Bachelor of Social Sciences

Seek and solve problems to improve life on Earth

International

You have reached the maximum of 6 degrees.

Gain skills that impact policy, drive social change and make a real difference to local and global communities. With the ��¼� Bachelor of Social Sciences, you'll discover how to bring about positive change through critical analysis and political influence – with a focus on your area of interest. Shape an inclusive tomorrow that’s better for all.

Commencing Terms: Term 1, 2 & 3
Duration: 3 Year(s)
Delivery Mode: Face-to-face (includes blended)
Campus: Kensington
Codes: UAC code 422301; Program code 3325; CRICOS code 110657K

ATAR/2025 lowest selection rank: 80.0
2025 Indicative first year full fee: $15,000*
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree: $48,000*
2025 Indicative first year full fee: $49,500*
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree: $152,500*

Design your own degree
Overseas study options
Work experience

Get updates on this course, key dates and upcoming events

Enquire

Overview

Are you passionate about social issues and driven to tackle the myriad political, social, environmental and economic challenges that face the world today? With a ��¼� Bachelor of Social Sciences degree, you'll discover how to bring about positive change through critical analysis and political influence – with the opportunity to specialise in your area of interest.

Social science explores how societies work – from social systems and institutions to culture and community. As a social scientist, you’ll develop a deep understanding of how people behave and influence the world and use your knowledge to inform public debate and shape the policies that affect society.

Throughout this three-year, full-time degree, you'll build comprehensive knowledge and analytical skills alongside practical experiences to prepare you for a career with real and meaningful impact. You’ll also take advantage of unique projects, work experiences and internships in Australia and overseas.

Key features

Flexibility and variety
Choose among a wide range of social sciences to design a degree that suits your goals and values. Focus on one or two fields that you are passionate about while still having the freedom to explore other exciting areas. Build a solid foundation whether you want to graduate to further study or a professional career.��

Practical experience, here and overseas
Through real-world work experiences, you'll build professional skills and employability that stand out. Gain skills in communication, analysis, ethical decision-making and teamwork through internships and international exchange opportunities with our diverse range of industry partners.

Purpose-driven community
Become part of a collective dedicated to solving local and global issues. Diverse classmates, award-winning teachers, world-renowned researchers, and leading practitioners will support your goals and share knowledge and experiences. Develop influential diplomacy and collaboration skills through student-led organisations and volunteer groups.��

Why study at ��¼�?

We're ranked #1 in Australia and =#23 globally for social sciences and management (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025).

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Design your own degree
At ��¼�, you’ll be encouraged to follow your passions and tailor your studies to your interests. The Bachelor of Social Sciences allows you to choose from a wide range of majors, with an optional minor, based on your field of interest. You can also combine this program with another study area and complete a fast-tracked double degree.

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Connect with like-minded people
Find your people at ��¼� School of Art, Design and Architecture. With over a dozen clubs to join, you'll connect with fellow creatives who'll support and challenge you to put your passion into practice.��

Realise your full potential, here and overseas
Through real-world work experiences, you'll build professional skills and employability that stand out. Study areas like International Studies, Global Development and International Business give you the opportunity to take your studies and skill development overseas through internships and international exchange opportunities with our diverse range of industry partners.

Join a school that’s focused on the future
At ��¼� Art, Design and Architecture, we're working to build a better future. Our subjects are ranked #1 in Australia for industry, innovation and infrastructure (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, 2023). We're also ranked #2 globally for climate action (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, 2023) – in alignment with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

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Program Code

3325

CRICOS Code

110657K

Campus

Kensington

UAC Code

422301

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

144

Want to see more from ��¼� Arts, Design & Architecture?

Entry requirements

2025 Lowest Selection Rank

80.0

2025 A levels

10.0

2025 IB Diploma

30.0

2025 Lowest ATAR

65.4*

The 2025 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2025.

The 2025 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.

The 2025 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2025. It is to be used as a guide only.

The 2025 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
*The Lowest ATAR to which an offer was made, for this program, is based on a ��¼� Gateway Early Conditional Offer.
At ��¼�, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.

To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at ��¼�, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.

We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Domestic students are eligible to apply for the following volume of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) credits towards their ��¼� degree that belong in the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture:

1-year Diploma: 48 UoC (equivalent to first year)
1.5-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 72 UoC (equivalent to first year and a half)
2-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 96 UoC (equivalent to two years)

Considering your previous qualifications and their relevance to the chosen program at ��¼�, the type and amount of credit you can apply for, as well as the duration of your remaining program, will then be determined. 

