Course summary

With an emphasis on social justice and positive change, the Bachelor of Social Science develops your ability to interpret, analyse and offer creative solutions to problems in contemporary society, encouraging you to become a dynamic citizen in the public sphere.

You’ll develop high-level critical and analytical skills with core units covering development across the lifespan, social research, Australian politics, Indigenous world-views, philosophy, communication and community.

Shape your studies through majors in sociology and politics and government; or choose from study streams in development studies, cultural studies and welfare studies. University-wide majors are also available in this course, as is the option to undertake a professional placement towards the end of your degree.

A wide range of career opportunities exist in government, social justice and welfare agencies, environmental and non-governmental organisations. Graduates may also choose to continue their studies with the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) to qualify as a social worker.

With an emphasis on social justice and positive change, the Bachelor of Social Science develops your ability to interpret, analyse and offer creative solutions to problems in contemporary society, encouraging you to become a dynamic citizen in the public sphere.

You’ll develop high-level critical and analytical skills with core units covering development across the lifespan, social research, Australian politics, Indigenous world-views, philosophy, communication and community.

Shape your studies through majors in sociology and politics and government; or choose from study streams in development studies, cultural studies and welfare studies. University-wide majors are also available in this course, as is the option to undertake a professional placement towards the end of your degree.

A wide range of career opportunities exist in government, social justice and welfare agencies, environmental and non-governmental organisations. Graduates may also choose to continue their studies with the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) to qualify as a social worker.

Sociology examines the many forces that affect how people experience society and provides an understanding of how particular groups within society may be disadvantaged. It examines the operation of key social institutions, such as the family, religion and the economy. Students develop skill in critical analysis and social research and apply these to contemporary issues and debates. They have the opportunity to undertake independent studies in sociology, as well as participating in work-integrated learning.

Politics and government offers a range of Australian and international politics and policy units. Students are introduced to ideas of power, resistance and social justice by studying institutions of government as well as non-government organisations and political forces that challenge the formal structures of power. This major enables students to develop high level skills in critical analysis by exploring the role of ideology, ideals and political culture, and how these shape outcomes that impact at the family, community, national and global levels. It includes an examination of policy-making processes and offers skills in social research methods. Students also have an opportunity to apply their learning at a practical level as well as pursuing their particular interests through independent study.

Streams: These include development studies, which addresses local and global community development strategies and issues; cultural studies, which engages with various understandings of identity, power and place; and welfare studies, which enables students to understand the processes involved in the planning and delivery of community services. 

Additional majors — University-wide majors are also available in this course.

Please note that some units in this course are only available to study online.

Course Learning Outcome

Think critically and contextually in a diverse range of professional and personal settings.

Engage in advocacy and problem-solving regarding contemporary social and political issues.

Become effective and ethical practitioners in a wide range of vocations in public, private and community sectors.

Demonstrate an understanding of political and social processes impacting on people's life opportunities. 5. Demonstrate a commitment to issues of human rights, social justice and ecological sustainability.

Become reflective practitioners and lifelong learners.

Research issues and construct and present an argument in written and oral forms.

Use contemporary technologies effectively.

Communicate constructively in a manner that is respectful of the diverse communities in which we live and work.

You can undertake an optional professional placement unit towards the end of your degree, to gain on-the-job experience in your chosen field and advance your career goals. Placements can be undertaken in many types of establishments or organisations such as government departments and non-government community organisations. Typical activities during placement may include policy development, specific projects, community engagement, research or grant application.

Course overview

Course code

3001150

Course abbreviation

BSocSc

Credit points

288

Equivalent units

24

Duration

3 years full-time; 6 years part-time

Duration

3 years full-time

Availability details

Domestic

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Gold Coast Session 1 N/A N/A
Lismore Session 1 N/A N/A
Online Session 1 N/A N/A

Fee information

Commonwealth supported

Course requirements

See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.

