- Opportunity to tailor the program to suit interests and career ambitions
- Graduates may apply social science knowledge to a wide variety of roles
- Complete an additional year of study to earn a Bachelor of Social Science (Honours)
Program summary
Program title: Bachelor of Social Science
Award abbreviation: BSocSc
QTAC code: 011061
OP/Rank for 2012 entry: OP-18 / Rank-63
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Study mode: on campus
Recommended prior study: English
Fee type 2012: Commonwealth supported places, fee paying places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288
USC program code: AR361
CRICOS code: 037991F. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
A comprehensive social science degree can lead to career opportunities in areas such as advocacy, community education and research.
This program equips you with comprehensive skills and knowledge in social and political theory, social research and public policy. You develop an understanding of the social, political, economic, and environmental processes that underpin social change and conflict at local, national and international levels. Courses are in disciplines such as sociology, geography, politics and international relations, justice studies, counselling and human services. The program also provides a strong foundation for more advanced studies in the social sciences area.
Majors
Sociology; development studies; geography; politics and international relations.
Career opportunities
Policy analysis and development, social planning, government, research, local and regional planning, community education, industrial relations, unions, welfare.
Enquiries
- Contact Student Administration for application and admission information
- Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business for program advice
Dr Lucinda Aberdeen
Tel: +61 7 5430 1218
Email: laberdee@usc.edu.au
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete 2 core courses, 8 required courses, 1 major (8 courses) or 2 minors (8 courses) and 6 electives.
- Complete no more 10 introductory level courses, including core courses.
- Register your selected Majors and Minors with Student Administration.
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
- Required courses may count towards some majors and minors.
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the Global Opportunities (GO) Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
- When enrolling, refer to the [TabLink top Study Plan]Study Plan.
Program structure
Core courses
Select 2 core courses from:
COR109 Planning and Environmental Law
COR110 The Writer and the Law
COR111 Employment and Industrial Law
Introductory courses
2 required courses:
SCS110 Criminal Law: An Introduction
SCS130 Communication and Thought
Advanced courses
6 required courses:
SCS225 Social Research
SCS230 Understanding Society: An Introduction to Social Theory
SCS235 Social Justice, Welfare and the State
SCS290 Understanding Cultural Diversity
SCS295
SCS2IP1
PLUS select 8 courses to complete a major from those listed below or 2 minors from those listed below:
Major courses
Select a major (8 courses) from:
Minor courses
Or select 2 minors (4 courses each) from:
- Community Development
- Development Studies
- Geography
- Indigenous Studies
- Politics and International Relations
- Public Policy
Elective courses
Select 6 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
TOTAL UNITS 288
Study Plan
The Bachelor of Social Science Study Plan is for students commencing in the current semester.
Year 1
- Two (2) core courses:
One core course should be studied in your first semester and one in your second semester - Two (2) required introductory level courses
- Two (2) courses towards your major study area or towards your chosen minor study areas.
- Two (2) elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Core courses (2)
Select 2 core courses from:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| COR109 An Introduction to Australian Politics: The Makings of a Republic? | |||
| COR110 Justice and the Australian Legal System | |||
| COR111 Foundations of Criminology |
Required courses (2)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCS110 Introduction to Sociology: Society, Culture and Change | |||
| SCS130 Editing for the Communications Professional |
Major or minor study area (2)
Select 2 courses from your chosen major study area:
or
Select 2 courses from your chosen minor study areas:
- Community Development
- Development Studies
- Geography
- Indigenous Studies
- Politics and International Relations
- Public Policy
Elective courses (2)
Select 2 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Year 2
- Three (3) required advanced courses .
- Four (4) courses towards your major study area or towards your chosen minor study areas
- One (1) elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Required courses (3)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCS230 Policies of Crime Prevention | |||
| SCS235 International Justice and Human Rights | |||
| SCS290 Issues in Crime and Criminal Justice |
Major or minor study area (4)
Select 4 courses from your chosen major study area or your minor study areas.
Elective course (1)
Select 1 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Year 3
- Three (3) required advanced level courses.
- Two (2) courses towards your major study area or towards your chosen minor study areas
- Three (3) elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Required courses (3)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCS225 The Administration of Justice: Issues in Policing | |||
| SCS295 Green Justice: Environment and Social Issues | |||
| SCS2IP1 Social Justice, Welfare and the State |
Major or minor study area (2)
Select 2 courses from your chosen major study area or your minor study areas.
Elective courses (3)
Select 3 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
TOTAL UNITS 288