Bachelor of Social Science

Upon completion of this course, graduates will be able to:

1. apply quantitative research techniques to real-world empirical data through statistical analysis and/or survey methodology and will judge the suitability of given methods to given applications;
2. apply qualitative research techniques to real-world empirical data through a grounding in a range of qualitative methods and will judge the suitability of given methods to given applications;
3. research and present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas concerning the social world from the points of view of both either the individual and/or the group;
4. display the more specific skills characteristic of particular majors, such as the ability to analyse and demonstrate an understanding of Aboriginal, business, development, health, marketing, political, psychological, security and social issues; and
5. apply advanced writing skills and communicate findings in an appropriate form to diverse audiences.

The course aims to provide a thorough grounding in the social sciences through a combination of a core set of units stressing methodological, theoretical, policy and vocational skills aspects of the area and through a choice from a wide range of majors specialising in particular areas of the social sciences.

By studying UNE’s Bachelor of Social Science degree you will develop a comprehensive and valuable understanding of human societies and social thought, behaviour and relationships in their varied social, psychological and political manifestations, with potential for a rewarding career in social science related areas. You will get a thorough grounding in sociology and psychology, plus you can choose from a broad range of majors including politics and peace studies, counselling, cultural diversity, philosophy, studies in settler colonialism, and criminal justice to satisfy your interests, research and work. With skills in research, critical analysis and evaluation that are transferable across a range of employment opportunities, you can ensure your career is future fit for life.

UNE's Bachelor of Social Science offers the opportunity to analyse contemporary social issues and challenges, and to learn the skills to implement creative, real-world solutions. You will learn the foundations of sociology and psychology with the opportunity to major in specific areas. Your analytical skills as a social science graduate, along with your capacity to understand and unpack complex social problems and offer innovative solutions, will make a real difference in the rapidly changing world.

Recommended study pattern

Program of Study

Core Units

• Group 1 units
  • Complete five units
• Group 2 units
  • Complete two units
• Major
  • Complete eight units from a chosen major
• Elective Units
  • Complete 9 elective units

Award requirements

Candidates who meet the course requirements and who have successfully completed 48 credit points within one of the listed majors in the Bachelor of Social Science will have that major appear on their testamur.

Choose your subjects

Majors

Students are required to complete one of the following Majors comprising of 8 subjects per Major:

• Counselling
• Crime and Society
• Criminal Justice
• Linguistics
• Organisational Management
• Politics and Peace Studies
• Studies in Settler Colonialism
• Psychology
• Social Philosophy
• Sociology
• Urban and Regional Studies

Electives

Elective Units can be selected from any unit offered by the University subject to candidates meeting overall course requirements and prerequisite and timetabling requirements for individual units.

Exit points

Subject to meeting Advanced Standing rules, candidates who apply to discontinue their studies in the course may be eligible to exit with either the Diploma in Arts on completion of 48 credit points or the Advanced Diploma in Arts on completion of 72 credit points including a 24 credit point Minor in consultation with the Course Coordinator.

The University of New England is the only Australian public university to be awarded the maximum 5 stars for Overall Experience by the Good Universities Guide, 13 years in a row. UNE has delivered distance education since 1955—that’s longer than any other Australian university. Perhaps that’s why students continue to rate UNE so highly for student satisfaction and teaching quality. With over 170 degrees offered online, and more than 22,000 students, UNE is an expert in online education.

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You can apply for this course if you have undertaken any of the following qualifications with an appropriate Grade Point Average (GPA):

• Undergraduate Certificates
• Diplomas
• Advanced Diplomas/Associate degrees
• Bachelor degrees
• Postgraduate degrees

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry.

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. 

You can apply for this course if you are currently studying Year 12 (school or TAFE) or have done so within the past 2 years.

Guaranteed ATAR is 72.55.

You can apply for this course if you have undertaken VET studies. When assessing your application, we will look at the following factors:

• Level and type of qualification (Certificate IV or above)
• Graded or ungraded (competency-based)
• Complete or incomplete.

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry.

You can apply for this course on the basis of work and/or life experience via at least one of the following methods:

Professional Experience

If you have completed at least one year of paid professional experience, we can assess you for admission on this basis. Simply provide a resume and a Statement of Service from your employer/s in your application.

Mature Age Special Entry

Tell us more about your work and life experience, demonstrating why you believe you will be successful in the course you are applying for. Simply complete the form and upload it in your application.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

The STAT is a test that assesses a range of competencies considered important for successful tertiary study. UNE accepts the multiple-choice component provided you have completed it within the three years prior to course commencement.

If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Program of Study within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.

Candidates undertaking the Counselling Major will need to ensure they are compliant for 400 hours of placement.

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Some units within the Counselling Major have mandatory intensive schools.