  1. To be eligible for the award of Bachelor of Social Science degree a candidate shall successfully complete not less than twenty-four (24) units (288 credit points) comprising:
    1. all units listed in Part A of the Schedule of Units attached to these Rules; and
    2. two (2) majors from Part B; or
    3. one (1) major from Part B plus two (2) streams of four (4) units each from Part C; or
    4. one (1) major from Part B plus one (1) stream of four (4) units from Part C and four (4) elective units chosen from any undergraduate degree offered by the University; or
    5. one (1) major from Part B plus eight (8) electives chosen from any undergraduate degree offered by the University; or
    6. one (1) major from Part B plus one (1) University-wide Major.
  2. To be eligible for the award of Associate Degree of Social Science a candidate shall successfully complete not less than sixteen (16) units comprising: any units from parts A, B or C listed in the Schedule of Units attached to these Rules.
  3. A candidate who, while enrolled for the Bachelor of Social Science, has completed the requirements for the Associate Degree of Social Science may elect to be awarded the Associate Degree of Social Science following withdrawal from the Bachelor Degree.
  4. To be eligible for the award of Diploma of Social Science a candidate shall successfully complete not less than eight (8) units comprising: any units from parts A or B listed in the Schedule of Units attached to these Rules.
  5. A candidate who, while enrolled in the Bachelor or Social Science, has completed the requirements for the Diploma of Social Science may elect to be awarded the Diploma of Social Science following withdrawal from the Bachelor Degree.

Schedule of units

Title Level of learning Note

Part A
POL10244 - Australian Politics Introductory
SOC00118 - Introduction to Sociology Introductory
BHS30003 - Development across the Lifespan Intermediate
CUL00401 - Indigenous World-Views Introductory
SOC10399 - Critical Thinking for Digital Times Introductory
COM10001 - Effective Communication Introductory
SOC10296 - Understanding Community Introductory
SOC20001 - Doing Social Research Intermediate

Part B

Part C

Title Level of learning Note
Choice of four (4) units from the following:
HUM00270 - Doing Cultural Studies Introductory
HUM00272 - Space, Place and Travel Intermediate
CUL00211 - Perspectives on Australia Introductory
HUM00273 - Borderlands: Identity, Culture and Belonging Advanced
HUM00274 - EcoCultural Studies Advanced

Course progressions

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment

Browse uni-wide elective units by selecting Uni-wide elective in the advanced filter of the Unit search.

Browse shared majors and their units at Shared majors

Title Level of learning Note
Part-time students should complete the first two units for Year 1, Session 2 and the remaining two units for Year 2, Session 2 and so on.
Year 1, Session 2
SOC10296 - Understanding Community Introductory
SOC10399 - Critical Thinking for Digital Times Introductory
1st Major unit: Sociology SOC01123 - Deviance in Society OR Politics and Government SOC00112 - Social Policy Introductory
1st Second Major OR University Wide Elective unit
Year 2, Session 1
POL10244 - Australian Politics Introductory
SOC00118 - Introduction to Sociology Introductory
COM10001 - Effective Communication Introductory
CUL00401 - Indigenous World-Views Introductory
Year 2, Session 2
2nd Sociology OR Politics and Government unit
3rd Sociology OR Politics and Government unit
2nd Second Major OR University Wide Elective unit
3rd Second Major OR University Wide Elective unit
Year 3, Session 1
BHS30003 - Development across the Lifespan Intermediate
SOC20001 - Doing Social Research Intermediate
4th Sociology OR Politics and Government unit
5th Sociology OR Politics and Government unit
Year 3, Session 2
6th Sociology OR Politics and Government unit
7th Sociology OR Politics and Government unit
4th Second Major OR University Wide Elective unit
5th Second Major OR University Wide Elective unit
Year 4, Session 1
8th Sociology OR Politics and Government unit
6th Second Major OR University Wide Elective unit
7th Second Major OR University Wide Elective unit
8th Second Major OR University Wide Elective unit

