Bachelor of Social Science

Social Sciences helps transform the lives of individuals, families and communities by understanding, explaining, predicting and changing human behaviour and environments.

To do this Social Science students engage in interdisciplinary study about human behaviour, including foundations in psychology, social policy, sociology, human geography, research methodology, social justice and social determinants of health and wellbeing.Each student has the opportunity to build a unique study pathway.

From a strong common foundation of compulsory core social science subjects in first year, students then choose and complete a specialised major, which is complemented by either a minor in either Social Sciences or another specialty area from any field in the University offering cross-faculty enrolment.

The Bachelor of Social Science requires the successful completion of 144 credit points of subjects including:

1. all core subjects;
2. a Social Science major;
3. at least one of either:
4. - a Social Science minor, or
5. - minor from the General Schedule of Minors, or
6. - students enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Science (Pathway to Primary Education) (Course instance code Q344) must complete the Foundations in Teaching minor;

1. additional elective credit points to complete the degree, if required; and
2. no more than 60 credit points of 100 level subjects shall be completed.

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Science (Pathway to Primary Education) (Course instance code Q344) are required to maintain a weighted average mark (WAM) of 65 in each year of enrolment to qualify for admission to the Master of Teaching (Primary).

As per the Coursework Rules, no more than one subject may be cross counted towards a minor, major or core degree requirement.

Year 1

And one or both of:**

Year 2

And one or both of:

**PLEASE NOTE:

• Students are advised to take SOC 103 if they are intending to complete a major or minor in Criminology, Social Policy or Sociology.
• Students are advised to take HAS 130 if they are intending to complete a major or minor in Public Health.
• Students completing the Social Policy major or minor are advised to take HAS 202 in their first year of study.
• Students in other majors should choose a subject according to their interests or planned minors.

^ Students completing the Social Policy major or minor are advised to take HAS 202 in their first year of study.

All students must complete one of the following majors. The major should be selected at enrolment.

• Criminology (Wollongong)
• Community, Culture & Environment (Shoalhaven)
• Human Geography (Wollongong)
• Indigenous Studies (Wollongong, Shoalhaven)
• Public Health (Wollongong, Shoalhaven)
• Social Policy (Wollongong, Shoalhaven)
• Sociology (Wollongong, Shoalhaven)

Shoalhaven may offer a limited range of choice in subjects in years two and three.

All students must complete a minor. Students may choose from this recommended list, or from the General Schedule of Minors. Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Science (Pathway to Primary Education) (Course instance code Q344) must complete the Foundations in Teaching minor.

• Criminology (Wollongong)
• Community, Culture & Environment (Shoalhaven)
• Food and Society (Wollongong)
• Foundations in Teaching (Wollongong) - this minor is only available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Science (Pathway to Primary Education) (Course instance code Q344) .
• Human Geography (Wollongong)
• Indigenous Studies (Wollongong, Shoalhaven)
• Psychology (Wollongong)
• Introduction to Public Health (Wollongong, Shoalhaven)
• Social Marketing (Wollongong)
• Social Policy (Wollongong, Shoalhaven)
• Sociology (Wollongong, Shoalhaven)
• Work Health and Safety (Wollongong)

Electives may be selected from any subject listed in the core, major and minor tables for the Bachelor of Social Science, or from the General Schedule.

The following career readiness electives are recommended:

Recommended Social Science electives:

For information regarding timetables, tutorials, and classes please the visit the Timetables and Classes page.

Pathway to Primary Education

Course Learning Outcomes are statements of learning achievement that are expressed in terms of what the learner is expected to know, understand and be able to do upon completion of a course. Students graduating from this course will be able to:

CLO Description 1 Integrate knowledge and understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of the social sciences and social science practice. 2 Consolidate and synthesise theoretical and practical knowledge of the dynamics of social systems and practices in different settings and apply this to their chosen speciality. 3 Inquire into the dynamics of particular social problems and practices using established social science protocols consistent with their speciality. 4 Inquire into and address ongoing learning needs. 5 Analyse unpredictable, complex problems, issues and situations; apply creative, logical and critical thinking skills; and form evidence-based judgements regarding possible solutions. 6 Articulate ideas using a wide range of techniques effective with different audiences, including experts and non-experts. 7 Work collaboratively with a range of people in different cultural, cross-cultural and regional contexts to best effect desired and desirable social change. 8 Recognise the importance of ethical practice, social responsibility, social justice and civic awareness when acting to resolve conflicts, address problems and respond to social and environmental challenges.