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.
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.
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Duration
3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Intakes
Online (March, July, November) - View application and start dates
Study mode
- Online
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.
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, course aims and objectives and graduate skills.
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.
Graduate skills
Swinburne intends that all its courses assist graduates to be:
- capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas
- entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community
- effective and ethical in work and community situations
- adaptable and able to manage change
- aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing (such as sociocultural, economic, natural).
Pathways and scholarships
- Pathways, credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
Students who participate in a six- or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.
| 2023 rate* | Estimated total cost of the course | Estimated cost of the course per year if studying full-time* | Amenities fee per year if studying full-time* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) |
$45,426 | $15,142 | See how your SSAF is calculated |
Fees are estimates only: The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. These fees apply for units studied in 2023 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester. Students who participate in a six or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.
How do I pay my fees?
HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to eligible students enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of the student contribution amount.
Find out more about fees.
Entry requirements
2023 Guaranteed Entry ATAR: 60
VCE Units 3 and 4 – a minimum study score of 25 in any English (except EAL) or 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee offer of a place. See Admissions at Swinburne, for general information about the admission process.
- successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification.
- completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including Certificates IV (completed), Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, Associate Degrees and Degrees)
- applicants without a formal qualification may be considered for entry if they have significant and relevant work experience and/or upon completion of the STAT test.
VCE Units 3 and 4 – a minimum study score of 25 in any English (except EAL) or 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee offer of a place. See Admissions at Swinburne, for general information about the admission process.
How to apply
Find out more about how to apply.
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
Tel: 1300 069 765
Email: enquiries@swinburneonline.com
Email: enquiries@swinburneonline.com