Title Level of learning Note
Part-time students should complete the first two units for Year 1, Session 1 and the remaining two units for Year 2, Session 1 and so on.
Year 1, Session 1
POL10244 - Australian Politics Introductory
SOC00118 - Introduction to Sociology Introductory
COM10001 - Effective Communication Introductory
CUL00401 - Indigenous World-Views Introductory
Year 1, Session 2
SOC10296 - Understanding Community Introductory
SOC10399 - Critical Thinking for Digital Times Introductory
1st Sociology unit SOC01123 - Deviance in Society Introductory
1st Politics and Government unit POL00005 - Ideas and Ideals in Politics Intermediate
Year 2, Session 1
BHS30003 - Development across the Lifespan Intermediate
SOC20001 - Doing Social Research Intermediate
2nd Sociology unit
2nd Politics and Government unit
Year 2, Session 2
3rd Sociology unit
4th Sociology unit
3rd Politics and Government unit
4th Politics and Government unit
Year 3, Session 1
5th Sociology unit
6th Sociology unit
5th Politics and Government unit
6th Politics and Government unit
Year 3, Session 2
7th Sociology unit
8th Sociology unit
7th Politics and Government unit
8th Politics and Government unit

Title Level of learning Note
Part-time students should complete the first two units for Year 1, Session 1 and the remaining two units for Year 2, Session 1 and so on.
Year 1, Session 1
POL10244 - Australian Politics Introductory
SOC00118 - Introduction to Sociology Introductory
COM10001 - Effective Communication Introductory
CUL00401 - Indigenous World-Views Introductory
Year 1, Session 2
SOC10296 - Understanding Community Introductory
SOC10399 - Critical Thinking for Digital Times Introductory
1st Major unit: Sociology Major SOC01123 - Deviance in Society OR Politics and Government POL00005 - Ideas and Ideals in Politics Introductory
1st University-wide majors unit
Year 2, Session 1
BHS30003 - Development across the Lifespan Intermediate
SOC20001 - Doing Social Research Intermediate
2nd Sociology OR Politics and Government unit
3rd Sociology OR Politics and Government unit
Year 2, Session 2
4th Sociology OR Politics and Government unit
5th Sociology OR Politics and Government unit
2nd University-wide majors unit
3rd University-wide majors unit
Year 3, Session 1
6th Sociology OR Politics and Government unit
7th Sociology OR Politics and Government unit
4th University-wide majors unit
5th University-wide majors unit
Year 3, Session 2
8th Sociology OR Politics and Government unit
6th University-wide majors unit
7th University-wide majors unit
8th University-wide majors unit

Title Level of learning Note
Part-time students should complete the first two units for Year 1, Session 1 and the remaining two units for Year 2, Session 1 and so on.
Year 1, Session 1
POL10244 - Australian Politics Introductory
SOC00118 - Introduction to Sociology Introductory
COM10001 - Effective Communication Introductory
CUL00401 - Indigenous World-Views Introductory
Year 1, Session 2
SOC10296 - Understanding Community Introductory
SOC10399 - Critical Thinking for Digital Times Introductory
1st Major unit: Sociology Major SOC01123 - Deviance in Society OR Politics and Government POL00005 - Ideas and Ideals in Politics Introductory
1st University Wide Elective unit
Year 2, Session 1
BHS30003 - Development across the Lifespan Intermediate
SOC20001 - Doing Social Research Intermediate
2nd Sociology OR Politics and Government unit
3rd Sociology OR Politics and Government unit
Year 2, Session 2
4th Sociology OR Politics and Government unit
5th Sociology OR Politics and Government unit
2nd University Wide Elective unit
3rd University Wide Elective unit
Year 3, Session 1
6thSociology OR Politics and Government unit
7th Sociology OR Politics and Government unit
4th University Wide Elective unit
5th University Wide Elective unit
Year 3, Session 2
8th Sociology OR Politics and Government unit
6th University Wide Elective unit
7th University Wide Elective unit
8th University Wide Elective unit

