Bachelor of Social Science with Honours

Bachelor (Honours)

The Bachelor of Social Sciences with Honours is a separate fourth year of study that is undertaken following the successful completion of an undergraduate Social Science or Social Welfare degree.

Key details

Degree Type

Bachelor (Honours)

Duration

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Course Code

3507033

Study Mode

In person, Online

Intake Months

Mar

About this course

The Bachelor of Social Sciences with Honours is a separate fourth year of study that is undertaken following the successful completion of an undergraduate Social Science or Social Welfare degree. In addition to the skills and knowledge that graduates have developed in their undergraduate degree, the Honours degree is highly regarded in providing advanced intellectual education in research, analysis and writing. It signifies a demonstrable ability in conducting research in the Social Sciences and Social Welfare. As well as a completion point for tertiary study itself, Honours also represents the starting point for entry into postgraduate and academic research.

The Honours degree includes a unit in research methodology and management that assists students to conduct a significant research project on a topic of their interest. Generally this research project will be documented in a written thesis. An Honours Supervisor will assist students at each stage of their project.

Prior to lodging an application, interested applicants must contact the University to discuss their eligibility and to find a suitable honours supervisor for their proposed honours topic. For more information refer to the School of Arts and Social Sciences Honours information.

Study locations

Lismore

Gold Coast

Online

What you will learn

Demonstrate cognitive and technical skills in social science research.
Demonstrate skills in reviewing, analysing, and synthesising social scientific knowledge
Demonstrate initiative and critical judgement in social scientific scholarship.
Exercise independence in identifying and formulating solutions to complex intellectual, professional and social challenges.
Practice ethical enquiry and communication.
Demonstrate a broad understanding of a body of social science knowledge with advanced understanding in at least one area.
Demonstrate coherent and advanced knowledge of social scientific principles, methods, and concepts and the ability to apply them when researching a social problem.
Exercise autonomy in one's learning and responsibility in one's practice as a social scientist.
Identify and reflect critically upon the knowledge and skills developed in the student's own study of social science.
Demonstrate written and verbal communication skills to present a clear and coherent exposition of social scientific knowledge and the capacity to disseminate findings in diverse contexts.
Create a social science thesis/research project that demonstrates research and design skills, critical thinking, and judgement in developing new understanding.
Practice inclusive enquiry and communication.

Career pathways

A key aim of the Honours degree is to provide graduates with research training and a range of lifelong learning skills. These skills have vocational relevance that varies depending on the professional field you wish to enter.

Adding Honours to an undergraduate degree is a useful qualification for:

Graduates to gain an edge for employment in vocational positions as Honours demonstrates their ability to successfully design and complete a significant research project;
Gaining entry into graduate programs such as the Public Service graduate program, for which Honours is often a requirement; and
Honours is the best pathway for those wishing to undertake a PhD, which is generally required for an academic or research-oriented career.

Southern Cross University (SCU)