Bachelor
Social science applies the 'science' of research and analysis to the world's complex 'social' problems such as sustainability, equity, and diversity, to create positive change.
Griffith University is ranked 151-175 in Social Sciences worldwide*. The degree is built around a tailored employability framework, so you'll have the tools and experience to start building a successful and meaningful social science career well before you graduate.
* Times Higher Education World Rankings 2021
You'll study some of society's most intriguing issues along with the techniques to analyse them and devise break-through solutions. You'll be equipped to combine your hard knowledge of world issues with advanced data analysis techniques. You'll develop the knowledge to select the appropriate tools and methodologies for the issues you're working on, along with the communication skills to collate and present your findings to decision-makers, to enable evidence-based solutions that can positively transform society.
Climate change is an example of a contemporary challenge that can't be solved by 'pure' science alone. Solutions will come from people who can not only interpret the data but also understand the need for social impact studies, policy development, and effective public communication. Social scientists work in these intersecting spaces, which is why they are in high-demand across government departments, creative industries, political parties, the business sector, in think tanks and non-government organisations (NGOs).
You don't need prior knowledge of statistical research methods as you'll study core courses that will develop your skills in analysing social policy and data, along with your two majors. Each of the majors represents a different perspective on the challenges of the future and allow you to develop areas of expertise that can open doors to a broad range of careers. There are also opportunities to undertake an internship in an area of your interest, and join a global study tour.
Majors
You can choose two of the following majors:
Economics: If you want an expert insight into why the Australian dollar fluctuates or what caused the Global Financial Crisis, this major is the ideal choice. You'll gain an understanding of the big financial issues facing societies and learn how governments make decisions about what to spend on complex issues such as the environment, healthcare, infrastructure and resources. You'll also learn how markets work, and how businesses make decisions about pricing, staffing and responding to competition.
Environmental Sustainability: Environmental sustainability is the world's biggest issue. This major is not about the 'hard science' of the environment, but instead explores the key social and policy issues behind the need for sustainable management of our planet's finite resources. In this major you'll study environmental politics, climate change policy, the economics of natural resources, and environmental ethics and culture.
Global Security Threats: If you're interested in developing future-focused solutions to some of the world's most complex challenges, this major is for you. You'll be exposed to a stimulating array of international issues, including conflict and forced displacement, terrorism and political violence, Islam-West relations, cybercrime, energy security, and the environment. You'll gain a critical understanding of underlying causes, underpinned by a foundational course in World History.
Media, Communication and Social Change: In the information age, the ways we communicate - and are communicated to - are diverse and ever changing. The ability to understand and manipulate communications is crucial to creating change. Producing, interpreting and analysing communications are not only desirable skills, but fascinating areas of study. This major covers such topics as, the power of mass and social media, journalism, public relations, discourse analysis, new communication technologies, political spin, and the global spread of English.
Politics in Asia: This major harnesses Griffith's internationally recognised strengths in politics and Asian studies. You'll develop a deep understanding of the political, cultural, economic and social dimensions of the Asian region. Topics include the rise of China, global security, the interconnection of business and politics, the role of international organisations, and Australia's place in the region.
Social Justice: This major is for those who are motivated by the fundamental question, 'What makes a fair society?' and are passionate about fighting for a better world. Social justice refers to the idea that all people deserve equal and fair opportunities and treatment. By specialising in this area, you'll explore contemporary hot topics such as human rights, indigenous history and disadvantage, gender and crime, domestic violence, youth justice, power and politics and the administration of the law.
The University's Undergraduate Programs Admission Policy will apply.
Prior OP students: Applicants who graduated with an OP in or before 2019 can apply to Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) for an ATAR statement. For more information visit qcaa.qld.edu.au/senior/australian-tertiary-admission-rank-atar.
Economics
You will be prepared for work in government, NGOs, the finance sector or large business organisations. You'll be equipped to take on roles analysing and interpreting the interaction between markets, the environment, the health sector, transport, financial policy developments and decision-making, and the impact of global conditions on the national economy.
Environmental Sustainability
Employment opportunities exist in environmental science communication, environmental management and planning, policy development, environmental sustainability advocacy (in agriculture, industry, and natural resources), social and economic environmental impact analysis, and climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Global Security Threats
Graduates seek works as an analyst, community advocate, liaison or leader, policy developer (in analysis and evaluation), research officer, corporate strategy officer, or risk adviser.
Media, Communication and Social Change
You will be prepared for work as a communications officer, social policy researcher, speech writer, media liaison, public relations consultant, social media analyst, or other roles where you're required to analyse, evaluate and interpret communication strategies or writing across diverse genres and on various platforms.
Politics in Asia
Graduates may secure roles that provide advice to government, business leaders and NGOs in areas such as Asian economic, environment and social policy, regional relationships, regional development, Asian political structures, East-Asian political economy and trade relations.
Social Justice
You will be prepared for work in NGOs, government and business as a consultant, change manager, advocate, development officer, educator, evaluator, market analyst, market or social researcher, or policy analyst.
Griffith University grants credit and recognition of prior learning which may relate to prior formal learning or prior informal and non-formal learning. For more information, please visit the following website:
Griffith's innovative Credit Precedent Database allows you to find out what credit decisions have been made in the past. These precedents will give you an idea of what you can expect.
Selection for admission to an undergraduate degree is made on the basis of academic merit.
Selection for admission is competitive as the number of applicants generally exceeds the places available. The minimum requirement for eligibility for admission is completion of Year 12 of secondary school or equivalent academic achievement.
Prerequisites for admission may be specified in terms of levels of achievement in particular Year 12 subjects. Prerequisite conditions may be satisfied by other study or experience which is considered to be equivalent to the Year 12 prerequisites. More information is available on the Prerequisites and Assumed Knowledge website.
Further information for Queensland students completing an ATAR can be found here.
Domestic applicants should apply for admission through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC).
Domestic applicants from NSW and ACT should apply for admission through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
A summary of the student profile for this program can be found on the QTAC website for Gold Coast | Nathan. The Rank profile is located on the Student Profile tab.