As a student in the Bachelor of Social Sciences, you will be involved in investigating, analysing and interpreting the major social justice challenges we face in an increasingly globalised world. The Bachelor of Social Sciences has a strong focus on applied social research, policy analysis and writing in the key areas of the social sciences.

From a social justice standpoint, you will learn to recognise differing needs and develop a range of approaches and methods to understand and respond to the critical problems and public issues in society. You will also build valuable qualitative and quantitative research skills and have the opportunity to design your own independent research projects.

This degree is very relevant and marketable for future employment in public, private and non-government organisations in Australia and overseas. How do we know? Because being social scientists, we identified a number of key stakeholders across industries and asked them about the key capabilities their organisations need. Their views and feedback have been reflected and built into the revitalised program structure.

Graduates work in careers in social planning, government policy making, market research, media and public relations, aid development organisations, environmental agencies and the health sector.

Study Abroad and Exchange Opportunities

The University has student exchange links with over 100 overseas institutions. You can study overseas for one or two semesters which counts as credit towards your degree program at the University of Adelaide. In addition there are no extra tuition fees for this study. What better way to test out newly developed language skills or experience another culture as you learn?

This program mixes core learning in a broad range of relevant areas with practical research investigation. You will be introduced to methods and tools to design and conduct social research and develop approaches to analyse findings and advocate change.

In your final year, you can apply for a merit based Social Sciences Internship that gives direct access to possible future employers with a social justice focus and the opportunity to work on a research project together. Or, you can strengthen your knowledge in social sciences methodologies to build more expertise in this area.

Honours Degree of Bachelor of Social Sciences

Double Degrees

If you have strong interests in more than one area, then completing a double degree is a great investment. Most double degrees can be completed in four years of full time study and you will graduate with two parchments. The following double degree programs have direct entry codes for SATAC:

• Bachelor of Social Sciences / Bachelor of Health Sciences
• Bachelor of Social Sciences / Bachelor of Laws (5 years)

 Concurrent Degrees

Are you enrolled in a single degree and would like to apply for a second degree? Have you ever wondered if you could study a combination of programs not covered in any of the listed double degrees? Both of these options are possible. And, by selecting the appropriate courses to enrol in, you can complete both awards in four years of full time study.

You can apply through SATAC for one program, and then apply for the second program the following year. Even better, you may be able to apply internally through the university for your second program in the middle of the year. The university rules for internal transfers, i.e. transferring from one degree to another or applying to enrol in a second degree, can be found at http://www.adelaide.edu.au/student/admission/internaltransfers.

Please talk to the Faculty Office for enrolment advice if you are considering this option.

Diploma in Languages

Studying for a humanities and social sciences degree means you can choose to study a language as part of your degree. Alternatively, any student enrolled in an undergraduate program at the university can elect to study a language through the Diploma in Languages. Start as a complete beginner or with more advanced knowledge and choose from Chinese, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Modern Greek or Spanish. The Diploma in Languages will extend study for one year to fit the language sequence, and you will graduate with certificates in both your program and the Diploma in Languages. You will leave university with language expertise, communication skills and greater cultural insight.

*The Diploma in Languages is not available to international students. 

Social Science courses may be taken in the following disciplines:

• Anthropology
• Asian Politics & Foreign Policy
• Development studies
• Economics
• Gender, work and social inquiry
• Geography, Environment and Population
• History
• International studies
• Linguistics
• Philosophy
• Politics
• Psychology

An exciting option for your third year is to take part in an internship in the arts, media, parliament or environment with over 50 industry partners. These include State Parliament and a range of public and business sector agencies, where you can use the knowledge from your university study in a practical work environment, building valuable networks and gaining experience that counts towards your degree program and prepares you for your future career.

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences