Bachelor of Social Science

Students can undertake an optional professional placement unit towards the end of the degree, to gain on-the-job experience in their chosen field and advance their 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 can include policy development, specific projects, community engagement, or grant applications.

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 skills in critical analysis and social research and apply these to contemporary issues and debates. The major includes an analysis of the changing conditions of work and personal relationships, as well as the impact of social forces on health and wellbeing. It also addresses changing patterns of social communication, including the use of social networking. Students have the opportunity of undertaking independent studies in sociology, as well as participating in work-integrated learning and a community partnership project.

Policy and Governance examines the multi-faceted systems and processes involved in policy-making and governance. This involves developing an in-depth knowledge not just of the formal institutions of government, but also the organised practices that determine how citizens are governed. The major enables students to develop high level skills in critical analysis through exploring how ideology and social discourse impact on governance, policy-making and people’s everyday lives. The major includes an examination of policy-making processes, how policy problems are analysed and the relevance of social research. Students have the opportunity to apply their learning through a professional placement or a community partnership project, as well as extending their learning 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. Students have the option of selecting up to two streams (made up of a minimum of four units).

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

Please note that some units in this course are only available to study by distance education.