Course summary

The Bachelor of Social Sciences with Honours is a separate fourth year of study that is undertaken following the successful completion of an undergraduate Social Science or Social Welfare degree. In addition to the skills and knowledge that graduates have developed in their undergraduate degree, the Honours degree is highly regarded in providing advanced intellectual education in research, analysis and writing. It signifies a demonstrable ability in conducting research in the Social Sciences and Social Welfare. As well as a completion point for tertiary study itself, Honours also represents the starting point for entry into postgraduate and academic research.

The Honours degree includes a unit in research methodology and management that assists students to conduct a significant research project on a topic of their interest. Generally this research project will be documented in a written thesis. An Honours Supervisor will assist students at each stage of their project.

Prior to lodging an application, interested applicants must contact the University to discuss their eligibility and to find a suitable honours supervisor for their proposed honours topic. For more information refer to the School of Arts and Social Sciences Honours information. 

Graduate AttributeCourse Learning Outcome
Intellectual rigour

Demonstrate cognitive and technical skills in social science research.

Demonstrate skills in reviewing, analysing, and synthesising social scientific knowledge

Demonstrate initiative and critical judgement in social scientific scholarship.

Creativity

Exercise independence in identifying and formulating solutions to complex intellectual, professional and social challenges.

Ethical practice

Practice ethical enquiry and communication.

Knowledge of a discipline

Demonstrate a broad understanding of a body of social science knowledge with advanced understanding in at least one area.

Demonstrate coherent and advanced knowledge of social scientific principles, methods, and concepts and the ability to apply them when researching a social problem.

Lifelong learning

Exercise autonomy in one's learning and responsibility in one's practice as a social scientist.

Identify and reflect critically upon the knowledge and skills developed in the student's own study of social science.

Communication and social skills

Demonstrate written and verbal communication skills to present a clear and coherent exposition of social scientific knowledge and the capacity to disseminate findings in diverse contexts.

Create a social science thesis/research project that demonstrates research and design skills, critical thinking, and judgement in developing new understanding.

Cultural competence

Practice inclusive enquiry and communication.

Course overview

Course code

3507033

Course abbreviation

BSocSc(Hons)

Credit points

96

Equivalent units

8

Domestic duration

1 year full-time; 2 years part-time

International duration

1 year full-time

Availability details

Domestic

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

Domestic fees

Commonwealth supported

Course requirements

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

The Honours course comprises the equivalent of eight (8) units (96 credit points) of study and includes a research methodology unit and a research project.

Course progressions

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

Title Level of learning Note
Year 1, Session 1
COM40015 - Research Methods for Arts and Social Sciences Advanced
Year 1, Session 2
CAR83001 - Honours Research I Advanced
Year 2, Session 1
CAR83002 - Honours Research II Advanced
Year 2, Session 2
CAR83003 - Honours Research III Advanced

Notes

Note 1: Double-weighted unit