.

Honours

An Honours award is available for this program. Further information can be found in the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) regulations, or by contacting the School of Arts & Sciences.

Opportunities and Experiences

At the University of Notre Dame, we believe that gaining a global perspective is an important part of your university education. We offer various opportunities for students to study abroad and become active global citizens. These opportunities include exchange programs, professional placements, study tours, and volunteer opportunities. Visit Opportunities and experiences to find out more.

Scholarships

Scholarships provide financial support to students while they are completing their studies. There are various scholarships available to prospective and current students, across all study levels and campuses.

Fees and Costs

This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:

• Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
• A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a place at a university where the Australian Government pays part of your fees. This part is a subsidy, not a loan, and you don’t have to pay it back. However, this subsidy does not cover the entire cost of your study. Students must pay the rest, which is called the ‘student contribution amount’.
• International Full-Fee Paying
• Tuition costs depend on an international student’s study load and discipline. Fees are payable each semester at least four weeks prior to the commencement of your program.

Student Profile Data

• ATAR and selection rank profile
• The University of Notre Dame Australia offers clear and transparent information regarding ATAR and selection rank for domestic students beginning in Semester 1. This data includes the highest, median and lowest ranks required for admission to assist you in making informed study decisions.
• Explore our detailed overview of ATAR offers and student profiles to find the ideal degree that matches your interests and aspirations.
• View our ATAR and selection rank profile data.