Assessment by the Program Director is required for RPL applications toward Professional Accredited programs. Please note that eligibility for the full volume of RPL may be subject to accreditation requirements.

Portfolio Entry��

At ��¼� ADA, you will find the freedom and support to design the future you want. An ADA Portfolio Entry submission will demonstrate your passions alongside your best work, to boost your chances of admission to a bachelor’s degree of your choice. For more information and to see specific guidelines for portfolio submissions visit ��¼� Portfolio Entry.��

Prerequisites

You don’t need to have completed prerequisite courses, but we do assume you have a Year 12 (or equivalent) level of knowledge.

Assumed knowledge

None

Adjustment Factors

We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.��

HSC Plus��
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred ��¼� degree. You may be awarded up to five points.��

Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)��
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.

Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen ��¼� degree.

Admission pathways

Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and��get in touch��with our Future Student Advisers to discuss your path to ��¼�.��

Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students who attend Gateway schools, live in a low-socioeconomic area based on IRSAD and IEO indexes of��, or are an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person. It adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred ��¼� degree and provides early offers and early conditional offers to ��¼�.��

Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.��

TAFE Pathways Program
This degree is eligible for the TAFE Pathways Program. If you've completed a qualification under a relevant TAFE Training Package, you may be eligible for credit transfer.��For more details, including this program's TAFE Pathway study plan, visit��¼� TAFE Pathways Program.

��¼� Prep Program

If you want to study at ��¼� but faced challenges in year 11 and 12 that make you eligible for the ��¼� ACCESS Scheme, but you don't meet the cut-off for degree entry, consider ��¼� Prep.

��¼� Prep is a one-year (18 months for Engineering) pathway to a ��¼� degree place. You'll study subjects that allow you to develop your academic skills, including maths skills if needed, so that you can achieve your best results. You also study degree level courses from week one, to give you a realistic introduction to university level study. If you do well in these courses you can earn course credit towards your degree.

Learn more

English language requirements

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You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at ��¼� depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why ��¼� requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

English language tests and university English courses
Prior study in the medium of English
Other qualifications

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.��

International direct entry

Information for applicants with CBSE, HKDSE or Singapore A Levels Qualification

Calculating your CBSE Score:
Awarded by CBSE, average percentage marks across English or Hindi, and your best four remaining subjects. Where marks are given as a range, the mid-point for that range is used e.g. 75 to 80 = 77.5.

Calculating your HKDSE Score:
Entry requirements are based on the aggregate of the best 5 achieved category A subjects (category B and C subjects are not considered).

For subjects other than Citizenship and Social Development: level 5**=7 points, level 5*=6 points, level 5=5 points, level 4=4 points, level 3=3 points, level 2=2 points, level 1=1 point, Level U=0 point.

For subject Citizenship and Social Development: Attained=2 points, Unattained=0 point. Citizenship and Social Development will only be counted towards the aggregate if the 2 points awarded for Attained ranks among the student’s best five scoring subjects.

If Mathematics Compulsory Part and Extended Part (Module 1 or 2) are both presented, both scores can be counted.

Calculating your Singapore A Levels:
Due to significant changes to the GCE A-Level Curriculum and University Admissions Score (UAS) calculation effective 2026, ��¼� assessment is currently under review.

Note: Entry requirements published on this page are correct as of the day of publication and may change without notice.��

I studied in:

We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please for more information.

Please for direct entry requirements.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Typically, international students are eligible to apply for the following volume of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) credits towards their ��¼� degree that belong in the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture:

1-year Diploma: Up to 48 UoC
1.5-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 72 UoC
2-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 96 UoC

Generally, International students must ensure that their prior qualifications are assessed and deemed relevant to the program they intend to pursue. Additionally, they are required to maintain a full-time study load as part of the conditions for their Confirmation of Enrolment.

Prerequisites

You don’t need to have completed prerequisite courses, but we do assume you have a Year 12 (or equivalent) level of knowledge.

Admission pathways

If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with . ��¼� College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your ��¼� journey with confidence. 

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at ��¼� depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why ��¼� requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at ��¼�. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

English language tests and university English courses
Prior study in the medium of English
Other qualifications

For more details, visit the��English Language Requirements��page.��

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Select from the options below

Which applies to you?

