Content
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 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
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 Communication and Thought
COR110 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
COR111 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
Introductory courses
2 required courses:
SCS110 Introduction to Sociology: Society, Culture and Change
SCS130 Introduction to Indigenous Australia
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 Gender and Culture
SCS2IP1 Industry Project 1: Social and Community Studies
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:
| Course | Usual teaching session of offer | Requisites | Units |
|---|
| COR109 Communication and Thought | Semester 1, Semester 2 | Anti: COR102 or COR106 | 12.00 |
| COR110 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship | Semester 1, Semester 2 | | 12.00 |
| COR111 Environment, Technology and Sustainability | Semester 1, Semester 2 | | 12.00 |
Required courses (2)
| Course | Usual teaching session of offer | Requisites | Units |
|---|
| SCS110 Introduction to Sociology: Society, Culture and Change | Semester 2 | | 12.00 |
| SCS130 Introduction to Indigenous Australia | Semester 1, Semester 2 | | 12.00 |
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)
| Course | Usual teaching session of offer | Requisites | Units |
|---|
| SCS230 Understanding Society: An Introduction to Social Theory | Semester 1 | Pre: Any 2 courses (except Study Abroad and Exchange students) or enrolled in Program AR505, AR605, AR707, AR708, XP601 or UP601 | 12.00 |
| SCS235 Social Justice, Welfare and the State | Semester 2 | Pre: Any 2 courses or enrolled in Program AR505, AR605, XP601 or UP601 | 12.00 |
| SCS290 Understanding Cultural Diversity | Semester 2 | Pre: Any 2 courses or enrolled in Program AR505, AR605, AR707, XP601 or UP601
Anti: SCS590 | 12.00 |
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)
| Course | Usual teaching session of offer | Requisites | Units |
|---|
| SCS225 Social Research | Semester 2 | Pre: Any 2 courses or enrolled in Program AR505 , AR605, AR707, AR708, XP601 or UP601 | 12.00 |
| SCS295 Gender and Culture | Semester 2 | Pre: Any 2 courses or enrolled in Program AR505, AR605, AR707, XP601 or UP601 | 12.00 |
| SCS2IP1 Industry Project 1: Social and Community Studies | Semester 1, 2 & Session 11 | Pre: At least 16 courses with a GPA of at least 5.7 and instructor consent required. | 12.00 |
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
Why choose USC?
It’s the best of both worlds. Students choose USC for its industry focused degrees, experienced academics, student support, overseas study opportunities and relaxed campus atmosphere.
Am I eligible for university study?
Find out what qualifications you need to apply for entry into your proposed study program. If you don’t have the required qualifications, there may be alternative pathways you can take to gain entry to USC.
If you have previously undertaken university or TAFE studies, you may be eligible for credit transfer.
If English is not your first language, you need to meet the minimum English language requirements for your chosen program. This requirement applies to all students intending to study at the University.
How do I submit an application?
When should I apply?
Check if the program is offered in Semester 1 and / or Semester 2, then follow the deadlines on the application calendar. The academic calendar provides all the key dates you need to know as a student at USC.
What happens next?
Accept your offer with QTAC (if applicable) and USC, enrol in your classes and attend Orientation.
Where can I ask more questions?
If you have more questions about how to apply:
- Online: find answers to commonly asked questions in the Student FAQs
- Email: information@usc.edu.au
- Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
- In person: Student Central, Building C
If you have questions about your program:
As a USC student, you will need to refer to your study plan to enrol in the appropriate courses each semester or session.
Find out more about how to enrol or follow these steps:
- Check the open enrolment dates and the academic calendar for key dates
- Refer to your Study Plan to plan your courses for the study period
- Find your courses and decide on your classes in the class timetable
- Log on to USC Central and enrol in courses and classes
- Register your major or minor with your faculty (if applicable)
- Apply for credit transfer or cross-institutional study (if applicable)
- Pay required study fees by the fee due date
Useful links
Where can I ask more questions?
If you have more questions about how to enrol:
If you have questions about your program:
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