Bachelor of Social Science
Undergraduate course
Overview
You can also look at entering this course via pathways from one of our UniLink or TAFE courses.
This course introduces you to the study of individuals, groups and human societies and explores how social relationships and institutions shape individuals, and how they, in turn, have the capacity to shape these social institutions. You will develop a theoretical insight into your chosen discipline, enabling you to understand current developments in society and the workplace, and to adapt and respond appropriately to future developments as they occur, both nationally and internationally. You will undertake a professional major in an area of specialisation, and combine it with either a co-major or two minors. There is a range of co-majors and minors available, which add depth or breadth to your degree.
| Duration | 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time | ||
Campus and intakes  |
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| Study mode | Full-time Part-time (day) | ||
| Course code | L05010 | ||
| Fees | For information about Swinburne's fees visit the Fees website. |
Course in detail
Course description
This course aims to meet current and future society and labour market requirements both nationally and internationally. The objectives of the Bachelor of Social Science programs are to ensure that students and graduates are focused and skilled through practical application of theoretical knowledge at an advanced level, and the development of lifelong learning skills with a global and multidisciplinary awareness.
Students entering the Bachelor of Social Science have the opportunity to graduate with a tagged outcome listed below, depending on the Professional Major study selected.
Bachelor of Social Science (Media Studies)
Bachelor of Social Science (Public Relations)
Bachelor of Social Science (Sociology)
Bachelor of Social Science (Public Relations)
Bachelor of Social Science (Sociology)
In order to obtain a tagged outcome in Psychology, student will need to complete the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology).
Please note: students who enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Science prior to 2010 will have the opportunity to apply at graduation to exit with a tagged outcome above.
Course structure
There are course restrictions and rules that must be considered when selecting units and specialisations. It is recommended that you familiarise yourself with these rules before selecting specialisations.
All programs consist of a total of 24 units (300 credit points). Each unit normally carries 12.5 credit points. In each year, eight (8) units normally constitute a full-time load and four (4) units normally constitute a part-time load.
Capstone Units
Capstone Units utilise real-world, authentic activities in the form of project-based learning. Projects may be externally sourced industry and community projects, competitions, research-based projects or internally developed project briefs.
Capstone Units utilise real-world, authentic activities in the form of project-based learning. Projects may be externally sourced industry and community projects, competitions, research-based projects or internally developed project briefs.
Careers in the Curriculum (CIC)
In addition to the above, all Swinburne undergraduate students must complete a compulsory unit of study, Careers in the Curriculum. CIC is an innovative unit designed to assist Swinburne students to enhance their employability and career prospects.
In addition to the above, all Swinburne undergraduate students must complete a compulsory unit of study, Careers in the Curriculum. CIC is an innovative unit designed to assist Swinburne students to enhance their employability and career prospects.
CIC has been developed by Swinburne Careers and Employment who provide advice and feedback on completing job applications and undergoing interviews, directed at obtaining graduate employment. It is a one semester compulsory unit usually undertaken in second year.
Students will not incur a HECS or fee debt as the cost will be met by the university as part of an initiative to enhance students' employability skills.
Student Workload
The program operates under a student workload model based on eight (8) units of study for a full-time academic year. Total student contact hours per unit, including lectures, classes, tutorials and computer laboratory sessions, will normally be approximately 12 hours per week during the academic semester (Winter and Summer Term have the same number of contact hours but compressed in time).
The program operates under a student workload model based on eight (8) units of study for a full-time academic year. Total student contact hours per unit, including lectures, classes, tutorials and computer laboratory sessions, will normally be approximately 12 hours per week during the academic semester (Winter and Summer Term have the same number of contact hours but compressed in time).
Major specialisations
Students must include in their degree (24 units): a 16-unit Professional Major from the Social Science discipline and a further 8 units of study which can either comprise a co-major (8 units) or two minors of (4 units) each.
Co-majors (8 units)
Students may choose a co-major from any of those offered in Business, Communication, Social Science programs or from any discipline across the university, timetable permitting. See the Swinburne co-majors page for more information.
Students may choose a co-major from any of those offered in Business, Communication, Social Science programs or from any discipline across the university, timetable permitting. See the Swinburne co-majors page for more information.
Business Co-majors (8 units):
Accounting
Advertising *Business
Business Analysis/eCommerce
Business Public Relations
Finance
Human Resource Management
International Business
Management
Marketing
Tourism Management
Accounting
Advertising *Business
Business Analysis/eCommerce
Business Public Relations
Finance
Human Resource Management
International Business
Management
Marketing
Tourism Management
Other Co-majors (8 units):
External Studies
External Studies
Minors (4 units)
Students may choose a minor from any of those offered in Business, Communication and Social Science programs or from any discipline across the university, timetable permitting. See the Swinburne minors page for more information.
Students may choose a minor from any of those offered in Business, Communication and Social Science programs or from any discipline across the university, timetable permitting. See the Swinburne minors page for more information.
