Exploring the Social World: Insights and Approaches
UndergraduateLTU-SOC3MSR2025
Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 23 Feb 2025
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Price from
- $2,124
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Exploring the Social World: Insights and Approaches
About this subject
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Critically evaluate and apply diverse research methods and strategies in order to identify complex social problems in need of creative solutions.
- Work collaboratively to generate and manage new ideas and evaluate their impact.
- Identify ethical issues and report on research practice and findings clearly.
- Data Collection and Analysis
- Qualitative and Quantitative Research
- Interviews and Focus Groups
- Surveys and Questionnaire Design
- Secondary Data
- Document Analysis
- Research Ethics
Are you curious about certain social phenomena, behaviours, or cultural trends but unsure how to delve deeper into them? Or do you wonder how to apply theoretical ideas from your studies to better understand the world around you? This subject offers an immersive experience that empowers you to explore the complexities of the social world by integrating sociological perspectives with practical approaches. You will engage with real-world examples and conduct research projects to investigate social phenomena and current issues, developing essential skills to tackle social challenges and identify evidence-based solutions. You will learn to formulate research questions and critically evaluate the suitability of various research strategies and methods (e.g., surveys, interviews, focus groups, and document analysis) as well as the use of diverse information sources within dynamic social contexts. In previous years, students in this subject have explored timely research topics related to: communication in the digital era; youth employment trends and social inequality; socio-cultural influences on wellbeing; and public views on immigration. This subject will help to enhance your analytical abilities through hands-on training in social inquiry, while also supporting your capacity for innovative and ethical research. It is intended to nurture your growth and preparation for both educational advancement and professional opportunities.
- Online test of research methods (equivalent to 1000 words) (25%)
- Online test of research ethics (equivalent to 300 words) (10%)
- Research project (data collection and analysis; peer review involved; equivalent to 800 words) (15%)
- Research project (final report; equivalent to 2000 words) (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
The third university established in Victoria, La Trobe University has a diverse community of more than 38,000 students and staff. Its commitment to excellence in teaching and research prepares students to make a bold and positive impact in today's global community. La Trobe provides Open Universities Australia with its core tenets, entrepreneurship and sustainability.
Learn more about La Trobe University.
Explore La Trobe courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 17
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 18
Entry requirements
Others
Prerequisites: Students must have completed 30 credit points of Level two subjects.
Past La Trobe University students who have previously completed SOC2MSR (Social Research Methods) are ineligible to enrol in this subject.
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Health Sciences
UndergraduateLAT-AHS-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-ART-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-HSC-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-BUS-DEG
Bachelor of Information Technology
UndergraduateLAT-TEC-DEG
Bachelor of Psychological Science
UndergraduateLAT-PYS-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-CYS-DEG
Single subject FAQs
What’s a single subject?
Single subjects are the individual components that make up a degree. With Open Universities Australia, you’re able to study many of them as stand-alone subjects, including postgraduate single subjects, without having to commit to a degree.
Each of your subjects will be held over the course of a study term, and they’ll usually require 10 to 12 hours of study each week. Subjects are identified by a title and a code, for example, Developmental Psychology, PSY20007.
How can I use single subjects to get into a full degree?
First, find the degree that you would like to study on our website.
If that degree allows entry via undergraduate subjects, there will be information about this under the Entry Requirements section. You will find a list of 2-4 open enrolment subjects you need to successfully complete to qualify for admission into that qualification.
Once you pass those subjects, you will satisfy the academic requirements for the degree, and you can apply for entry.
Our student advisors are here to help you take that next step, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re ready! We’ve also made it easier to figure out the right way to get started on our pathways page.
Can anyone help me choose a subject?
Our student advisors are more than happy to help you plan your online study. Get in touch with an advisor by:
How do I pay for my subjects?
You can pay up front with your credit card, or you may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government depending on your citizenship status and where you’ll live during your studies.
For more information about how to pay for your studies visit our fees page or contact a student advisor.
How do I enrol?
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Enrol now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we’ll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.
When is the cut-off date for enrolling?
Close of enrolment times vary between universities and subjects. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting key dates.