Bachelor of Social Science

Overview

Our Bachelor of Social Science gives you a broad understanding of social science in the context of a culturally diverse global environment.

You’ll develop a rounded understanding of sociocultural and socioeconomic environments through exploring topics such as human behaviour, social issues, ethical dilemmas, and international relations.

Upon graduating, you’ll be ready for a diverse career in areas such as child protection, crime prevention, national security, government and foreign affairs.

Aims and objectives

Students who successfully complete the Bachelor of Social Science will be able to:

• systematically review and critically evaluate research from a variety of sources to inform their knowledge and conceptual understandings in the social sciences
• formulate arguments that are fit for purpose and demonstrate an understanding of the relevant theories and evidence in their areas of disciplinary expertise
• critically analyse information to generate creative solutions to solve complex problems in the social sciences
• define and integrate theoretical principles and apply these in their disciplinary areas of expertise
• apply knowledge and skills with responsibility and accountability for their own learning and practice, individually and in collaboration with others
• interpret and communicate ideas, problems and arguments in modes suitable to a range of audiences using a range of media
• coherently articulate a line of reasoning demonstrating cultural sensitivity and apply a framework to analyse and offer solutions to ethical dilemmas in local and international contexts.

Course structure

The Bachelor of Social Science is an online program delivered by Swinburne Online and consists of a total of 24 units (300 credit points). Units normally carry 12.5 credit points. A standard annual full-time load comprises eight units (100 credit points), and a standard annual part-time load comprises four units (50 credit points).

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Social Science, students must complete 300 credit points comprising of:

• 4 Social Science Core units of study (50 credit points)
• 8 Major units of study from Criminology, Behavioural Studies, Security and International Relations*, or Security and Counter Terrorism* (100 credit points)
• 12 units of study (150 credit points) comprising a co-major, advanced minor, minor and/or electives
   

Students may not complete more than 150 credit points (normally 12 units) at Introductory Level. A unit of study can only be counted once, where units are shared between majors and/or minors, students must choose an approved alternate.

Students studying the Security and International Relations major cannot also study the Security and Counter Terrorism major due to the similarity of units.

Swinburne Online offers a flexible degree structure allowing students to adjust their study commitment throughout the duration of their program. Students have the flexibility to study between one and four units per teaching period.

Below are examples of study loads for Swinburne Online students:

• Accelerated study: 12 units of study per academic year
• Full-time study: eight units of study per academic year
• Part-time study: four units of study per academic year
• Recommended study: six units of study per academic year

*This major is not available to international students.

Career opportunities

As employers are increasingly seeking people with well-developed generic skills, in addition to professional competencies, the Bachelor of Social Science firmly prepares students for professional work after graduation. Moreover, the combined focus on generic skills and sound academic and professional knowledge within this degree equips students for a lifelong process of personal development.

Future career areas include roles that: implement strategies and policies for correction programs and crime prevention; investigate victim support, community safety, and rehabilitation; provide guidance and support within child protection, human resources, community health support teams; and examine the role of technology in crime, terrorism and warfare in culturally diverse global environments.

Career opportunities for graduates include child protection officer, community health worker, human resources support. Among other opportunities, graduates may find employment in government departments including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Defence, the Australian Border Force, and the Attorney-General’s office.

Alternatively, graduates may pursue research and further studies in international studies, security studies or the social sciences as part of one of several graduate awards available at Swinburne, including Masters and Doctoral degrees.

Maximum Academic Credit

The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Bachelor of Social Science is 150 credit points (normally 12 units).