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Bachelor of Social Science (Sociology)

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.

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 ?
Campus ?
ATAR-SR ?
70
Delivery ?
On Campus
Duration
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Starts
  • Autumn 2025
  • Autumn 2025
  • Spring 2025
  • Autumn 2024
  • Spring 2024
  • Autumn 2024
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 

Criminology 

Wollongong (On Campus) 

Human Geography 

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

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

  • 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.

  • Academic Entry Requirements

    To succeed in your chosen course, you should have completed relevant subjects in senior high school or other qualifications. For more information, refer to UOW's Entry Requirements page.

  • English Language Requirements

    The following level of English is required to gain admission to this program:

     

    English Test

    Overall Score

    Reading

    Writing

    Listening

    Speaking
    IELTS Academic

    6.5

    6.5

    6.5

    6.0

    6.0
    TOEFL (Internet-based)

    86

    22

    22

    17

    17

     

    UOW College: English for Tertiary Studies: Credit (weighted average mark of 65 overall and minimum 50 in Academic Reading and Writing)

    Other qualifications may also be considered. Full details can be found on our English Language Requirements website.

  • 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.

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

  • Credit for Prior Learning

    Applicants with a major study in Education plus three years' teaching experience may be eligible for credit for one session of study (24 credit points).

     

    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

International Course fees table
Campus Delivery method Session fee* Course fee*
ShoalhavenOn Campus$16032 (2025)$96192 (2025)
WollongongOn CampusFee not available (2025)Fee not available (2025)
WollongongOn Campus$16032 (2025)$96192 (2025)
ShoalhavenOn Campus$14688 (2024)$88128 (2024)
WollongongOn CampusFee not available (2024)Fee not available (2024)
WollongongOn Campus$14688 (2024)$88128 (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.

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:

  • Autumn, 2025 at Wollongong

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

    Applications Close

    • Domestic Applicants (UAC): 30 September 2024 (early bird), 30 January 2025 (final) (see UAC Key Dates).
    • International Applicants: 9 December 2024*

    *Applications must be complete with all required documentation.

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

  • Spring, 2025 at Wollongong

    Orientation: Check your campus details
    Session: 28 July - 20 November 2025

    Applications close

    Domestic Applicants (UAC): 28 June 2025 (see UAC Key Dates).

    • Domestic Applicants (Direct): 31 May 2025*
    • International Applicants: 5 May 2025*

    *Applications must be complete with all the required documentation.

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

  • Autumn, 2025 at Shoalhaven

    Orientation: Check your campus details
    Session: 03 March - 27 June 2025

    Applications Close

    • Domestic Applicants (UAC): 30 September 2024 (early bird), 30 January 2025 (final) (see UAC Key Dates).
    • Domestic Applicants (Direct): 31 December 2024*
    • International Applicants: 9 December 2024*

    *Applications must be complete with all required documentation.

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

  • Spring, 2025 at Shoalhaven

    Orientation: Check your campus details
    Session: 28 July - 20 November 2025

    Applications Close

    • Domestic Applicants (UAC): 28 June 2025(see UAC Key Dates).
    • Domestic Applicants (Direct): 31 May 2025*
    • International Applicants: 5 May 2025*

    *Applications must be complete with all required documentation.

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

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