Bachelor of Social Science | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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This page was archived on 18 February 2013 and is no longer updated.

Bachelor of Social Science

  • 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 2013 entry: OP-18 / Rank-62
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 2013: 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 a critical understanding of the social, political, economic, and environmental processes that underpin social change and conflict at local, national and international levels. The core discipline of the program is sociology with courses offered in disciplines such as geography, politics and international relations, public policy, indigenous studies and development studies.

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

Program Leader
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 Study Plan.

Program structure

Core courses

Select 2 core courses from:
COR109 Dimensions of Learner Engagement
COR110 Professional Learning: Professional Practice
COR111 Curriculum A Middle Years 4-10: Pedagogies for New Times

Introductory courses

2 required courses:
SCS110 Curriculum B Middle Years 4-10: Assessment for Learning
SCS130 Biochemistry

Advanced courses

6 required courses:
SCS225 Communication and Thought
SCS230 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
SCS235 Inorganic and Physical Chemistry
SCS290 Vocational Education and Training: Philosophy and Practice
SCS295 Professional Learning: Learning Engagement
SCS2IP1 Senior Phase Curriculum

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: 

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:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
COR109 Engineering Project 2
COR110 Design of Wastewater Treatment Systems
COR111 Becoming a Teacher
Required courses (2)
CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
SCS110 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
SCS130 Organic Chemistry
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:

Elective courses (2)

Select 2 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Year 2
Required courses (3)
CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
SCS230 Introduction to Mathematics
SCS235 Cell Biology
SCS290 Chemistry
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
Required courses (3)
CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
SCS225 Physics
SCS295 Learning about Learning
SCS2IP1 Language and Literacies in Education
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

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