July 28, 2014
Training tomorrow’s social scientists to shape the world we live in
New degree that will see graduates empowered to better understand our complex world launched at UOW.
The new Bachelor of Social Science is one of the most comprehensive and significant degree programs launched at UOW for several decades.
The three-year interdisciplinary Bachelor of Social Science will equip students with practical and theoretical skills to help them transform the lives of individuals, groups and communities by understanding and predicting and human behaviour.
The new degree programs are designed for students who are passionate about undertaking study that will both make a positive change in society and lead to careers with genuine purpose.
John Steele, Executive Dean, of the Faculty of Social Sciences, explained: “We have listened to what students are passionate about studying and have undertaken a considered analysis of the careers that will focus on real world challenges and shape society into the future.”
“This has provided the inspiration for our leading internationally recognised scholars from across the social sciences to develop ground-breaking new degree programs in the social sciences, which will lead our students to rewarding careers across government, industry and not-for-profit sectors,” he said.
Core subject areas include social policy, indigenous studies, community, culture and environment, criminology, human geography, public health, sociology, psychology and social marketing. Students will also develop critical analysis skills from world leaders in the respective fields to better understand, interpret and influence human behaviour.
Social scientists find work in many high-demand occupations, including government policy, community development, psychology, social work, environmental protection, public policy, urban and regional planning and development, foreign aid, health promotion, market research and much more.
UOW has not had a dedicated Social Science degree until now. UOW Bachelor of Science (Population Health) graduate Toby Dawson, who is now a Regional Manager at Cancer Council NSW, said: “Doing social science subjects at UOW prepared me well. One of the key aspects of my job is recruiting schools to the SunSafe Primary Schools Program. We are constantly contributing to the fight against cancer. There’s a lot of satisfaction in knowing we make a difference.”
Professor Heather Yeatman, Head of the School of Health and Society who is also President of the Public Health Association of Australia said: “In Australia, and around the world, there is an urgent need for graduates who are able to contribute to greater understanding of our society, the profound impacts of technological, economic and social change and changing needs of individuals, families and communities.”
Our Bachelor of Social Science will give students a holistic understanding of social sciences through common core subjects in the first and part of the second year. As well, key discipline perspectives are provided across 10 possible majors, including psychology, social policy, sociology, human geography, public health, health promotion, social marketing and criminology to help them solve complex problems such as closing the gap on Indigenous health outcomes and societal action to reduce and better manage crime,” she said.
Dr Jennifer Todd has recently been appointed the coordinator of the program. Dr Todd said “This exciting new program is a strategic priority for the University. It has been developed using a range of innovative teaching practices to enable students to get the most out of their degree. Students have a wide range of learning opportunities – case studies, engagement with social leaders, work integrated learning, research skills or international travel all in the one program.”
Professor Stuart Thomas, who specialises in forensic mental health and has spent six years helping to train the police force to better manage people who are experiencing mental illnesses, has been the key advisor to the new criminology major.
Professor Thomas said: "This is a very exciting time to be involved in criminology at UOW. Students will be immersed in a wide range of fascinating discussions and debates on issues of significant community and criminal justice related concern. Our continued need to better understand and respond to a wide range of issues around crime and justice means that a career in criminology will be both fascinating and rewarding."
UOW’s Faculty of Social Sciences will also launch three additional new degrees in 2015: the four-year Bachelor of Social Work and the two-year Master of Teaching (Primary) and Master of Teaching (Secondary), which will replace the current Graduate Diploma in Education program.
More information: socialsciences.uow.edu.au
Media contact: Elise Pitt, UOW Media & PR Officer, +61 2 4221 3079, +61 422 959 953, epitt@uow.edu.au