Bachelor of Social Sciences
For big picture intellects
Understanding social complexities requires looking through more than one lens.
Students of philosophy, politics and economics are deeply acquainted with social and political institutions. They reason rigorously and reflect on moral and ethical values. They understand how resources must be managed and that economics influences everything.
What will you do?
Our Bachelor of Philosophy, Politics and Economics has a structure unique in South Australia, and highly regarded internationally. You will:
- learn broadly across all three areas before focusing on your chosen discipline
- analyse complex political and economic scenarios
- critically debate morality, freedom and social justice
- understand and develop responses to pressing real-world problems
- benefit from contact and mentoring with experts and researchers
- gain practical insights from guest speakers within political and business communities
- career plan from early on and undertake an internship aligned with your goals.
Where could it take you?
You’ll graduate career-ready and prepared to problem-solve at all levels of intricacy. You could advise on policy, write it or run for government yourself. You might move into research or media commentary. Perhaps you’ll assist global businesses with decision making as a consultant, or lead them to success as a CEO.
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Entry Requirements
Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.
I am a:Domestic applicants
SATAC Code 324011 2018 CSP ATAR 69.8 2018 CSP IB 25 2018 Guaranteed Entry Score 70 Deferment Yes - 2 year Intake February and July Enquiries Future Students team 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 Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors (such as bonus points)).
Alternative entry pathways
- Higher Education applicants
You must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the University of Adelaide, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). 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 Arts are also considered.
- VET applicants
You must have completed an AQF Certificate IV or above from a Registered Training Organisation. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award.
- Special Entry applicants
You must be 18 years or over before 1 February 2019. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2018 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2018 or 2017), you must not have accumulated more than a TOTAL of 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) higher education study (ie. including any study prior to 2017). If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Scheme. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
- Without formal qualifications?
You may be eligible for our special access schemes.
- Other Entry Pathways
How to Apply
SATAC Code: 324011International applicants
Not an international applicant?
CRICOS 022494B Intake February and July Selection Criteria
English Language Requirements
Australian Year 12 Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject English Tests accepted by the University of Adelaide IELTS Overall 6.5 Reading 6 Listening 6 Speaking 6 Writing 6 TOEFL Overall 79 Reading 13 Listening 13 Speaking 18 Writing 21 Pearsons Overall 58 Reading 50 Listening 50 Speaking 50 Writing 50 Cambridge Overall 176 Reading 169 Listening 169 Speaking 169 Writing 169 Qualifications that meet minimum English requirements A range of alternative qualifications may meet the University’s minimum English requirements Academic Entry Requirements
Secondary School Qualifications Selection Rank (International) 70 International Baccalaureate (IB) 24 Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) 17 United Entrance Certificate (UEC) [Malaysia] 25 General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level 6 Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) 65 British Columbia Certificate of Graduation (Canada) 4.6 Alberta High School Diploma (Canada) 74 ISC & CBSE [India] 60% ISBE [India] 70% SAT [US] 1120 Abitur 3.7 Thailand Certificate of Secondary Education 2.2 Bang Tot Nghiep Trung Hoc Pho Thong 7.5 STPM or Matrikulasi 2.67 Kuwait General School Secondary Certificate 70 The University of Adelaide College Foundation Program 70 Eynesbury Foundation Program 339 ANU Foundation Studies 64 Monash Foundation Year 67.5 Trinity College Foundation Studies Program 70 UNSW Foundation Year 6.5 University of Sydney Foundation Studies Program 6.5 Western Australia University Foundation Studies Program 56 University of Queensland Foundation Studies Program 4.0 Non-Go8 Foundation Score 70 Other Qualifications Students who don't meet the academic requirements or who have other qualifications from the South Pacific Islands, Japan, Korea, Philippines or Taiwan may be eligible to apply for a Pre-University Pathway to prepare for or gain entry into the University's undergraduate academic programs. For additional information see Pathway Programs How to Apply
- Higher Education applicants
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Fees and Scholarships
Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.
I am a:Domestic applicants
Annual tuition fees Commonwealth-supported place: $7,025More information on Student Contribution Amounts.
International applicants
Not an international applicant?
Annual tuition fees International student place: $32,000 Scholarships
These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.
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Careers
Career Readiness
Graduates pursue successful careers in social planning, government policy making, market research, media and public relations, aid development organisations, environmental agencies, youth work, community development, social inclusion, and the health sector.
The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.
Industry Placement
If you maintain a high GPA, you will have the opportunity take part in an internship in your third year with an organisation from within the arts, media, parliament or environment. 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
Potential careers
Community Outreach Worker, Community Project Manager, Social Inclusion Officer, Social Researcher, Government or Corporate Policy Adviser, Workplace Relations Officer, Humanitarian / Aid Worker, Anthropologist, Community Development Officer, Non Government Organisation Worker, Advertising Officer, Market Researcher, Data Analyst, Political Adviser, Politician, Project Officer, Research Manager, Risk Manager, Strategist, Industrial relations, Foreign Affairs, Research Associates, ...
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Study Overseas
A Study Overseas Experience is an integral component to your academic journey at The University of Adelaide. The university is committed to offering its students the opportunity to study overseas through a range of degrees offered via Study Overseas, including student exchange, study tours, short study degrees, internships and placements. There are many exciting opportunities in Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa, and Oceania ranging from a few weeks to a full academic year.
To find Study Overseas opportunities available in your study area click Global Experiences.
Study Abroad and Exchange
It is recommended that you take any global study in year 2 of your degree. If you are studying a language (at beginners’ level) as a major or minor, it is recommended you take your global study in year 3 of your degree. Contact arts@adelaide.edu.au to receive further information and advice.
There are many universities to choose from, however specific exchanges are available for Bachelor of Social Sciences students:
> Lund University (Sweden)
> College of William and Mary (US)
> Pitzer College (US)
> Hong Kong University (Hong Kong)
> University of Exeter (UK)
> Utrecht University (The Netherlands) -
Degree Structure
Students can take an optional major or minor in:
- Criminology
- Politics and International Relations
- Sociology
- Psychology (minor only)
Academic Program Rules
The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.
Example Study Plan
Indicative study plan Year 1 ASIA 1104
Introduction to Asian CulturesARTS 1007
The Enquiring Mind
(semester 1 or 2)
Arts Elective Level I
Arts Elective Level IGEOG 1101
Geographies of GlobalisationSocial Sciences Closed Elective Level I Arts Elective Level I Arts Elective Level I Year 2 GEOG 2132
Social Sciences Techniques IISocial Sciences Closed Elective Level II Arts Elective Level II Arts Elective Level II SOCI 2012
Social ResearchSOCI 2010
Politics, Policy & CitizenshipArts Elective Level II Arts Elective Level II Year 3 ARTS 3200 Arts Internship (6 units) (semester 1 or 2)
or
2 x Social Sciences Closed Electives Level III (2 x 3 units)Arts Elective Level III Arts Elective Level III SOCI 3012
Taking it to the Streets: Applied Social Sciences (6 units)Arts Elective Level III Arts Elective Level III Current students, please see the Study Plan Templates -
Related Degrees
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Further Study
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Further Information
Further enquiries
Phone: +61 8 8313 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.
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, 16 Oct 2018
