Students pursue career opportunities in areas such as advocacy, community education and research, and gain skills and knowledge in social and political theory, social research and public policy.
Students develop a critical understanding of the social, political, economic and environmental processes that underpin social change and conflict at local, national and international levels. Students can choose studies in geography, politics and international relations, public policy, Indigenous studies and development studies and may complete an industry project in a social or community organisation.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
Students develop a critical understanding of the social, political, economic and environmental processes that underpin social change and conflict at local, national and international levels. Students can choose studies in geography, politics and international relations, public policy, Indigenous studies and development studies and may complete an industry project in a social or community organisation.
Majors
Development studies; geography; politics and international relations; sociology.
Career opportunities
Policy analysis and development, social planning, government, research, local and regional planning, community education, industrial relations, unions, welfare.
Program structure
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete 1 core course, 7 required courses, 1 major (8 courses) or 2 minors (8 courses) and 8 electives.
- Complete no more than 10 introductory (100 level) courses, including the core course.
- 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 course (1)
1 required core course:
COR109 Special Research Project
Introductory courses (2)
2 required courses:
SCS110 Workplace Learning I
SCS130 Communication and Thought
Advanced courses (5)
5 required courses:
SCS225 Introduction to Sociology: Society, Culture and Change
SCS230 Introduction to Indigenous Australia
SCS235 Social Research
SCS290 Understanding Society: An Introduction to Social Theory
SCS295 Social Justice, Welfare and the State
Major or minor courses (8)
8 courses to complete a major from those listed below or 2 minors from those listed below:
Select a major (8 courses) from:
- Development Studies
- Geography
- Politics and International Relations
- Sustainability - Society
Or select 2 minors (4 courses each) from:
- Community Development
- Development Studies
- Geography
- Indigenous Studies
- Politics and International Relations
- Public Policy
Elective courses (8)
Select 8 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
It is strongly recommended that electives be utilised to complete a second minor or to convert your chosen minor to a second major.
The following elective is strongly recommended:
SCS2IP1 Understanding Cultural Diversity
TOTAL UNITS 288