Consumer Behaviour
Undergraduate
SWI-MKT20025 2021Course information for 2021 intake
Investigate the field of cognition and the methods psychologists use to study performance. Sort through the contents of the mind and determine how they relate to human behaviour. Address how the brain deals with memory, language and problem-solving.
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Consumer Behaviour
About this subject
Students who successfully complete this subject will be able to:
Describe the psychological profiles of target consumers using the theoretical principles of human behaviour.
Analyse the relationship between psychological and social drivers underlying consumer behaviour and how these influence the consumer decision-making process and customer experience.
Evaluate the effectiveness of marketing practices and tactics designed to influence consumer behaviour.
Apply consumer behaviour principles and framework in a variety of contexts displaying ethical principles and cultural awareness.
Communicate professionally in a style appropriate for a business environment and context.
- Theoretical principles of human behaviour
- Psychological influences (needs, motivation, personality, self-concept, attitudes and perception) on consumer behaviour
- Segmentation
- Social influences (reference groups, social class, culture and sub-cultures) on consumer behaviour
- Consumer decision making processes
- Ethical, social and environmental dilemmas in consumption behaviour
- Innovation, diffusion and adoption among consumers and consumer groups (influencers)
- Impact of digital technologies on consumption behaviour
- The way social marketing can be used to influence behaviour for socially and environmentally favourable outcomes
This subject aims to introduce students to key consumer behaviour theories and concepts such as psychological influences (needs, motivations, personality, perception, learning and attitudes) and external influences (family, social class, culture and subcultures). Students will learn about the diffusion and adoption of innovation, digital marketing, and social marketing, and the ways in which these can be used to influence consumer behaviour. Students will apply their knowledge to practical, realistic contexts to develop innovative solutions to business problems.
- Report - Individual (20-30%)
- Reflection portfolio - Individual (30-40%)
- Final Examination - Individual (30-50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
Swinburne University of Technology leads the way with innovative and new ways of teaching, learning and thinking. It offers a wide range of study options, from pre-apprenticeships, undergraduate, postgraduate and PhDs, including online degrees with Open Universities Australia. Swinburne is known for career-oriented education and encouraging lifelong learning.
Learn more about Swinburne.
Explore Swinburne courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 19
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 17
Entry requirements
Prior study
You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:
one of
- SWI-MKT10007-Fundamentals of Marketing
- GRF-MKT103-Introduction to Marketing
MON-MAR11 (Not currently available)
SWI-MAR110 (Not currently available)
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
SWI-MAR210 (Not currently available)
Others
or if applicable student may have completed AVA10004
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Single subject FAQs
What’s a single subject?
Single subjects are the individual components that make up a degree. With Open Universities Australia, you’re able to study many of them as stand-alone subjects, including postgraduate single subjects, without having to commit to a degree.
Each of your subjects will be held over the course of a study term, and they’ll usually require 10 to 12 hours of study each week. Subjects are identified by a title and a code, for example, Developmental Psychology, PSY20007.
How can I use single subjects to get into a full degree?
First, find the degree that you would like to study on our website.
If that degree allows entry via undergraduate subjects, there will be information about this under the Entry Requirements section. You will find a list of 2-4 open enrolment subjects you need to successfully complete to qualify for admission into that qualification.
Once you pass those subjects, you will satisfy the academic requirements for the degree, and you can apply for entry.
Our student advisors are here to help you take that next step, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re ready! We’ve also made it easier to figure out the right way to get started on our pathways page.
Can anyone help me choose a subject?
Our student advisors are more than happy to help you plan your online study. Get in touch with an advisor by:
How do I pay for my subjects?
You can pay up front with your credit card, or you may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government depending on your citizenship status and where you’ll live during your studies.
For more information about how to pay for your studies visit our fees page or contact a student advisor.
How do I enrol?
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Enrol now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we’ll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.
When is the cut-off date for enrolling?
Close of enrolment times vary between universities and subjects. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting key dates.