Handbook

Overview

The Bachelor of Social Science (BSocSci) degree offers the opportunity to pursue knowledge on social research and policy while developing technical and professional skills to apply this knowledge to issues in the real world. Skills developed include written communication skills with particular emphasis on reports, submissions, reviews and proposals; the … For more content click the Read More button below. The degree combines a core program of skills in policy analysis and research methods with in-depth study in one or more social science disciplines. The degree requires one major specialisation of study in an approved social science discipline and a minimum level of electives. You will have the opportunity to further develop your professional and workplace skills through an internship and career-orientated focus. The BSocSci can be completed full-time in single degree mode (normally 3 years), in double degree mode (the equivalent of 2.5 years full-time study) or part-time. The BSocSci has a depth component and a breadth component. If you are enrolled in the single degree mode you will do both the depth and breadth component. If you are enrolled in double degree mode you will only complete the depth component. If you study either the single or double degree, you will complete: a social science core of 54 UOC (nine courses)a social science prescribed elective of 6 UOC (one course)a major specialisation of 60 UOC (ten courses) selected from the list of BSocSci approved home and external major specialisations If you study the single degree, you will also complete: 12 UOC of Free Electives (two courses)12 UOC of General Education (two courses)

The Bachelor of Social Science (BSocSci) degree offers the opportunity to pursue knowledge on social research and policy while developing technical and professional skills to apply this knowledge to issues in the real world.

Skills developed include written communication skills with particular emphasis on reports, submissions, reviews and proposals; the ability to undertake research and data analysis, both quantitative and qualitative; analysis and critical evaluation of research, arguments and policies; and technologies involved in social research and information processing. The internship experience promotes development of excellence in professional practice.

The degree combines a core program of skills in policy analysis and research methods with in-depth study in one or more social science disciplines. The degree requires one major specialisation of study in an approved social science discipline and a minimum level of electives. You will have the opportunity to further develop your professional and workplace skills through an internship and career-orientated focus.

The BSocSci can be completed full-time in single degree mode (normally 3 years), in double degree mode (the equivalent of 2.5 years full-time study) or part-time. The BSocSci has a depth component and a breadth component. If you are enrolled in the single degree mode you will do both the depth and breadth component. If you are enrolled in double degree mode you will only complete the depth component.

If you study either the single or double degree, you will complete:

a social science core of 54 UOC (nine courses)
a social science prescribed elective of 6 UOC (one course)
a major specialisation of 60 UOC (ten courses) selected from the list of BSocSci approved home and external major specialisations

If you study the single degree, you will also complete:

12 UOC of Free Electives (two courses)
12 UOC of General Education (two courses)

Program Structure

Students must complete 144 UOC when taken as a standalone program.

Disciplinary Component120 Units of Credit:

Students must complete 120 UOC of the following to satisfy the core requirements of this degree

Specialisation Requirements

Students complete 60 UOC from any of the Internal or *External streams below. Students must declare their major at the time of enrolment into Level 2.
Note on external streams:
*Human Resource Management, *International Business, and *Marketing. Students who choose any of these specialisations are required to complete 12 UOC of Prescribed Arts & Social Sciences Electives.

Environmental Humanities

IBUSA1

48 UOC

International Business

Media, Culture and Technology

MGMTH1

48 UOC

Human Resource Management

POLSG1

60 UOC

Politics and International Relations

SOCAD1

60 UOC

Sociology and Anthropology

Level 1 Core Courses12 Units of Credit:

Level 2 Core Courses18 Units of Credit:

Level 3 Core Courses24 Units of Credit:

Social Science Prescribed Electives6 Units of Credit:

Free Electives12 Units of Credit:

General Education12 Units of Credit:

Academic Writing and Language Enhancement

Enrolment Disclaimer

Please note that this Handbook is a comprehensive catalogue of our offerings and includes courses that can be taken to satisfy program requirements irrespective as to their availability for a particular year. Availability of courses is best checked using filters on this site or on the class timetable site.

You are responsible for ensuring that you enrol in courses according to your program requirements and by following the advice of your Program Authority. myUNSW enrolment checks that you have met enrolment requirements such as pre-requisites for individual courses but not that you are enrolling in courses that will count towards your program requirements.

