Bachelor of Arts (Sociology)

This degree increases your employment prospects by enabling you to gain expertise in two different areas of interest. There is also the opportunity for you to study a portion of your degree overseas as part of the University's Hawke Ambassador Volunteer Experience Program. As part of this program you will volunteer with an international non-government organisation (NGO), usually in an overseas destination.

You could continue your studies with a Master of Teaching with one major and one minor Learning Area. If this interests you, please read How Do I Become a Teacher before selecting your courses.

As a sociology student you will explore social life, social change and social problems. You will develop an understanding of the complexities of contemporary social life; addressing social problems and examining issues of ethnicity, globalisation, popular culture and social movements.

You will develop the critical and creative thinking skills to identify trends, structures and social issues that emerge from cultural, political and economic change. You will graduate with a sound knowledge of:

• social theory
• contemporary debates
• research methodology
• cultures and sub cultures
• migration
• policy
• family
• global society
• social movements

You will also:

• understand the complexities of contemporary social life, addressing social problems and examining issues of ethnicity, globalisation, popular culture and social movements
• have developed both critical and creative thinking capabilities in order to identify trends, structures and social issues that emerge from cultural, political and economic change.
• be able to undertake systematic methods of investigation and analysis of societal structures within professional contexts in order to contribute effectively to local, national and international initiatives.

This degree allows you to select two majors, so you graduate with broad knowledge in two areas of interest. You can choose your second major from:

• Applied Linguistics
• Cultural Studies
• Creative Writing and Literature
• English Language*
• History and Global Politics
• Languages (French/Italian/Japanese)
• Law, Policy and Politics
• Performing Arts
• Psychology
• Screen Studies
• Social Media

* Please note that this major is only available to students whose second language is English.

In addition to your two majors, you will also complete two core courses, four courses from a selected list of minors and two electives.

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

Graduates from this specialisation find work in the public service sector and multinational firms. Career options include:

• market researcher: plan, implement, control, analyse and report on data relating to what people and/or organisations want, need, buy, think or do
• policy developer and analyst: study social problems and develop policies in order to solve them
• public relations officer: use all forms of media to build, maintain and manage the reputation of your clients
• youth worker: guide and support young people in their social, educational and personal development