Bachelor of Social Science with Honours

This course is designed to allow well-qualified graduates to extend their studies in the areas of Psychology or Sociology, either to improve their career prospects or to proceed to higher degree studies.

Completion of the degree to the standard of Honours Class II Division 2 or better is the normal mode of entry to the research degree of Master of Philosophy.

Completion to the standard of Honours Class II Division 1 or better is the normal mode of entry to candidature for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

Course Aims

This course provides students with advanced knowledge and skills in the disciplinary field of either Psychology or Sociology. The course aims to encourage students to extend their intellectual range in their chosen field of study and hone their research abilities and analytical and communication techniques. It prepares students for postgraduate study and establishes a sound basis for a successful future career.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: apply advanced quantitative research techniques to real-world empirical data through statistical analysis and/or survey methodology, and judge the suitability of given methods to given applications; and/or apply advanced qualitative research techniques to real-world empirical data through a grounding in a range of qualitative methods, and judge the suitability of given methods to given applications; design, research and present a clear, coherent independent and original exposition of advanced knowledge and ideas in their area of study; apply advanced writing skills and coherently and persuasively communicate findings in an appropriate form to diverse audiences; and apply, where appropriate, an understanding of, and sensitivity to, the ethical dimensions of research.

Graduate Attributes

Knowledge of a Discipline Graduates will have coherent and advanced knowledge of the underlying principles and concepts in Psychology or Sociology, including a global perspective, as well as highly developed knowledge of research principles and methods and an advanced comprehension of one particular area of study that the student has selected to research. Supervisors will guide students to identify important resources that will be used as the basis for their dissertation. This knowledge will then be assessed throughout the degree through a range of assessment tasks to be determined by the relevant discipline, including the dissertation. Communication Skills Graduates will have high level communication skills, oral and written, and be able to convey ideas and information effetively to a range of audiences. Guided by their supervisor, these communication skills will be developed by students when completing, for example, ethics applications, contacting potential research participants, conducting empirical and other research, communicating their ideas orally, and in the writing of the dissertation. The honing of these skills will stand students in good stead for the workplace. Problem Solving Graduates will be able to apply logical, critical and creative thinking to solve a range of problems with intellectual independence. With initiative and judgement these skills will enable students to adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts. Students will need to locate, evaluate and apply information from a variety of sources throughout their degree. Students will be taught how to evaluate and interpret information in a useful manner and will be assessed on their ability to deconstruct relevant literature and to integrate theoretical and critical approaches into their work. Information Literacy Graduates will recognise when information is needed, and identify, evaluate, and effectively use information as required. They will have the advanced cognitive skills to use appropriate media, tools and methodologies to locate, access, critically analyse and interpret information. They will have the cognitive skills to exercise critical and creative thinking and judgement in developing new understanding of a subject. Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility Graduates will be able to recognise, reflect on and respond appropriately to social, cultural and ethical issues. Graduates will be aware of their professional responsibilities as researchers to provide balanced and accurate research and data. In addition, students will be taught that they have a social responsibility to question and challenge some 'facts'. Lifelong Learning Graduates will be prepared for lifelong learning in pursuit of personal and professional development. Graduates will have the research and critical thinking skills as well as intellectual capacity to enable them to continually further their learning. These attributes will be fostered throughout the honours program. Through completing the coursework and dissertation students will be provided with the necessary lifelong skills to be able to, with a degree of independence, research, write about and discuss critical issues. These skills can be transferred to any discipline, will be useful in any career positions and are essentially lifelong competences. Independence and Collaboration Graduates will work independently and collaboratively to achieve individual and common goals. Graduates will be able to exercise responsibility and accountability for their own learning and professional practice as well as the ability to work collaboratively with others within broad parameters. Students will be required to participate in professional, respectful and ethical discussions with their supervisor, and with other students, on issues associated with their area of study.