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Bachelor of Social Sciences B.SocSci
2010

Program Outline | Program Structure | Related Programs | Admission Information | Areas of Specialisation | Study Plans | Work Placement | Program Rules | Further Information | Useful Links

Location: North Terrace Campus
Duration: 3 years (full-time or part-time? equivalent)
Degree/Award: Bachelor

Program Outline

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?

Program Structure

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.

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Admission Information

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.

I am a:

Domestic applicants

Not a domestic applicant? ?

2009 CSP IB 24
SATAC Code 324011
2009 CSP TER 65.6
HESS group ? General
Annual tuition fees ?
Commonwealth-supported place: $5,310
Mid-year entry? Subject to availability
Enquiries Student Centre

Selection Criteria ?

Year 12 applicants
You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER).
Alternative entry pathways
  • Higher Education applicants
    You must have completed at least half a year full time equivalent university study. A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA. GPAs earned from non-award study within the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences are also considered.
  • VET applicants
    You must have completed an AQF Diploma or above. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award.
  • Special Entry applicants
    You must be 18 years or over before February 1st of the year that you will be studying, you must not have studied more than 2 years full-time equivalent higher education in the last 2 years and you must not hold a completed higher education level award. If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Personal Competencies (PC) and Employment Experience (EE) statements may also contribute to your rank. Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. If you submit a PC or EE statement, and one of these ranks higher than your STAT score, then the highest ranking statement will contribute 50% to your overall rank and the STAT will contribute the remaining 50%. If you do not submit a PC or EE statement, or if the statements have a lower rank than the STAT, then you will compete for a place on the basis of your STAT result only. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Scheme. See Wilto Yerlo for further information.
  • Without formal qualifications?
    You may be eligible for our special access schemes.

How to Apply ?

SATAC Code: 324011

International applicants

Not an international applicant? ?

International TER 70
IB 24
IELTS Total 6 [more info]
Annual tuition fees ? International student place: $19,950
Mid-year entry? Yes
Enquiries Student Centre

Selection Criteria ?

Equivalent Scores
International TER 70
IB 24
IELTS
Total
Reading
Listening
Speaking
Writing
6
5.5
5.5
6
6

How to Apply ?

International applicants applying with Australian year 12 results

Not an international applicant applying with Australian year 12 results? ?

International TER 70
Annual tuition fees ? International student place: $19,950
Mid-year entry? Yes
Enquiries Student Centre

Selection Criteria ?

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Areas of Specialisation

Social Science courses may be taken in the following disciplines:

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

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Study Plans

The study plans ? given are examples of pathways through this degree. For a complete description, see the program rules.

 All courses are worth 3 units each.

  • Major and Minor courses
  • Humanities and Social Sciences courses
  • Level I: Choose the following courses (24 units)
    • GWSI 1001 Social Sciences in Australia
    • GEST 1001 Globalisation, Justice and a Crowded Planet
    • POLI 1101 Introduction to Australian Politics
    • 1 x Social Sciences course
    • 4 x Humanities and Social Sciences or other Faculty courses
    Year II or Advanced Level: Choose the following courses (24 units)
    • GEST 2032 Social Science Techniques
    • GEST 2020 Social Theory in Action
    • GWSI 2103 Social Policy and Citizenship
    • GWSI 2110 Social Research
    • 4 x Level II or Advanced Level Humanities and Social Sciences courses or other Faculty Level II or Advanced Level courses
    Level III or Advanced Level: Choose the following courses (24 units)
    • GWSI 3017 Social Research Advanced
    • Social Science Techniques Advanced
    • Social Sciences Internship (6 units) or Professional Applications of Applied Methods (6 units)
    • 4 x Level III or Advanced Level Humanities and Social Sciences courses or other Faculty Level III or Advanced Level courses

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    Work Placement

    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.

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    Further Information

    Please direct enquiries to the Student Centre
    Phone: +61 8 8303 7335 (toll free 1800 061 459)

    The annual Open Day and Information Night events provide an excellent opportunity to see our campus, meet with academics, and discuss your study options.

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    The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

    Last updated: Tuesday, 3 Nov 2009

    Program Talks

    Overseas study as part of your degree

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    The University of Adelaide has over 80 exchange agreements with partner universities around the world. These agreements allow students to study part of their degree at one of our partner universities for one or two semesters. International students are also encouraged to apply for a "3rd country" experience.

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