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Bachelor of Social Science

Work in diverse social environments. Identify social issues. Develop strategies to solve complex problems.

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.

Need help?

Contact the UOW Future Students Team:

For more details about this course

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

Student ?
Campus ?
ATAR-SR ?
70
Delivery ?
On Campus
Duration
3 years full-time, or part-time equivalent
Starts
  • Autumn 2025
  • Autumn 2025
  • Spring 2025
  • Autumn 2026
  • Autumn 2026
  • Spring 2026
Codes
CRICOS: 081145A
UOW: 344

Overview

Social scientists work in diverse social environments to identify issues and develop strategies for solutions to social problems and injustice. Social Science promotes social justice by exploring how practices, policies and structures contribute to social disadvantage and injustice. Nationally and globally, there is a demand for social scientists who are able to understand the complex and changing needs of societies in the face of technological, economic and social changes.

The social science degree equips students to become the change-makers of tomorrow. To do this, the Bachelor of Social Science embeds Indigenous knowledge and content, and subjects covering social inequalities impacting the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities. You will also be provided with career-ready experiences throughout the degree to prepare you for a changing world of work.

See the course handbook for more information. 

You can specialise in a major by choosing from the following: 

Major 

Campus Availability 

Environment and Society 

Wollongong (On Campus) 

Criminology 

Wollongong (On Campus) 

Human Services 

Shoalhaven (On Campus) 
Wollongong (On Campus) 

Public Health 

Wollongong (On Campus) 

Sociology 

Shoalhaven (On Campus) 
Wollongong (On Campus) 

Pathway to Teaching
You may also take a Foundations in Teaching minor and complete the Bachelor of Social Science (Pathway to Primary Education) (UAC: 755305). You will complete a social science major of your choice, while adding an education element to your degree.

This pathway degree offers priority entry to the Master of Teaching (Primary) and a reduced study load while undertaking your master’s degree. You’ll graduate with an undergraduate and postgraduate degree, as well as the qualification and skills to teach children aged 5-12 years.

Learn more about our teaching pathways

Study at UOW Shoalhaven
Students are able to complete the Bachelor of Social Science majoring in Human Services or Sociology at the UOW Shoalhaven campus (UAC: 755300-1).

See more

Careers

  • Advocacy
  • Business Development and Administration
  • Community and Social Services
  • Environmental Officer
  • Health Care Management and Policy
  • Local and International Community Development
  • Market Research
  • Policy Analysis and Evaluation
  • Social Policy Development
See more

Admissions information

A range of admission options are available for future students. 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.

Applicants must achieve the required score in a previous qualification, equivalent to completing at least 13 years of schooling in Australia.

More detail

International Course fees table
Campus Delivery method Session fee* Course fee*
WollongongOn CampusFee not available (2025)Fee not available (2025)
WollongongOn Campus$16032 (2025)$96192 (2025)
ShoalhavenOn Campus$16032 (2025)$96192 (2025)
WollongongOn CampusFee not available (2026)Fee not available (2026)
WollongongOn Campus$16032 (2026)$96192 (2026)
ShoalhavenOn Campus$16032 (2026)$96192 (2026)

* 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.

Tuition fees are reviewing annually: fees payable are dependent on the year of commencement and are subject to increase during the period of study

Additional Fees

In addition to tuition, there are other fees and costs you will need to consider, including but not limited to:

    Indicative enrolment

    The tables below contain information on the 2024 commencing student cohort, which indicates the likely profile of students for 2025.

    Student profile

    This table shows the breakdown of the applicant background of the student group at UOW for this course. It provides data on students that commenced undergraduate study and continued study beyond the census date at UOW in 2024.

    Student profile table
    Applicant background 2024 intake 2024 intake (%)
    Higher education study 39 57%
    Vocational education & training study <5 <5
    Work & life experience <5 <5
    Recent secondary education
    ATAR Only <5 <5
    ATAR plus additional criteria 0 0%
    Other criteria only (non-ATAR) 20 29%
    International students <5 <5
    All students 68 100%

    < 5: Number of students is less than 5
    N/A: Data not available for this item
    N/P: Not published (hidden to prevent calculation of other numbers less than 5)

    ATAR profile

    This table relates to all students selected on the basis of ATAR alone or ATAR in combination with adjustment factors. For more information on adjustment factors commonly available to applicants, see ATAR-based admission.

    ATAR profile table
    ATAR profile of ATAR-based offers in 2024 ATAR Selection Rank
    Highest rank to receive an offer 93.05 99.05
    Median rank to receive an offer 72.1 74.08
    Lowest rank to receive an offer 64.3 67

    < 5: Less than 5 ATAR-based offers made
    N/A: Data not available for this item
    N/P: Not published (less than 5 ATAR-based offers made)

    More information

    For more information about UOW admission pathways, see UOW Admission Information.