Bachelor of Social Science

We are no longer accepting applications into this course (A3D) as from Semester 2, 2020.

Students keen to study with us in the Social Sciences can take majors in Sociology, International Relations, Politics and Policy, and Criminology in the Bachelor of Arts (A3A).

We also offer a specialist Bachelor of Justice Studies (13Q).The Bachelor of Social Science is an empowering course for high-achieving students who want to understand society and are passionate about making a difference.Gain advanced research and communication skills by designing and carrying out either project work or an independent piece of research, under supervision from leading global Social Science experts, to bring about social and political change.Base your studies around either a Sociology or a Politics & Policy major (eight units), with a choice of complementary majors in Criminology, Politics and Policy, International Relations, Journalism, Media and Communications, and a variety of other disciplines.Study one of the world’s Top 250 Sociology programs^ at the University of Tasmania, and enrich your degree through a variety of internships in politics, non-government organisations, or the public sector.Delivered by the School of Social Sciences, this degree brings together disciplines that relate to human experience and behaviour, gives you an understanding of national and international social and political issues, and exposure to how contemporary organisations work.Explore social science theory and develop methods to investigate, analyse and find solutions to a range of important social and political issues at local, national and global levels.

Enrich your degree and build your network through a variety of internships in politics, non-government organisations, or the public sector.Online study may be possible depending on area of study.NOTE:

Continuing students refer to the page for the year you commenced in archived years above.^ QS World University Rankings 2017.

In the Bachelor of Social Science you need to choose 2 majors, 3 experience and engagement units 2 of which must be XBR units and 5 degree core knowledge. Your majors must be in different study areas.

Two majors (Must be in different study areas)

• Major 1
• Sociology
• Politics and Policy
• Major 2
• Criminology
• Geography and Environment
• History
• Human Resource Management
• International Relations
• Journalism, Media and Communications
• Politics and Policy
• Psychology

Three Experience and Engagement units, two of which must be XBR units, one a choice from any subject area within the University.

Five degree core knowledge units.

Unit level requirements* for the degree are:

• 8-10 units at introductory level,
• 6-10 units at intermediate level, and
• 6-10 units at advanced level.

*Please note, minimum and maximum level requirements are linked to your major and minor combination. In some scenarios you will be required to exceed the minimum level requirements as above.

Domestic applicants who have recently completed secondary education (in the past two years)

If you have an ATAR of 65 or above, you are guaranteed a place in this course.

To be eligible for an offer, you must have an ATAR of 50 or above. This is the minimum ATAR needed for your application to be considered. Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers made based on the number of places available. Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission. We will consider your study plan and subject results on a case-by-case basis when we assess your application.

If you do not receive the minimum ATAR please refer to Alternative entry pathways below.

In 2019, the lowest ATAR to receive an offer into this course was 50.3. The lowest ATAR to receive an offer may change from year to year based on the number of applications we receive.

Domestic applicants with higher education study

To be eligible for an offer, you must have:

Domestic applicants with VET / TAFE study

To be eligible for an offer, you must have:

Domestic applicants with work and life experience

If you have not successfully completed senior secondary, tertiary or TAFE/VET study, but have relevant work and life experience you can complete a personal competency statement. You may be eligible for an offer if you have work and life experiences that demonstrate a capacity to succeed in this course.

If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors, including economic hardship, serious medical condition or disability.

We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Social Science (AQF Level 7) graduates will be able to:

1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge in the areas of sociology or public policy and a broad understanding of a body of knowledge from a range of other social science disciplines.
2. Critically analyse, synthesise and adapt knowledge and skills to analyse social issues and to craft social policy strategies and solutions.
3. Design and implement research projects to understand social processes and social groups using qualitative and quantitative research skills.
4. Demonstrate high-level written and oral communication skills to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
5. Show cultural sensitivity and ethical awareness when working with and responding to different social groups, processes and organisations.