Bachelor of Social Science
Townsville, Cairns
The Bachelor of Social Science degree provides students with an opportunity to complete a coherent course of study specialising in at least one discipline or area of knowledge. They are also able to combine study in several areas to obtain unique combinations of skills and background knowledge for maximum flexibility in preparation for the workforce. Students may complete a major in a single discipline, in two disciplines (a double major) or an interdisciplinary major which combines specified study in two or more areas of knowledge.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Social Science are equipped to critically analyse information and conduct research that can assist in solving problems of significance to society at the local, national or international level. They have a sound knowledge of cross-cultural diversity and the ability to communicate effectively in oral or written form to a range of audiences. They have the skills to find information using a variety of media, to identify and make relevant contacts in industry, government and academia and the ability to work in a team environment. They have achieved a coherent body of knowledge in at least one discipline area along with the skills to define and solve problems in that area. Throughout their study they have had the opportunity to consider a range of social, cultural and political perspectives and to be guided in the ethical practices of at least one field of social science. They are, by virtue of their chosen fields of study, concerned about social issues and interested in participating in society as well informed and critical thinkers with a commitment to lifelong learning and social and personal development.
Majors within the Bachelor of Social Science degree
While the Bachelor of Social Science degree is characterised by its diversity and flexibility, students wishing to major in a single or two disciplines should refer to the recommended majors listed under the Bachelor of Arts program beginning on page 158. Those wishing to complete an interdisciplinary major should refer to the programs listed below:
Asia-Pacific Community Development
This is an interdisciplinary major to the total unit value of 45. It consists of 12 units at each of the three levels of the degree plus 3 units at level 1 and 6 units at level 2 of computing and research methodology subjects.
The interdisciplinary major can be completed in conjunction with a disciplinary major (27 units).
LEVEL 1
| CORE SUBJECTS | |
| AN1001:03 | Anthropology 1A: Discovering Anthropology (Sem 1) |
| PL1002:03 | World Politics, International Conflict and Cooperation (Sem 2) |
| SS1103:03 | Computing Skills for the Social and Behavioural Sciences (Sem 2) |
| WS1001:03 | Introduction to Social Policy (Sem 1) |
| WS1005:03 | Human Rights and Social Issues (Sem 2) |
| ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS | |
| 9 units of level 1 subjects from the Master Schedule. Students are encouraged to take subjects in Geography, History and Sociology. | |
LEVEL 2
| CORE SUBJECTS | |
| AN2015:03 | Anthropology and Asia Pacific Development (Sem 1, odd years) |
| or | |
| AN2013:03 | Culture, Knowledge and Environment (Sem 2, even years) |
| Plus | |
| SS2020:03 | Social Survey Design and Analysis (Sem 1) |
| SS2023:03 | Qualitative Research (Sem 2) |
| WS2020:03 | Working Across Cultures (Sem 2) |
| WS2513:03 | Community Work (Sem 2) |
| Plus | |
| A minimum of 3 units from: | |
| AN2004:03 | Medical Anthropology (Sem 1) |
| GE2302:04 | Geography of Southeast Asia and the Pacific (Sem 1, odd years) (Townsville) |
| HI2001:04 | Globalisation: Historical Perspectives (Sem 2) |
| PL2110:03 | Government and Politics in Developing Areas (Sem 2) |
| PL2153:03 | International Relations and Foreign Policies (Sem 1) |
| WS2512:03 | Organisational Practice (Sem 2) |
| ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS | |
| Up to 6 units of level 2 subjects from the Master Schedule. | |
LEVEL 3
| CORE SUBJECTS | |
| AN3015:03 | Anthropology and Asia Pacific Development (Sem 1, odd years) |
| or | |
| AN3013:03 | Culture, Knowledge and Environment (Sem 2, even years) |
| Plus | |
| GE3606:03 | Disasters: Vulnerability, Mitigation and Planning (Sem 2) |
| WS3014:03 | Socio-Environmentalism and Community Work (Sem 2) |
| WS3025:03 | Advanced Group Work (Sem 2) |
| Plus | |
| A minimum of 3 units from: | |
| AN3004:03 | Medical Anthropology (Sem 1) |
| EV3002:03 | Environmental Impact Assessment (Sem 1, Cairns; Sem 2, Townsville) |
| GE3302:04 | Geography of Southeast Asia and the Pacific (Sem 1, odd years) (Townsville) |
| HI3001:06 | Globalisation: Historical Perspectives (Sem 2) |
| PL3110:03 | Government and Politics in Developing Areas (Sem 2) |
| PL3153:03 | International Relations and Foreign Policies (Sem 1) |
| ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS | |
| Up to 12 units of level 3 subjects from the Master Schedule. | |
LEVEL 4 (Honours students only)
| CORE SUBJECTS | |
| SS4005:06 | Gender and Development |
| WS4510:03 | Social Work in a Global Environment |
| Directed Study (3 units) | |
| SS4000:12 | Joint Honours Thesis |
Cultural Heritage Studies
LEVEL 1
| CORE SUBJECTS | |
| AN1002:03 | Anthropology 1B: Australia and Regional Culture (Sem 2) |
| AR1001:03 | The World of Archaeology (Sem 1) |
| AR1002:03 | Archaeology: Methods and Approaches (Sem 2) |
| EV1004:03 | Foundations of Environmental Studies (Sem 1) |
| SS1103:03 | Computing Skills for the Social and Behavioural Sciences (Sem 2) |
| ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS | |
| 9 units of level 1 subjects from the Master Schedule. Students are required to take subjects necessary for a major in a chosen supporting discipline. | |
LEVEL 2
| CORE SUBJECTS | |
| AN2107:03 | Anthropology and Archaeology of Australia (Sem 1) |
| AY2101:03 | Principles of Cultural Heritage Management (Sem 1) |
| SS2020:03 | Social Survey Design and Analysis (Sem 1) |
| SS2023:03 | Qualitative Research (Sem 2) |
| or | |
| AN2113:03 | Qualitative Research (Sem 2) |
| Plus | |
| A minimum of 3 units from: | |
| AN2108:03 | Art, Images and Symbols (Sem 2, odd years) |
| or | |
| AR2412:03 | Art, Images and Symbols (Sem 2, odd years) |
| AN2109:03 | Anthropology and Archaeology of the Pacific (Sem 2, even years) |
| or | |
| AR2413:03 | Anthropology and Archaeology of the Pacific (Sem 2, even years) |
| CU2012:03 | Introduction to Cultural Informatics (Sem 2) |
| EV2201:03 | Tourism and the Environment (Sem 1) |
| GE2301:04 | Urban Geography and Design (Sem 2) |
| GE2502:03 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (Sem 2) |
| HI2422:03 | Aboriginal Encounters: Conflict and Accommodation (Sem 2) |
| ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS | |
| 9 units of level 2 subjects from the Master Schedule, contributing to the major in the supporting discipline. | |
LEVEL 3
| CORE SUBJECTS | |
| AN3013:03 | Culture, Knowledge and Environment (Sem 2, even years) |
| or | |
| AR3403:03 | Historical Archaeology (Sem 1, odd years) |
| EV3002:03 | Environmental Impact Assessment (Sem 2) |
| Plus | |
| A minimum of 6 units from: | |
| EV3200:03 | Terrestrial Resource Management (Sem 1) |
| EV3202:03 | Caring for Country (December block mode) |
| EV3252:03 | Indigenous Environmental Management (flexible delivery) |
| IA3007:03 | Linking Indigenousness 3 (flexible delivery) |
| ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS | |
| 12 units of level 3 subjects from the Master Schedule, contributing to the requirements for a major in the supporting discipline. | |
LEVEL 4 (Honours students only)
| CORE SUBJECT | |
| AY4000:24 | Cultural Heritage Honours |
International Studies
LEVEL 1
| CORE SUBJECTS | |
| HI1301:03 | Global Greed: An Overview of World History |
| or | |
| HI1302:03 | Age of Extremes: The Twentieth Century |
| Plus | |
| LA1007:03 | Legal Systems and Methods |
| PL1001:03 | Comparative Politics: Making Sense of a Puzzling World |
| PL1002:03 | World Politics: International Conflict and Cooperation |
| Plus | |
| BU1010:03 | Business Statistics |
| or | |
| SS1003:03 | Computing Skills for the Social and Behavioural Sciences |
| ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS | |
| 6 units of level 1 language studies (French, Japanese or a language elective approved by the Executive Dean) and/or additional subjects chosen from the Master Schedule in accordance with the requirements of the Bachelor of Social Science. Students who are not confident in basic communication, numeracy and information technology skills are encouraged to undertake, preferably in their first year, the appropriate generic skills subject(s), such as: CP1030:03 Introduction to Information Technology, CU1112:03 Communication, Information and Society, EL1010:03 Effective Writing, EL1100:03 Critical Reading or TH1400:03 Effective Speaking. | |
LEVELS 1, 2 AND 3
| CORE SUBJECTS | |
| EC1005:03 | Economics for Business 1 |
| Plus | |
| EC3401:04 | International Economics 3 |
| or | |
| MG3715:04 | International Business |
| Plus | |
| HI2001:04 | Globalisation: Historical Perspectives |
| or | |
| HI2020:04 | Nationalism in the Modern World |
| Plus | |
| LA4012:03 | Public International Law* |
| PL2002:03 | Policy Analysis and Management |
| or | |
| PL3002:03 | Policy Analysis and Management |
| PL2110:03 | Government and Politics in Developing Areas |
| or | |
| PL3110:03 | Government and Politics in Developing Areas |
| PL2153:03 | International Relations and Foreign Policy |
| or | |
| PL3153:03 | International Relations and Foreign Policy |