What will I study?

��¼� is introducing a new academic calendar from 2028.

We are moving to a new flex-semester calendar. What does this mean for your studies?��

Learn more

Study areas

AI in business and society
Learn how you can leverage artificial intelligence to accelerate innovation and drive societal progress.

Economics
Study the analytical tools and gain critical thinking skills that help shape societies, raise living standards and promote economic growth.��

Environmental humanities
Immerse yourself in the social, cultural and political factors shaping human relations with the natural world.��

Geographical studies
Discover how we can plan for a better future by combining classroom study with hands-on experience in the field.

Global development
Learn the many ways we can create practical and positive change at local, national and global levels.��

Human resource management
Build the relevant people skills that set you up for success in a diverse and rewarding career.��

Indigenous studies
Explore the current and traditional Indigenous knowledge, philosophies and cultural values tied to country.��

Innovation, strategy and entrepreneurship
Learn how to lead with confidence, discover new opportunities, turn insights into action and design business strategies that create, capture and deliver value.��

International business
Change how the world does business as you make the most of your strong foundation in business, commerce and economics.��

International studies
Cultivate interdisciplinary knowledge, intercultural communication skills and real-world experience to address global challenges.

Marketing
Learn how data helps businesses stand out, understand customer behaviour and meet customer needs.��

Media, culture and technology
Explore the history, legacy and ongoing impact of media through the 20th and 21st centuries across an ever-changing tech landscape.��

Politics and international relations
Pave your way for careers in government and business, lead with difference and change the world.

Sociology
Join Australia’s oldest sociology department and discover insights from diverse cultures and the lived human experience.��
The minors below will complement your studies in the Bachelor of Social Sciences:

Digital social sciences

Humanitarian engineering

Gender studies

International political economy

Policy, power and government

Politics and international relations

Security studies

Sociology

Working with communities

Build practical intercultural communication skills and global fluency, to thrive in international careers and contribute meaningfully to diverse communities.

The language minors below will complement your studies:

Advanced Chinese studies/Chinese studies

Advanced French studies/French studies

Advanced Japanese studies/Japanese studies

Advanced Korean studies/Korean studies

German studies

Indonesian studies

Italian studies

Modern Greek studies

Spanish studies
The below optional minors are also available.
AI in business & society

Animation and moving image

Art history and theory

Asian studies

Australian studies

Communication and journalism

Computational design

Creative writing

Criminology

English

European studies

Film studies

Game art

Game design

Gaming and society

Graphic design

History

Industrial design

Integrated design

Linguistics

Music studies

Philosophy

Psychology

Public relations and advertising

Screen production

Textiles and fashion design

Theatre and performance studies

Visual arts

Study overseas

Broaden your horizons and study overseas for a term. Choose an international exchange at one of 300 ��¼� university partners in more than 38 countries. ��¼� encourages a global mindset – which means overseas study is credited toward your degree with us, and you may also be eligible for financial support to help cover costs.

Program structure

The Bachelor of Social Sciences structure allows you to combine in-depth knowledge of study areas with the skills to identify and use evidence for practice and policy. The degree is offered two ways. Either as a major in your chosen field alongside free electives or the other offers a major plus a minor. Regardless of the structure you choose, there are 24 courses in your degree. You’ll typically study eight courses a year if you study full time. You can also study part time to take advantage of a flexible study load.

A set of required core courses underpin the Bachelor of Social Sciences. These eight courses are focused on how social, political, and cultural change are put into practice. You will complement the learnings of your study area by understanding how and why policies benefit societies. Experience in the workplace, or as we call it Work Integrated Learning, is part of the core requirements in the third year of this degree.��

In addition to an engaging set of research and policy related core courses and tailored work-integrated learning, you can choose one of these options:��

In this structure, you’ll choose one major study area and from a range of elective courses across ��¼�. This option puts the control in your hands to customise your studies to suit your interests and goals.��

In this degree, a major is eight courses that focus on one study area. The courses begin at an introductory level and then build depth and breadth to develop your theoretical knowledge and technical skills. Some courses in a major are compulsory, known as core courses.

In this structure, you’ll choose two study areas. One as a major (eight courses), and the other a minor (six courses). This provides you a structure to study two different or complimentary study areas at depth.

