Bachelor of Social Science
Swinburne Online - online delivery only
Delivered online, the Bachelor of Social Science gives students a broad understanding of social science in the context of a culturally diverse global environment. Students can choose from the major study areas of criminology, security and international relations, security and counter terrorism, or behavioural studies, equipping them for diverse careers in areas such as child protection, crime prevention, national security, government and foreign affairs.
Exploring topics such as human behaviour, social issues, ethical dilemmas and international relations, students will develop a rounded understanding of sociocultural and socioeconomic environments. Critical thinking skills will be honed through the analysis of theoretical principles and the reviewal of research, and graduates will display confidence in communicating ideas and arguments in their chosen disciplines.
Exploring topics such as human behaviour, social issues, ethical dilemmas and international relations, students will develop a rounded understanding of sociocultural and socioeconomic environments. Critical thinking skills will be honed through the analysis of theoretical principles and the reviewal of research, and graduates will display confidence in communicating ideas and arguments in their chosen disciplines.
Every international student application is considered for a scholarship
Whether you’re living in Australia or overseas, you’re automatically considered for a scholarship of up to 30% off your course fees. Please check our updated entry requirements.
Indigenous Try Online Scholarship
Study your way and get your fees waived for two units of this course, plus amenities. Find out more about the Indigenous Try Online Scholarship here.
Duration
3 Year/s
Intakes
Online (March, July, November) - View application and start dates
Fees
A$30560 (annual for 2023)*
The indicative course fees shown in Course Search apply to international students for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.
Study with Swinburne Online
With Swinburne Online, the learning experience is 100% online and studied at your own pace. Our courses are built for the jobs of the future with a focus on collaboration and our flexible learning environment empowers you to study on your own terms. They are developed by leaders in the field and taught by professionals with industry experience.
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
This course is delivered through Swinburne Online. Swinburne Online delivers Swinburne University of Technology programs designed to meet the needs of those who are unable to undertake on-campus study. These programs have been specifically designed for online delivery and support.
Counter Terrorism major focuses on human rights and the ethical issues surrounding security and counter terrorism policy. Students examine the changing nature of warfare and its justification in the context of the post-9/11 security environment. The Behavioural Studies major provides students with a foundation understanding of human behaviour and mental well-being, and how these can be applied to issues in health and community sectors.
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
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 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.
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)
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)
Units of study
Core
Students must complete the following two units:
and two of the following three units
POL10001 Australian Politics Security and Counter Terrorism / Security and International Relations required to select Australian Politics as one of their core units
PSY10005 Introduction to Research Methods Behavioural Studies students required to select Introduction to Research Methods as one of their core units PSY30011 Psychology of Wellbeing * # (25 credit points)
Criminology Major
Students must complete the following eight units:
Security and International Relations Major ^
Students must complete the following eight units:
Security and Counter Terrorism Major ^
Students must complete the following eight units:
Secondary studies
12 units (150 credit points) comprising a co-major, advanced minor, minor and/or electives. Find out more.
# Capstone unit
* Outcome units
Matched exemptions are generally not granted for higher education outcome units.
Matched exemptions are generally not granted for higher education outcome units.
^ This major is not available to international students.
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities and course aims and objectives.
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.
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.
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.
Pathways and scholarships
- Pathways.
Course fees and requirements
- Fees, entry requirements and English language requirements.
Course fees
A$30560 (annual for 2023)*
Entry requirements
Assess your eligibility for entry to Swinburne.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65%
- minimum IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- TOEFL iBT (internet-based) minimum score of 75 with a reading band no less than 18 and writing band no less than 20
- Pearson (PTE) minimum score of 50 (no communicative skills less than 50)
- any other equivalent assessment of English language proficiency.
Find out more about English language requirements.
How to apply
Find out more about how to apply.
Please note:
- This online course is not available to on-shore international students holding a student visa.
- The Security and Counter Terrorism Major and Security and International Relations Major are not available to international students.
The full Course Admission Information and Whole of Institution Set are available for reference.
View the Course Admission Information, which includes the ATAR and Student profiles for this course. Swinburne’s general admissions information is also available here.
Find out more
Submit an online enquiry
Tel: +61 3 9956 0777 (outside Australia)
Tel: +61 3 9956 0777 (outside Australia)