Program Overview

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Diploma in Social Sciences (Psychology)

The Diploma in Social Sciences (Psychology) provides an alternate pathway to bachelor level study for students who have an ATAR, TAFE Certificate III or IV, or have completed UniSA Foundation Studies. Students build academic literacy and study skills as well as undertaking foundational discipline-specific courses.

Aim

The aim of the Diploma in Social Sciences (Psychology) is to provide students with an alternate pathway to bachelor level study. Upon successful completion of the diploma, students can apply to transition, via competitive entry, into a UniSA bachelor degree.

Content and Structure

The program consists of 36 units of study, comprising six foundational courses designed to develop academic literacies and foundational level discipline knowledge, and two courses from approved specialization areas.

Courses

The following courses are part of the diploma program:

• Introduction to Academic Life
• Introduction to Human Behaviour
• Writing for Academic Purposes
• Psychology 1A
• Data Literacy: Foundations for Success
• Individual and Society in Contemporary Australia
• Critical Thinking: Media and Academia
• Psychology 1B

Rules

1. Students are required to complete the diploma within 2 years to transfer into an undergraduate degree, subject to competitive entry.
2. Commencing students may have their enrolments withdrawn if they fail to engage with their studies.
3. This program requires weekly participation in all enrolled courses.

Notes

1. Students may discuss UniSA Online alternatives with their Program Director.

Program Director

The Program Director for the Diploma in Social Sciences (Psychology) is Dr. Alice Betteridge.

Related Degrees

Related degrees include:

• Diploma in Social Sciences
• Diploma in Social Sciences (Social Work)
• Diploma in Social Sciences (Law)

Admission Criteria

The admission criteria for the diploma program are as follows:

• Recent secondary education: Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent, and qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) with a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR).
• Vocational Education and Training (VET): Complete an award from a registered training organization at Certificate III or Certificate IV level.
• Work and life experience: Qualify for Special Entry, or complete a University enabling program or equivalent, or hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past.

Essential Requirements for Admission

• Prerequisites: None
• Assumed Knowledge: None

Degree Details

• Degree Level: Undergraduate
• Years: 1 year full-time
• Campus: City West
• Duration: 1 year full-time
• Mode: On-campus/Online
• Program Code: DDSS
• SATAC Code: (Internal)
• Study as: Full-time or part-time
• Fees: Commonwealth Supported
• Entry Requirements: Selection Rank (Internal): 50.00 (for 2024)
• Start Date: February, July