Social Science Minors (4 units):
Applied Statistics
Applied Statistics Advanced
Business in Society
Global Social Communication
Applied Statistics
Applied Statistics Advanced
Business in Society
Global Social Communication
Media Studies
Psychology
Public Relations and Society
Social Media
Social Science Advertising
Sociology
Psychology
Public Relations and Society
Social Media
Social Science Advertising
Sociology
Graduate outcomes
Aims and objectives
The Bachelor of Social Science is planned to enable students to:
- develop learning skills in an interdisciplinary environment
- communicate effectively in writing, orally and electronically
- experience breadth of disciplinary studies and intellectual processes
- specialise in the field of their chosen profession
- study combinations of units leading to professional accreditation
- use technology in a way that supports learning and vocational aspirations
- develop a regional and international outlook in relation to learning
- understand the cross-cultural issues of interdisciplinary study and teams
- articulate easily from previous tertiary study to complete a degree program
- develop the personal qualities and attitudes needed for professional success
- identify and understand the fundamental values that inform critical issues and decision making
- understand how ethical theories inform and facilitate decision making
Career opportunities
Completion of the Bachelor of Social Science can lead to career opportunities in a diverse range of fields such as social research, administration, policy and planning, welfare, community development, human resources, policy and program evaluation, marketing, social business and market research, industry analyst, media relations, public relations, project management, health and human services manager, counselling, community services, lobbyist, ethics adviser, evaluation officer, education administrator.
Course experience
Industry learning
Industry-Based Learning (IBL) allows students to undertake paid work experience as part of their undergraduate degree providing professional skills and networking opportunities.
Note - IBL is only available to domestic on-campus students. The IBL program is normally only available to those students who have received a Credit grade average (or better).
Note - IBL is only available to domestic on-campus students. The IBL program is normally only available to those students who have received a Credit grade average (or better).
Swinburne Abroad
Swinburne Abroad provides students with an international learning experience as part of their degree. Students can receive credit for their overseas studies by undertaking an external studies co-major or minor allowing students to study up to one year full time overseas and not extend the time to complete their Swinburne program.
Entry requirements
ATAR
51.75
2012 Round 1 Clearly-In ATAR (CSP)
You can also look at entering this course via pathways from one of our UniLink or TAFE courses.
Entry requirements
Standard Entry – Year 12
Applicants must have a qualification deemed to be the equivalent of the VCE accredited by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA). (Passes may be accumulated over more than one year). Students not holding an appropriate Year 12 or equivalent qualification may be admitted on the basis of extensive work experience. A quota for this entry applies.
Prerequisite units
VCE Prerequisites: Units 3 and 4–a study score of at least 30 in English (ESL) or at least 25 in any other English.
Non-Year 12
Students not holding an appropriate Year 12 or equivalent qualification may apply on the basis of previous qualifications and/or extensive work experience. More information is available on Swinburne’s Mature Age Students and Non-School Leavers web page.
Applicants must have a qualification deemed to be the equivalent of the VCE accredited by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA). (Passes may be accumulated over more than one year). Students not holding an appropriate Year 12 or equivalent qualification may be admitted on the basis of extensive work experience. A quota for this entry applies.
Prerequisite units
VCE Prerequisites: Units 3 and 4–a study score of at least 30 in English (ESL) or at least 25 in any other English.
Non-Year 12
Students not holding an appropriate Year 12 or equivalent qualification may apply on the basis of previous qualifications and/or extensive work experience. More information is available on Swinburne’s Mature Age Students and Non-School Leavers web page.
Pathways
TAFE students may be eligible to receive credit towards completing Swinburne degree. For further information refer to the Pathways website.
Credit transfer
Applicants with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be granted ‘credit’ and/or entry into the course with ‘advanced standing’. For further information refer to Swinburne Pathways: Credit Transfer Guide.Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit or partial credit towards a qualification in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training.Apply
How to apply
Start of the year applications must be made through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC).
VTAC code:
VTAC code:
Bachelor of Social Science - 35201 (CSP) 35203 (IFP)
Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) - 35071 (CSP) 35073 (IFP)
Bachelor of Social Science (Media Studies) - 35201 (CSP) 35203 (IFP) *
Bachelor of Social Science (Public Relations) - 35201 (CSP) 35203 (IFP) *
Bachelor of Social Science (Media Studies) - 35201 (CSP) 35203 (IFP) *
Bachelor of Social Science (Public Relations) - 35201 (CSP) 35203 (IFP) *
Bachelor of Social Science (Sociology) - 35381 (CSP) 35383 (IFP)
* Same VTAC code as for Bachelor of Social Science
For further information, visit the VTAC website.
Applicants who have not already applied through VTAC can apply direct to the university by following the step-by-step process on our How to Apply page.
This course is available for mid-year intake. Applications are made directly to Swinburne and will be taken on a case by case basis. Application forms can be downloaded from our How to Apply website.