Title Level of learning Note
Part-time students should complete the first two units for Year 1, Session 1 and the remaining two units for Year 2, Session 1 and so on.
Year 1, Session 1
POL10244 - Australian Politics Introductory
SOC00118 - Introduction to Sociology Introductory
COM10001 - Effective Communication Introductory
CUL00401 - Indigenous World-Views Introductory
Year 1, Session 2
SOC10296 - Understanding Community Introductory
SOC10399 - Critical Thinking for Digital Times Introductory
1st Major unit: Sociology Major SOC01123 - Deviance in Society OR Politics and Government POL00005 - Ideas and Ideals in Politics Introductory
1st Development Studies OR Welfare Studies OR Cultural Studies unit
Year 2, Session 1
BHS30003 - Development across the Lifespan Intermediate
SOC20001 - Doing Social Research Intermediate
2nd Sociology OR Politics and Government unit
3rd Sociology OR Politics and Government unit
Year 2, Session 2
4th Sociology OR Politics and Government unit
5th Sociology OR Politics and Government unit
2nd Development Studies OR Welfare Studies OR Cultural Studies unit
3rd Development Studies OR Welfare Studies OR Cultural Studies unit
Year 3, Session 1
6th Sociology OR Politics and Government unit
7th Sociology OR Politics and Government unit
4th Development Studies OR Welfare Studies OR Cultural Studies unit
1st unit for Second Stream
Year 3, Session 2
8th Sociology OR Politics and Government unit
2nd unit for Second Stream
3rd unit for Second Stream
4th unit for Second Stream

Title Level of learning Note
Part-time students should complete the first two units for Year 1, Session 1 and the remaining two units for Year 2, Session 1 and so on.
Year 1, Session 1
POL10244 - Australian Politics Introductory
SOC00118 - Introduction to Sociology Introductory
COM10001 - Effective Communication Introductory
CUL00401 - Indigenous World-Views Introductory
Year 1, Session 2
SOC10296 - Understanding Community Introductory
SOC10399 - Critical Thinking for Digital Times Introductory
1st Major unit: Sociology Major SOC01123 - Deviance in Society OR Politics and Government POL00005 - Ideas and Ideals in Politics Introductory
1st Development Studies OR Welfare Studies OR Cultural Studies unit
Year 2, Session 1
BHS30003 - Development across the Lifespan Intermediate
SOC20001 - Doing Social Research Intermediate
2nd Sociology OR Politics and Government unit
3rd Sociology OR Politics and Government unit
Year 2, Session 2
4th Sociology OR Politics and Government unit
5th Sociology OR Politics and Government unit
2nd Development Studies OR Welfare Studies OR Cultural Studies unit
1st University Wide Elective
Year 3, Session 1
6th Sociology OR Politics and Government unit
7th Sociology OR Politics and Government unit
3rd Development Studies OR Welfare Studies OR Cultural Studies unit
2nd University Wide Elective
Year 3, Session 2
8th Sociology OR Politics and Government unit
4th Development Studies OR Welfare Studies OR Cultural Studies unit
3rd University Wide Elective
4th University Wide Elective

Unit groups

Welfare Studies

Title Level of learning Note
Choice of four (4) units from the following:
SOY10105 - Introduction to Social Welfare Introductory
WEL73004 - Planning and Delivering Human Services Advanced
WEL30001 - Youth Work Intermediate
CSL10558 - Case Management and Care Planning Intermediate
WEL73002 - Disability and Community Practice Advanced

Cultural Studies

Title Level of learning Note
Choice of four (4) units from the following:
HUM00270 - Doing Cultural Studies Introductory
HUM00272 - Space, Place and Travel Intermediate
CUL00211 - Perspectives on Australia Introductory
HUM00273 - Borderlands: Identity, Culture and Belonging Advanced
HUM00274 - EcoCultural Studies Advanced