University of Adelaide

What you'll study

The programme combines core psychological science with applied counselling and interpersonal-skills units. Core topics typically include introduction to psychological science, developmental psychology, social psychology, cognitive psychology, abnormal psychology, and biological bases of behaviour. Research methods and statistics are taught across the degree to develop skills in design, data analysis and evidence appraisal.

Applied counselling and interpersonal-skills content covers counselling theories and approaches (for example person-centred, cognitive–behavioural, systemic approaches), active listening and communication skills, empathy and rapport building, brief intervention techniques, group facilitation, crisis intervention and ethical practice. Coursework often includes role-plays, skills laboratories and reflective practice to build practical competence.

Students also study professional and ethical issues in helping professions, cultural competence and working with diverse populations. Many students undertake a supervised placement or community-based practicum to gain hands-on experience and professional contacts. The degree structure allows for elective units so students can tailor their study toward particular populations (e.g. youth, families, mental health) or complementary areas such as health psychology or behavioural neuroscience.

Entry requirements

Admissions are typically based on senior secondary qualifications (such as an Australian state final year certificate/ATAR or international equivalents) or recognised tertiary study. Competitive entry ordinarily requires demonstrated academic achievement in prior study and competency in English.

Specific requirements may include:

• Meeting the University of Adelaide's general entry threshold for undergraduate study (ATAR-equivalent for domestic applicants, or recognised international qualifications for overseas applicants).
• Satisfactory English proficiency demonstrated through prior study in English or an approved test for international applicants.
• Some units or placements may require a clear police check, immunisation evidence and working-with-children or similar checks, depending on site requirements.

Applicants with non‑school backgrounds (mature-age, vocational qualifications or relevant work experience) can often apply through alternative pathways. Entry prerequisites and pathways can vary, so prospective students should consult the University of Adelaide admissions pages for precise details relevant to their circumstances.

Career prospects

Graduates gain skills relevant to roles that require strong interpersonal and helping skills, critical thinking and understanding of human behaviour. Common career directions include community and welfare work, counsellor assistant roles, case management, youth work, mental health support roles, employee wellbeing and human resources positions, and roles in disability services.

This degree also provides a foundation for further professional training. Graduates who wish to become registered psychologists in Australia will normally proceed to honours or an accredited fourth year and then postgraduate professional training (such as master’s level or higher professional programs). Graduates may also pursue postgraduate studies in counselling, social work, public health or related disciplines to gain specialist clinical credentials.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers research-led teaching within a school that focuses on contemporary psychological science and applied practice. Students benefit from experienced academic staff, practical skills laboratories and opportunities for supervised placements in community and health settings. The university supports student learning with academic advising, careers services and mentoring programmes.

Studying at the University of Adelaide also provides access to interdisciplinary collaboration across allied health, education and social sciences, helping students develop a broad, practice-ready skillset valued by employers and postgraduate programmes. The programme’s combination of evidence-based theory and applied interpersonal training prepares graduates for a range of community-facing and professional pathways.