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.

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

Job advertisements and recruiting specialists from both the private and public sectors indicate that employers are seeking a wide range of attributes in graduates. Increasing emphasis is placed on generic skills such as good written and verbal communication, critical thinking, the ability to undertake research and the awareness of social and cultural issues in society. These skills are life-long, portable, and applicable to a vast range of tasks and roles. They continually prove invaluable to our graduates both in initially securing employment, and in subsequent career advancement. Many of our graduates cite their research skills and the ability to quickly find, synthesise, organise and effectively present information as critical in their jobs and career success.

Graduates from our programs can gain employment in the following fields: advertising, administration, business, corporate communication, defence, diplomatic service, environmental management and planning, foreign affairs, health administration, humanitarian work, industry liaison, management, marketing, media, policy development, project management, psychology, public relations, publishing, research, social planning, teaching.

Humanities and Social Sciences graduates are everywhere - often in positions that have no obvious link to their degree, and they have nearly always had a diverse range of jobs along the way.

The common thread is that our graduates are adaptable. The skills they gain through their study of the humanities and social sciences are useful in all endeavours. It is the ability to apply these skills in multiple ways that contributes to the ongoing success of our graduates.

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