| PL2250:03 | Australia and World Politics |
| or | |
| PL3250:03 | Australia and World Politics |
| Plus | |
| At least two of: | |
| BU2010:03 | Business Research Methods |
| PY2107:03 | Experimental Investigation and Analysis of Behaviour |
| PY3101:03 | Advanced Behavioural Research Design and Analysis |
| SS2020:03 | Social Survey Design and Analysis |
| or | |
| SS3020:03 | Social Survey Design and Analysis |
| SS2023:03 | Qualitative Research |
| or | |
| SS3023:03 | Qualitative Research |
| ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS | |
| 20 units of languages studies over levels 2 and 3 studies (French, Japanese or a language elective approved by the Executive Dean) and/or additional subjects chosen from the Master Schedule in accordance with the requirements of the Bachelor of Social Science. | |
LEVEL 4 (Honours students only)
| CORE SUBJECTS | |
| PL4001:06 | Applied Political and International Analysis |
| PL4201:12 | Political Science Honours Thesis |
| ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS | |
| 6 units of language studies or 6 units of subjects chosen from the Master Schedule in accordance with the requirements of the Bachelor of Social Science. | |
Policy Studies
LEVEL 1
| CORE SUBJECTS | |
| EC1005:03 | Economics for Business |
| LA1007:03 | Legal Systems and Methods |
| PL1001:03 | Comparative Politics: Making Sense of a Puzzling World |
| SY1001:03 | Introduction to Sociology |
| Plus | |
| BU1010:03 | Business Statistics |
| or | |
| SS1003:03 | Computing Skills for the Social and Behavioural Sciences |
| ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS | |
| Additional units may be chosen from the Master Schedule in accordance with the requirements for the Bachelor of Social Science. Students who are not confident in basic communication, numeracy and information technology skills are encouraged to undertake, preferably in their first year, the appropriate generic skills subject(s), such as: CP1030:03 Introduction to Information Technology, CU1112:03 Communication, Information and Society, EL1010:03 Effective Writing, EL1100:03 Critical Reading or TH1400:03 Effective Speaking. | |
LEVELS 2 AND 3
| CORE SUBJECTS | |
| PL2002:03 | Policy Analysis and Management |
| or | |
| PL3002:03 | Policy Analysis and Management |
| PL2003:03 | Governance, Democratisation and the State |
| or | |
| PL3003:03 | Governance, Democratisation and the State |
| PL2153:03 | International Relations and Foreign Policy |
| or | |
| PL3153:03 | International Relations and Foreign Policy |
| PL2291:03 | Australian Public Policy and Politics |
| or | |
| PL3291:03 | Australian Public Policy and Politics |
| PL2292:03 | Public Administration and Inter-governmental Relations |
| or | |
| PL3292:03 | Public Administration and Inter-governmental Relations |
| WS2020:03 | Working Across Cultures |
| Plus | |
| At least two of: | |
| BU2010:03 | Business Research Methods |
| PY2107:03 | Experimental Investigation and Analysis of Behaviour |
| PY3101:03 | Advanced Behavioural Research Design and Analysis |
| SS2020:03 | Social Survey Design and Analysis |
| or | |
| SS3020:03 | Social Survey Design and Analysis |
| SS2023:03 | Qualitative Research |
| or | |
| SS3023:03 | Qualitative Research |
| ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS | |
| Additional units may be chosen from the Master Schedule in accordance with the requirements for the Bachelor of Social Science. | |
LEVEL 4 (Honours students only)
| CORE SUBJECTS | |
| PL4003:06 | Theory and Method in Public Policy |
| PL4202:12 | Public Policy Honours Thesis |
| or | |
| PL4203:12 | Public Policy Honours (Internship) (selected students only) |
| ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS | |
| Students select 6 units of studies or 6 units of subjects chosen from the Master Schedule in consultation with the Course Coordinator and relevant School(s), with the approval of the relevant Head(s) of School(s). | |
It is emphasised that the specific majors are identified primarily to provide guidance for students. Students considering BSocSc Honours are advised to enrol in a specific major in the Honours discipline (or, in the case of combined Honours, in two disciplines).
Majors – Townsville campus
Anthropology; Archaeology; Asia-Pacific Community Development*; Cultural Heritage Studies*; Economics; Environmental Studies; Geography; History; International Studies*; Policy Studies*; Political Science; Psychology; Sociology; Welfare Studies.
* Indicates interdisciplinary major
Majors – Cairns campus
Anthropology; Archaeology; Asia-Pacific Community Development*; Environmental Studies; Geography; History; International Studies*; Policy Studies*; Political Science; Psychology; Social Policy; Sociology; Welfare Studies.
* Indicates interdisciplinary major