Understanding how society works is essential to shaping better outcomes. Does it bother you when things feel unfair? Have you ever looked at a problem in your community and thought, someone should fix this? Have you wondered how the policies that shape communities’ everyday lives are developed, applied and improved? These are questions social scientists answer.
The Bachelor of Social Science equips you with the skills to investigate complex issues and design practical, evidence-based solutions. Explore challenges shaping communities today, such as housing affordability, food insecurity, racism and discrimination, community health and wellbeing, social injustice and inequality, urban planning and sustainability.
You learn by doing, applying your knowledge to real world problems and working with communities and organisations. Along the way, you will build strong analytical, research and interpersonal skills, learning to interpret data, understand lived experience and communicate ideas clearly.
Graduate ready to contribute to policy, programs and professional practice, with the capability and confidence to create meaningful social change.
This course structure lets you build expertise in your chosen major within this degree, whilst giving you the flexibility to broaden your studies or specialise further through a second major, a minor, or elective subjects.
See course handbook for more information.
This social science degree is applied, collaborative and focused on workplace skills and outcomes. You learn by working on real challenges that affect people and communities, building the skills to turn insight into action.
Through projects, fieldwork and engagement with organisations and communities, including local councils and community research projects, you gain hands-on experience in quantitative and qualitative research. You learn to gather, evaluate and apply evidence to social issues, gaining insight into how different countries and communities address social challenges while building a strong understanding of the Australian context.
You develop a broad and balanced skillet across research, analysis, policy and program evaluation, communication, stakeholder engagement and ethical decision-making. You can apply these skills across government, community organisations, NGOs, research and industry, contributing to policy, programs, sustainability initiatives and social research that improve outcomes for individuals, communities and the places where they live.
Opportunities for internships and placements, both locally and overseas, allow you to gain professional experience and build confidence applying your knowledge in real-world settings.
Pathway to Teaching
You may also take a Foundations in Teaching minor and complete the Bachelor of Social Science (Pathway to Primary Education) (UAC: 755305). You will complete a social science major of your choice, while adding an education element to your degree.
This pathway degree offers priority entry to the Master of Teaching (Primary) and a reduced study load while undertaking your master’s degree. You’ll graduate with an undergraduate and postgraduate degree, as well as the qualification and skills to teach children aged 5-12 years.
Learn more about our teaching pathways
