Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Social Science
Award abbreviation: BSocSc
QTAC code: 011061
OP/Rank for 2011 entry: OP-17 / Rank-65
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Recommended prior study: English
Fee type 2011: 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 studies; 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.

Study Plan

This Study Plan is valid from Study Period 1, 2011.

For students who commenced study in this program prior to Study Period 1, 2011:

• Find the Student Handbook for the semester in which you commenced.
• Select the program in which you are enrolled.
• Either scroll down to the Program Structure, or select the Recommended Enrolment Pattern link.

Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

• Complete 2 core courses, 3 required courses, 1 Major (8 courses), 1 Minor (4 courses) and 7 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).
• The required courses SCS110 , SCS225 and SCS230 are all components of the Sociology major. If you select Sociology as your major, you will have 3 additional electives to complete.
• 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.

Program structure

Year 1

Core courses: (2)
Complete 2 core courses - ONE in your first Semester and ONE in your second Semester

Select 2 core courses from:

Required courses: (1)

Major courses: (2)
Select 2 courses from your chosen Major study area:

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

Elective courses: (3)
Select 3 elective courses from any faculty (Science, Health and Education, Arts and Social Sciences or Business).

Year 2

Minor courses: (2)
Select 2 courses from your chosen Minor study area:

• Child Protective Practices
• Community Development
• Geography
• Indigenous Studies
• Justice Studies
• Legal Studies
• Planning Studies
• Politics and International Relations
• Public Policy

Elective courses: (2)
Select 2 elective courses from any faculty (Science, Health and Education, Arts and Social Sciences or Business).

Year 3

Required courses: (2)

Major courses: (2)
Select 2 courses from your chosen Major study area.

Minor courses: (2)
Select 2 courses from your chosen Minor study area.

Elective courses: (2)
Select 2 elective courses from any faculty (Science, Health and Education, Arts and Social Sciences or Business).

TOTAL UNITS 288

Enquiries

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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