Bachelor of Social Science

The course information on this page is for new students commencing their degree in 2016 only. 

Students should follow the rules and requirements for the year that they commenced their course. The online course information for years prior to 2016 are available from the Archives link in the menu.

Students should also review current subject availabilities via the Subject Descriptions link in the menu.

Overview

Social Sciences helps transform the lives of individuals, families and communities by understanding, explaining, predicting and changing human behaviour and environments. To do this Social Science students engage in interdisciplinary study about human behaviour, including foundations in psychology, social policy, sociology, human geography, research methodology, social justice and social determinants of health and wellbeing.

Each student has the opportunity to build a unique study pathway. From a strong common foundation of compulsory core social science subjects in first year, students then choose and complete a specialised major, which is complemented by either a minor in either Social Sciences  or another speciality area from any field in the University offering cross-faculty enrolment.

Entry Requirements

Academic requirements and English requirements are available from the Course Finder.

Course Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the Bachelor of Social Science will be able to:

1. Integrate knowledge and understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of the social sciences and social science practice.
2. Consolidate and synthesise theoretical and practical knowledge of the dynamics of social systems and practices in different settings and apply this to their chosen speciality.
3. Inquire into the dynamics of particular social problems and practices using established social science protocols consistent with their speciality.
4. Inquire into and address ongoing learning needs.
5. Analyse unpredictable, complex problems, issues and situations; apply creative, logical and critical thinking skills; and form evidence-based judgements regarding possible solutions.
6. Articulate ideas using a wide range of techniques effective with different audiences, including experts and non-experts.
7. Work collaboratively with a range of people in different cultural, cross-cultural and regional contexts to best effect desired and desirable social change.
8. Recognise the importance of ethical practice, social responsibility, social justice and civic awareness when acting to resolve conflicts, address problems and respond to social and environmental challenges. 

Course Structure

The Bachelor of Social Science requires the successful completion of 144 credit points of subjects including:

a) all core subjects, as determined by the intended major; and

b) a Social Science major; and

c) a Social Science minor, or minor from the General Schedule of Minors; and

d) additional elective credit points to complete the degree, if required. 

No more than 60 credit points of 100 level subjects shall be completed. 

Core subjects

All students, except Education for Change majors, complete the following core subjects.

*PLEASE NOTE:

• Students are advised to take SOC 103 if they are intending to complete a major or minor in Criminology or Sociology. 
• Students are advised to take HAS 130 if they are intending to complete a major or minor in Health Promotion, Public Health or Social Marketing. 
• Students in other majors should choose a subject according to their interests or planned minors.

Core subjects (Education for Change)

Students selecting the Education for Change major complete the core requirements from this table.

 Majors (and delivery locations)

All students must complete one of the following majors. In most cases you can leave your selection of major to Spring semester. If you intend to completing a major in Community Culture and Environment, Education for Change or Indigenous Studies you are advised to make this decision in Autumn semester of Year 1 and choose subjects accordingly. 

• Criminology (Wollongong)
• Community, Culture & Environment (Shoalhaven, Batemans Bay, Bega)
• Education for Change (Wollongong)
• Health Promotion (Wollongong, Shoalhaven)
• Human Geography (Wollongong, Shoalhaven, Batemans Bay, Bega)
• Indigenous Studies (Wollongong, Shoalhaven, Batemans Bay, Bega)
• Public Health (Wollongong, Shoalhaven)
• Social Marketing (Wollongong)
• Social Policy (Wollongong, Shoalhaven)
• Sociology (Wollongong, Shoalhaven, Batemans Bay, Bega)

Some delivery locations may offer a limited range of choice in subjects in years two and three.

Minors (and delivery locations)

All students who first enrolled from 2016 must complete a minor. Students may choose from this recommended list, or from the General Schedule of Minors.

• Criminology (Wollongong)
• Community, Culture & Environment (Shoalhaven, Batemans Bay, Bega)
• Human Geography (Wollongong, Shoalhaven, Batemans Bay, Bega)
• Indigenous Education (Wollongong)
• Indigenous Studies (Wollongong, Shoalhaven, Batemans Bay, Bega)
• International Studies
• Public Health (Wollongong, Shoalhaven)
• Psychology (Wollongong)
• Social Marketing (Wollongong)
• Social Policy (Wollongong, Shoalhaven)
• Sociology (Wollongong, Shoalhaven, Batemans Bay, Bega)
• Work Health and Safety (Wollongong)

Electives

Electives may be selected from any subject listed in the core, major and minor tables for the Bachelor of Social Science, or from the General Schedule. 

The following career readiness electives are recommended:

Recommended Social Science electives:

 Dean's Scholar

A Dean's Scholar program is available. For further information refer to the Bachelor of Social Science (Dean's Scholar). 

Honours

An Honours program will commence in 2018.

Credit Arrangements

Credit and articulation arrangements are available from the Course Finder. Refer to UOW's credit arrangements for information on how to apply for credit.

Other Information

Further information is available at:
UOW Course Finder
Email: ssc@uow.edu.au