Bachelor of Social Science

Students can undertake an optional professional placement unit towards the end of their 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 may include policy development, specific projects, community engagement, research or grant application.

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. 

Southern Cross University also offers the AASW-accredited Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) for graduates who have undertaken prior study in the social sciences, social welfare, psychology, or related fields. Graduates of this degree will qualify as social workers in Australia and may also be eligible to apply to work as social workers overseas. 

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.