Bachelor of Science (Social Science)

The BSc (Social Science) programme is aimed at motivated school leavers and mature students who have a strong penchant for the study of some of the most fundamental issues and concerns for modern society and the environment. The programme strongly focuses on the applied nature of the Social Sciences and will equip students with practical research skills, in addition to focussing on career development and readiness, and further educational opportunities. There is an international fieldtrip in year two, a significant workplace internship in year three, and dissertation or research project component in year four, giving students practical real-world experience and knowledge of working in areas of Social Scientific inquiry. The growth in interdisciplinary study and research is building crucial knowledge and supporting the national capacity to respond to complex societal challenges by providing new solutions that cannot be provided by one discipline alone. This pioneering interdisciplinary Social Sciences degree programme draws on key strengths of Schools and Disciplines right across the College of Arts, university-wide Research Institutes and Centres, and innovation and entrepreneurial programs right across the University. Supporting and advocating the value and need for social scientific research to key decision-makers and policy designers, in addition to community activism and advocacy, forms an intrinsic part of the Social Sciences programme ethos.

YEAR ONE

• Introducing the Social Sciences
• Introduction to Sociology and Political Science
• Principles of Geography
• Digital Citizenship
• Introduction to Economic and Social Policy
• Digital Skills for the Social Sciences.

YEAR TWO

• In addition to further developing their critical understanding of key areas of the social sciences, students will focus on problem-centred learning and will undertake research methods courses aimed at tackling current and future societal challenges and learn how to use key social scientific technology tools. Year Two will also entail an international fieldtrip in semester two. 

YEAR THREE

• A choice of modules in semester one will be followed by a work-based internship in semester two (January–May). The programme’s dedicated placement team will coordinate and attempt to place each individual student with their chosen organisation, agency, business sector or industry thus tailoring their training and experience to meet the students preferred career pathway. Students will also undertake a module in career development and readiness.

YEAR FOUR

• Students will again select modules in year fur that align to their preferred career or further educational pathway, and students will also be paired with an academic supervisor to design, develop and undertake a research project, with a strong focus on publishing their finished work. The four recommended study pathways in this final year are:
  • Environmental Social Studies
  • Culture, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
  • Holitics, Society and Identity
  • Communities, Engagement and Development.