Bachelor of Social Science

The Bachelor of Social Science at Edith Cowan University is a three-year degree for people who want to understand how communities work and how to make them better. You study the social sciences, sociology, politics, cultural studies, human geography, social policy, and learn to research, analyse and communicate about real social problems. It's a broad degree, not a narrow one, so you can shape it around what interests you.

How the degree is structured

Australian bachelor degrees are made up of units of study, each worth a set number of credit points, usually 15 or 20. You need to complete 24 units (or 360 credit points) to graduate. Full-time students typically take four units a semester, with two semesters a year. Some units are core, everyone does them, and the rest are electives or a major. ECU also offers a trimester option, which lets you study across three teaching periods and finish faster if you want to.

Most students choose a major or a set of related units rather than staying general. The degree is built around the idea that social science skills, research design, data analysis, policy analysis, writing for different audiences, are useful in many fields. You'll likely do a research methods sequence, a social theory unit, and a final-year capstone or research project where you apply what you've learned to a real issue. Some students take a work placement or community project unit, which is common in social science degrees because employers value experience.

What you actually learn

You learn to read data and arguments critically, design and carry out small research projects, write clearly for government, community organisations and the public, and understand how policy is made. You also learn to work with people from different backgrounds, which matters if you end up in community services, local government, or advocacy. If you're aiming for social work registration, note that this degree is a social science degree, not an accredited social work qualification. To become a registered social worker in Australia you need a degree accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). This degree can be a pathway, but check with ECU and the AASW about how it fits.

Who it suits

It suits school leavers who are curious about society and want a degree that keeps options open, and mature-age students who have worked in community roles and want to formalise their knowledge. If you like asking why things are the way they are, and you want to do something about it, this is a good fit.

International students should check the English requirement carefully. ECU publishes a standard IELTS range for undergraduate courses, but social work and some other fields sit higher, IELTS 7.0–7.5 overall. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and ECU's own English programs are accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs also sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa, so you need to meet both. While studying, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. After you finish, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may let you stay and work in Australia, depending on your circumstances. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register, check the official page for the current amount and confirm all details, including English requirements, before you apply.

• Community development officer, local government, not-for-profits
• Policy officer or policy analyst, state and federal government departments
• Social research assistant, research institutes, market research firms, universities
• Case worker or support worker, community services, housing, youth services
• Program coordinator, NGOs, charities, community health organisations
• Aboriginal liaison or community engagement officer, government and community-controlled organisations
• Local government officer, planning, community services, engagement
• Advocacy or campaigns officer, unions, environmental groups, social justice organisations

Social science graduates work across the public sector, community services, education, health, media and research. Some go on to further study, a master's in social work, public policy, or research, to specialise or qualify for registration.