For example, should you wish to put your energy toward resolving the climate crisis, you might major in environmental humanities and minor in marketing. If you choose to major in international studies, we strongly recommend choosing a��minor in a foreign language.

A degree combines compulsory courses and courses that you’ll select from a variety of options. The courses you select are called electives, and there are three types: prescribed, free, and general education.

Prescribed electives are part of your major or minor. Free electives ��are courses that can be on any topic, from any part of ��¼�. General education is also any topic, as its purpose is to elevate your academic skills to a tertiary competence.

You’ll normally study two general education courses in a bachelor’s degree. The number of free and prescribed electives will depend on how many courses are in the degree structure and study areas that you’ve chosen.��
With this degree, you'll choose and develop specialist skills and knowledge in one comprehensive area of study. You'll have the freedom and flexibility to complement your specialisation with a minor or elective courses from other approved study areas.

Whether you want to study more or fewer courses in any term, the choice is yours. Our flexible academic calendar means you can graduate faster or take your time to study abroad, complete an additional internship, or fit your study around other commitments.

Whether you have a learning difficulty or could benefit from extra guidance, you'll find free ��¼� academic skills support such as toolkits, tutors, and workshops. ��¼� Arts, Design and Architecture students and academics are supportive, diverse, and inclusive – it's easy to ask for advice.��

When you complete a bachelor’s degree, you’ll be eligible for further study at a postgraduate level. If you’d like further information about this degree and its learning outcomes have a look at our .

Future careers

More than just a foot in the door or a pathway towards landing your first job, this degree will set you up with the professional, analytical and personal skills you’ll need to thrive throughout your career. Take your learnings and turn them into a career that celebrates your purpose and values.

Potential careers

Advocate
Campaign manager
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade official
International business consultant
Local government official
Non-government organisation official
Policy analyst
Political adviser
Political journalist
Project officer
Program manager
Research consultant
Research officer
Tourism and trade adviser
United Nations official��

Explore your career options

Many career options lie ahead in your future. If you don’t know what you want to do yet, it’s ok. University is the time to test your ideas, discover potential career paths, or develop the knowledge to create a job that doesn’t even exist yet.��

Along with flexible course options, degrees from ��¼� Arts, Design & Architecture include opportunities to experiment with professional roles in internships and work placements. Wherever the future takes you, you’ll be set for life with experience and contacts among your classmates, lecturers, and ��¼� graduates worldwide.

Our alumni

"I absolutely credit my Global Development major (and the incredible people who run it) as sparking my love for, and literacy in, foreign affairs. Key principles of development like participation, decolonisation and Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) have guided how I approach my work, whether it be an internship, part time uni job or grad program. Studying Global Development at ��¼� has equipped me to not only translate my academic curiosities into professional anchors, but also to confidently navigate a dynamic industry and pursue a values driven career."��

Rose Raffaele
Graduate Policy Officer, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade��(DFAT)��

Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Global Development, and Politics and International Relations

“I've always been pushed to do my best. And it's nice that there are people around who are just as motivated as you. Not only to learn but also to do well, because where we stand in our own context will always influence the way we write and the way we see the world.��

I think that's the beauty of learning how to be critical and research and analyse because with social sciences… humanity is so complicated, and there are so many shades of grey. So, the chance to understand the world from somebody else's perspective, I think, is a unique one. And one that always serves you well.”

Nimaya Mallikahewa��
Second Secretary & Vice Consul, Australian Embassy in Brazil, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)

Bachelor of Media/Social Sciences, majoring in International Studies and PR & Advertising

Double degrees

Combine talents and passions to open future opportunities suited to your unique strengths. Despite the name, double degrees are not double the workload! You'll study core courses in two areas of expertise, graduating with two qualifications in less time than it takes to complete two consecutive degrees.��

Double your knowledge, skills, and career options with the Bachelor of��Social Sciences and:

How to apply

Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

Visit the Apply section of the ��and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.

On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.

Ready to start your application?

Apply now

For most international students, applications are submitted via��our�� service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date.��For details, visit the international admissions information page.

*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the   for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. For details, visit the .

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Ready to start your application?

Fees & Scholarships

2025 Indicative First Year Full Fee

$15,000*

2025 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree

$48,000*

Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 2

*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.

The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.

2025 Indicative First Year Fee

$49,500*

2025 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree

$152,500*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the��.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit��.

Scholarships

At ��¼�, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.