Sample Programs

To access sample program(s), please visit:

UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture

Program Requirements

Participation and Enrolment Requirements

Criminal records check

National Criminal Record Checks are handled on a case-by-case basis as they are only required of the students on placement when requested by agencies. A National Criminal Record Check is valid for three years. You must undergo a National Criminal Record Check and provide an original copy of the Check results to the Work Integrated Learning Unit. The result of a Working With Children Check is either that there are 'no disclosable outcomes', or that there are 'disclosable outcomes' which are then detailed in the certificate. If you have a disclosable outcome(s) on your criminal record check you will need to undergo a risk assessment. Please contact the Work Integrated Learning Unit for further information about this. All placement students are subject to ongoing monitoring and must disclose new 'disclosable outcomes' to the Work Integrated Learning Unit. Some agencies (e.g NSW Health) only accept National Criminal Record Checks obtained through specific accredited agencies.

Working with Children Check

Working with Children Checks are handled on a case-by-case basis as they are only required of the students on placement when requested by agencies. The Working With Children Check is valid for five years. It is a requirement for all students and is specifically designed for people who work or volunteer in child-related work. It involves a national criminal history check and a review of findings of workplace misconduct. The result of a Working With Children Check is either a clearance to work with children for five years, or a bar against working with children. Cleared applicants are subject to ongoing monitoring and relevant new records may lead to the clearance being revoked. The Working With Children Check is fully portable so it can be used for any paid or unpaid child-related work in NSW for as long as the worker remains cleared. You can apply for their Working With Children Check (WWCC) number on the NSW Office of the Children's Guardian website. To be eligible for a WWCC you will have to show proof of identity to a NSW Motor Registry or Council Agency. For more information you may access the online tutorials and fact sheets at https://www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/child-safe-organisations/working-with-children-check.

Compulsory Training Component

Students must complete SOSS3006 Social Research and Policy in the Workplace as a core course in this program.

Aligned with UNSW's emphasis on work integrated learning, this course is a structured and supported vocational placement designed to give students an understanding of organisational contexts of policy, through work experience that uses and develops the skills gained in their studies.

The course has two options:

Option A: Individual work placements
Students who have achieved a distinction level or better (>75) WAM across all their courses will always qualify for a vocational placement; other students will be considered on merit and aptitude. The placement provides work at a host organisation for 14 full days (105 hours). The spread of work will be agreed between the organisation, the student, and the course convenor.

Option B: Work-based policy/research group
Any student can apply for this option. The work experience will be organised as a group, supervised by the course convenor, in conjunction with an organisation outside UNSW or with a unit at UNSW.

Progression Requirements

Progression rules are in accordance with university policy.

For more information on university policy on progression requirements please visit Academic Progression

Associated Programs

Similar Program

Master of Public Policy and Governance - MPPG8259 - Public Policy & Governance

Related Double Degree

Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) - BSW (Hons)
Bachelor of Social Science - BSocSci3322 - Social Work (Honours) / Social Science

Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) - BAdvSci(Hons)
Bachelor of Social Science - BSocSci3323 - Advanced Science (Honours) / Social Science

Bachelor of Science - BSc
Bachelor of Social Science - BSocSci3324 - Science / Social Science

Bachelor of Laws - LLB
Bachelor of Social Science - BSocSci4871 - Law / Social Science

Postgraduate Pathway

Master of Public Policy and Governance - MPPG8259 - Public Policy & Governance

Honours Pathway

Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences (Honours) - BASS (Hons)4504 - Arts & Social Sciences (Hons)

Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) - BSocSci (Hons)4529 - Social Science (Honours)

Recognition of Achievement

University Medal

Award of Pass with Distinction

The Award of Pass with Distinction is awarded when a weighted average mark (WAM) of at least 75% has been achieved and at least 50% of the requirements of the award completed at UNSW. All eligible programs will award Pass with Distinction except in special circumstances where approval of Academic Board has been given for a program to opt out.

For more information, please visit:

Current Students Pass With Distinction

Additional Information

Further Information

Contact the Nucleus Student Hub for advice.

Program Fees

At UNSW fees are generally charged at course level and therefore dependent upon individual enrolment and other factors such as student's residency status. For generic information on fees and additional expenses of UNSW programs, click on one of the following:

Domestic Students

Commonwealth Supported Students (if applicable)

International Students