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Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (Sociology)

Become a critical thinker. Develop analytical and communications skills. Join a global dialogue on human culture.

For personalised assistance with UOW courses, please reach out to our Future Students Team:

Our team is available during Australian business hours, 9 am to 5 pm.

For other UOW contact details, click here.

For personalised assistance with UOW courses, please reach out to our Future Students Team:

Our team is available during Australian business hours, 9 am to 5 pm.

For other UOW contact details, click here.

If you’re planning to study at UOW immediately after finishing your HSC, International Baccalaureate (IB), or an interstate equivalent, you can apply for Early Admission to this course. Applications can be submitted via the UOW Early Admission website during the designated period, usually June – August each year.

Students can also apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

If you’re a non-school leaver (e.g., completed Year 12 previously and/or have a TAFE qualification or equivalent), you can apply directly to UOW.

Before applying, please review the requirements, intakes, and deadlines for your chosen degree.

International students are encouraged to apply with the support of an approved UOW agent. An agent can help navigate the application process and ensure that you submit all necessary documentation. For your nearest agent, please see our agent list.

Alternatively, if you would like to apply directly (without an agent), you can start the process through our Apply Online portal. Please note, some applicants will not be eligible to apply directly and will be prompted to apply via an agent.

International students who are studying an Australian Year 12 qualification in or outside of Australia may choose to apply through UOW Early Admission, and/or through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

Need help?

Contact the UOW Future Students Team:

For more details about this course

Australia: 1300 367 869. International: +61 2 4221 3218

Student ?
Domestic
Campus
Wollongong
Delivery ?
On Campus
Duration
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Starts
  • Autumn 2025
  • Spring 2025
  • Autumn 2024
  • Spring 2024
Code
UOW: 701

Overview

If you've enjoyed studying for your Bachelor of Arts degree, why not consider an honours year? This normally involves one additional year of study following the successful completion of a three-year undergraduate degree.

Your Bachelor of Arts studies would have introduced you to a wide range of topics and issues, and an honours project lets you explore one of these in much greater depth. Honours research topics are various and negotiable: if you are really interested in a topic and want to find answers, you'll be encouraged and supported to do so. The honours year has two functions at UOW; as an in-depth project at the end of undergraduate study, and as a bridge between undergraduate study and advanced research. Studying honours will:

  • Teach you research skills, navigation skills and how to use information systems (archives, the library, databases and electronic research networks)
  • Provide an opportunity to articulate complex ideas in both verbal and written format
  • Provide the experience of working closely with a supervisor on a project and preparing a major project to meet a deadline
  • Experience in devising, researching and delivering an individual topic of study in an extended thesis of approx. 15,000 to 18,000 words

Read the course handbook for more information.

The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) consists of 50% coursework and 50% research work. The research component of this degree takes the form of a research thesis of 15,000 words completed under the supervision of an academic employed in the Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities.

From a potential employer's perspective, whatever your topic, being able to demonstrate your ability to achieve a complex goal, meet deadlines, investigate independently, use resources effectively and write coherently will be highly regarded.

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Sociology (major)

Sociology is the study of society. It examines social life, cultural and social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behaviour. Sociology involves asking questions about human life and society, developing understandings of our diverse and rapidly changing world, and identifying the causes of and solutions to social problems.

Throughout your studies, you will develop an understanding of our diverse and rapidly changing world and identify the roots of and solutions to social problems. In an increasingly dynamic world, where divisions and inequalities are becoming more prevalent, this discipline provides invaluable analytical, research and intellectual skills and an in-depth understanding of our diverse societies and cultures. Areas of study include power and stratification, globalisation, sexualities, social movements, and bodies.

Careers

  • Archiving and Librarianship
  • Art & Design Arts
  • Business Development & Administration
  • Community & Social Services
  • Consultancy
  • Diplomacy
  • Education
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Government Policy
  • Healthcare Policy & Management
  • Heritage Specialist
  • Historian
  • Human Resources
  • Information Technology & Design
  • Journalism
  • Social Policy
  • Translation & Interpreting
  • Legal Work
  • Marketing & Advertising
  • Media & Publishing
  • Politics
  • Production and Management
  • Tourism and Hospitality
  • Writing
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Admissions information

A range of admission options are available for students of all ages and academic backgrounds. The procedures governing admission are defined in UOW's Admissions Procedures, and the UOW College Admissions Policy.

For specific advice or to ask any questions regarding an application, please contact the UOW Future Students Team.

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

    UOW's Woolyungah Indigenous Centre's Indigenous Admissions Program (IAP) offers an alternative pathway for Indigenous Australians aged 17 and over who are seeking entry into an undergraduate course at UOW. Upon completing the IAP, applicants will be considered for admission based on an interview and assessment of both academic and non-academic qualities. For further details, including the application process, please contact Woolyungah Indigenous Centre.

  • Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications

    If you have completed or partially completed studies at an approved university or tertiary institution, you may be eligible for entry to UOW. You'll need to provide academic records, and your course must be at least one-sixth complete. Non-English documents must include an official English translation. For more information, contact the UOW Future Students Team.

  • English language proficiency

    All UOW courses are taught in English and require varying levels of proficiency. If English is not your first language, you must meet the University’s English Language Requirements, which differ by course.

    Accepted international test results include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge, and OET for specific health-related courses.

    Alternatively, you can fulfill the requirement by completing an English course at UOW College.

  • Workload
    Full-Time Study Load

    As a full-time student, you can expect to commit around 48 hours of study per week. This includes class time and independent study. You may need to factor more time for examination study and practical work & placements.

    Part-Time Study Load

    For part-time students, study hours will vary based on the number of units taken, with similar expectations for class and independent study.

    For more details on course workloads, please refer to the UOW Handbook.

  • Credit for Prior Learning

    If you have completed prior studies or relevant professional experience, you can request course credit or subject exemptions to reduce the duration and cost of your program.

    Credit for prior learning evaluates your previous study or work experience related to your chosen subjects.

    UOW values lifelong learning and recognizes various types of prior learning, regardless of how or where it was obtained. For more information, refer to UOW's Credit for Prior Learning page.

More detail

Course fees table
Campus Delivery method Session fee* Course fee*
WollongongOn CampusFee not available (2025)Fee not available (2025)
WollongongOn CampusFee not available (2024)Fee not available (2024)

* Session fees are for one session for the year shown. Total course tuition fees shown are indicative, and are based on normal course length and progression. These fees are subject to change from year to year. However, if you receive an offer to study at UOW, your fees will be fully confirmed at the time of your offer.

  • Autumn, 2025 at Wollongong

    Orientation: 24 - 27 February 2025
    Session: 03 March - 27 June 2025

    Applications Close

    • Domestic Applicants (Direct): 31 October 2024*
    • International Applicants: 31 October 2024*

    *Complete applications (with all required documentation) received by these dates will receive an outcome prior to the start of session.

    Late applications may be assessed for future sessions if an outcome for the requested session is not possible.

  • Spring, 2025 at Wollongong

    Orientation: 14 July 2025
    Session: 28 July - 20 November 2025

    Applications Close

    • Domestic Applicants (Direct): 31 May 2025*
    • International Applicants: 31 March 2025*

    *Complete applications (with all required documentation) received by these dates will receive an outcome prior to the start of session.

    Late applications may be assessed for future sessions if an outcome for the requested session is not possible.

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