Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Bachelor of Social Science (Honours)

Students continue social science undergraduate studies at a higher level by specialising in an area of interest.

Studies develop an independent style of learning, combined with advanced knowledge in a specific research area. This academic background offers advantages in the employment market. An honours program is the main pathway to further postgraduate study, particularly research-focused study. Studies are supervised by a Faculty of Arts and Business academic who has relevant research interests and expertise in the chosen field of study. There is a thesis component.

CRICOS code
058120B
Commence
Semester 1
Footnotes
  • 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.
Study location QTAC code
  • Sunshine Coast Not applicable — direct application to USC
Minimum selection threshold

GPA requirement

UniSC program code
AR402
Commence
Semester 1
Duration
1 year full time or 2 years part time
Prerequisites
Completion of a Social Science or related undergraduate degree
Recommended prior study
English
Fee type 2014
  • Commonwealth supported places
  • Fee paying places
  • International fee-paying places
Total units
96

Studies develop an independent style of learning, combined with advanced knowledge in a specific research area. This academic background offers advantages in the employment market. An honours program is the main pathway to further postgraduate study, particularly research-focused study. Studies are supervised by a Faculty of Arts and Business academic who has relevant research interests and expertise in the chosen field of study. There is a thesis component.

Specialisations

Counselling; development studies; geography; human services; Indigenous studies, politics and international relations; social work; sociology; sustainability.

Admission requirements

Students must have completed a Bachelor of Social Science, or a related degree from a recognised higher education institution, with at least eight courses in the area of study of their thesis topic. A good level of achievement in the intended area of study must be demonstrated. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Importantly, enrolment is contingent upon the Faculty's capacity to provide appropriate supervision in the intended field of research.

Career opportunities

Depending on the research area selected, academia, government / corporate positions in applied sociology, community and welfare services, policy development, public administration.

Program structure

Program structure

The Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) structure is usually as follows:

  1. a 48 unit coursework component (consisting of a combination of courses weighted from 12 to 24 units), and
  2. a 48 unit thesis component

Satisfactory participation in the Faculty Honours Seminar is also required.

If completing your honours program part-time over two years, the first year will normally comprise coursework and the second will be dedicated to your thesis.

Coursework component

Coursework comprises a mix of:

  • ART411
  • reading courses based on a program of supervised reading
  • existing courses in the chosen area of study, with additional prescribed reading and assessment
  • dedicated honours courses, or
  • relevant courses through other universities
Thesis component

The thesis component consists of a sustained scholarly project developed from the research proposal a student submits with their honours enrolment application.

The nature and topic of the thesis component is determined by the student's interests, the interests of potential supervisors and the availability of appropriate supervision.

The research proposal accompanying the honours enrolment application is normally two to three pages in length. It includes an outline of the research topic, its rationale, and an indication of the research methodology, and should refer to relevant literature in the topic area.

The completed thesis is normally 15,000–25,000 words in length. The required length is determined by the precise nature of the research, in consultation with the supervisor and subject to the approval of the Dean.

Classes of honours

The degree is awarded in one of the three classes:

  • Class 1
  • Class 2 (awarded as Division 1 or Division 2)
  • Class 3

The class of honours awarded may not be more than one grade higher than the grade for the thesis. For example, if you receive a ‘Credit’ grade for your thesis, you may not be awarded the honours degree at a higher level than Class 2 Division 1, regardless of the average mark.

Enrolment and fees
  • In any semester, standard full-time enrolment comprises 0.500 EFTSL **
  • In any semester, standard part-time enrolment comprises 0.250 EFTSL **
  • The census date for withdrawal without financial penalty or academic penalty is the Semester 1 or 2 census date
  • Commonwealth supported students pay student contributions
  • Students who are not Commonwealth-supported pay full tuition fees

** EFTSL - Equivalent Full-Time Student Load. One year of full-time study equates to 1.000 EFTSL

Program requirements and notes
Faculty Honours Seminar Program

The University’s Honours Seminar Program helps build an honours research culture within USC, and provides opportunities for honours students from across the University to meet. At least one oral presentation at the Faculty’s honours seminars is a requirement of the Bachelor of Social Science (Honours).

Examination

All coursework is normally graded internally. A copy of your thesis will be sent to two independent examiners, one of whom is normally internal and the other of whom is external to the University of the Sunshine Coast.

Total units: 96