Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Social Science
Award abbreviation: BSocSc
QTAC code: 011061
OP/Rank for 2010 entry: OP-17 / Rank-66
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Recommended prior study: English
Fee type 2010: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic 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.

Highlights

• 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)

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

Counselling; geography; human services; justice studies; politics and international relations; psychology; sociology.

Career opportunities

Policy analysis and development, social planning, government, research, local and regional planning, community education, industrial relations, unions, welfare.

Program structure

Core courses

Select 2 courses from:
COR109 Statutory and Specialist Valuation
COR110 Communication and Thought
COR111 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship

Introductory courses

1 required course:
SCS110 Environment, Technology and Sustainability

Advanced courses

2 required courses:
SCS225 Introduction to Sociology: Society, Culture and Change
SCS230 Social Research

A Major
Select 8 courses to make a major from one of the following areas:

• Counselling
• Environmental and Planning Studies
• Geography 
• Human Services
• Justice Studies
• Politics and International Relations
• Psychology
• Sociology # 

A Minor
Select 4 courses to make a minor from one of the following areas:

• Child Protective Practices
• Counselling
• Environmental and Planning Studies
• Geography 
• Justice Studies
• Legal Studies
• Politics and International Relations
• Public Policy

Electives

Select 7 elective courses from the faculties of Arts and Social Sciences, Business, or Science, Health and Education. It is strongly recommended that electives be utilised to complete a second minor or to convert your chosen minor to a second major.

# Please note, the required courses SCS110 , SCS225 and SCS230 are all components of the Sociology major. If you select Sociology as your major, you will have three additional electives to complete.

Course substitution: the GO (Global Opportunities) Program

As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the GO Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider.

Program requirements and notes

1. No more than 10 introductory level courses may be completed, including core courses, in the Bachelor of Social Science.
2. No courses may be counted towards more than one major or minor.
3. Required introductory courses may count towards some majors and minors.
4. A maximum of 4 Business or Science, Health and Education courses (48 units) can be included in the Bachelor of Social Science.
5. An introductory level course has a number less than 200 in its course code. An advanced level course has a number greater than 200 and less than 400 in its course code.
6. Refer to related policies, rules, plans and procedures.
7. Refer to explanation of terms.
8. International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
9. Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
10. Refer to recommended enrolment patterns. For previous recommended enrolment patterns refer to the relevant archived Student Handbook.
11. Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests, and examinations.

Enquiries

How to apply

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Faculty adviser
Tel: +61 7 5430 1259

Program Leader
Dr Lucinda Aberdeen
Tel: +61 7 5430 1218
Email: laberdee@usc.edu.au

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