Bachelor of Social Science (1667)
- Approved Abbreviation: BSocSc
- Western Sydney University Program Code: 1667
- AQF Level: 7
CRICOS Code: 041159D
Students should follow the program structure for the session start date relevant to the year they commenced.
The 'Sequence 2022' tab applies to students who commenced their program in the years from 2015 to 2022. Students commencing in 2023 please refer to the 'Sequence 2023' tab.
Commencement Year 2014 - 1667.3 Bachelor of Social Science
Commencement Year 2013 - 1667.2 Bachelor of Social Science
Commencement Year 2010 to 2012 - 1667.1 Bachelor of Social Science
The social sciences are primarily concerned with the study of social life, as it is organised and expressed within different cultures and societies. Using key concepts, theories and knowledges from various social science disciplines students in the Bachelor of Social Science program develop a foundational understanding of human behaviour, social interactions and relationships, social systems and structures, places and cultures. This knowledge is used to identify and research complex social issues and propose evidence-based solutions to contemporary social problems. Encouraging innovation and critical thinking, the program provides students with the skills to consciously and ethically pursue social justice and to advocate for, and respond to, social change.
The degree caters to individual student interests, while also preparing graduates for employment in a complex, culturally diverse and ever-changing social environment. It includes optional placement subjects and provides opportunities to develop valuable work-place skills in research and communication, analysis, data and digital literacy, and community engagement.
Western Sydney University Online students: Please refer to Western Sydney University Online website for Program Advice.
https://online.westernsydney.edu.au/
Early Exit
Students may exit this program on completion of 80 credit points with a 1919 - Diploma in Social Science Studies (exit only) or on completion of 160 credit points with a 1918 - Associate Degree in Social Science (exit only)
Study Mode
Three years full-time or six years part-time.
Program Advice
Prospective students should visit the following websites for general enquiries about this program.
Enquire about this program| Local Admission | International Admission |
Location
| Campus | Attendance | Mode | Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liverpool Campus | Full Time | Internal | Julia Kantek |
| Liverpool Campus | Part Time | Internal | Julia Kantek |
| Parramatta Campus - Victoria Road | Full Time | Internal | Julia Kantek |
| Parramatta Campus - Victoria Road | Part Time | Internal | Julia Kantek |
| Penrith Campus | Full Time | Internal | Julia Kantek |
| Penrith Campus | Part Time | Internal | Julia Kantek |
| Sydney City Campus* | Full Time | Internal | Dr Andrey Zheluk |
| WSU Online* | Full Time | Online | WSU Online Advice |
| WSU Online* | Part Time | Online | WSU Online Advice |
- *
Programs delivered through an agreement with another party
Admission
Alternate Entry Pathway
Students can apply via the HSC True Reward Program:
https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/future/study/application-pathways/hsc-true-reward
Western Sydney University Online students: Prospective online students apply for admission to this program directly through WSU Online. A student’s eligibility will be assessed according to the existing admission criteria.
Applications from Australian and New Zealand citizens and holders of permanent resident visas may be made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) or directly through the Western Portal. Use the links below to apply via UAC or Western Sydney University. Applications made directly to Western Sydney do not have an application fee.
http://www.uac.edu.au/
https://westernsydney.uac.edu.au/ws/
Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Local applicants who are applying through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on the UAC website. Local applicants applying directly to the University should also use the information provided on the UAC website.
International students currently completing an Australian Year 12 in or outside Australia, an International Baccalaureate in Australia or a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) level 3 must apply via UAC International.
All other International applicants must apply directly to the University via the International Office.
International students applying to the University through the International Office can find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on their website.
Overseas qualifications must be deemed by the Australian Education International - National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) to be equivalent to Australian qualifications in order to be considered by UAC and Western Sydney University.
Special Requirements Prerequisites
Students who opt to enrol in SSIP as alternate core/electives, would be required to complete a Working with Children Check and medical clearance for HUMN 3101 Social Sciences International Placement (II): Placement subject.
Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 240 credit points with no less than 60 credit points at Level 3.
Recommended Sequence 2022
Recommended Sequence - Sydney City Campus
Click here for the recommended sequence at Sydney City Campus.
Liverpool, Parramatta and Penrith Campuses
Full-time start-year intake
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Autumn session | Credit Points | |
| BEHV 1021 | The Individual in Society | 10 |
| CULT 1017 | Understanding Society | 10 |
| Select one core major subject | 10 | |
| Select one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| HUMN 1041 | People, Place and Social Difference | 10 |
| HUMN 1060 | Introduction to Indigenous Australia: Peoples, Places and Philosophies | 10 |
| Select one core major subject | 10 | |
| Select one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| HUMN 2066 | Investigating and Communicating Social Problems | 10 |
| Select two core major subjects | 20 | |
| Select one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| CULT 2005 | Ethics in the Social Sciences | 10 |
| Select one core major subject | 10 | |
| Select two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| CULT 3001 | Applied Social Research | 10 |
| Select one core major subject | 10 | |
| Select two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| CULT 3007 | Contemporary Social Issues and Professional Practice | 10 |
| Select two core Major subjects | 20 | |
| Select one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Total Credit Points | 240 | |
Alternative Year 3 sequence
Social Sciences International Placement subjects
Those students who undertake the Social Sciences International Placement subjects in Year 3 would be exempted from completing CULT 3007 Contemporary Social Issues and Professional Practice and three electives. The program structure would be varied as follows, but students are also encouraged to seek advice from their ACA early on about this option.
| Year 3 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Autumn session | Credit Points | |
| CULT 3001 | Applied Social Research | 10 |
| Select three Major or elective subjects (a combination of electives and major subjects if electives remaining) | 30 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| 2H session | ||
| HUMN 3100 | Social Sciences International Placement (1): Preparation for Placement | 10 |
| HUMN 3101 | Social Sciences International Placement (II): Placement | 20 |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Summer A session | ||
| HUMN 3102 | Social Sciences International Placement (III): Post-placement Reflections | 10 |
| Credit Points | 10 | |
| Total Credit Points | 80 | |
Full-time mid-year intake
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring session | Credit Points | |
| HUMN 1041 | People, Place and Social Difference | 10 |
| HUMN 1060 | Introduction to Indigenous Australia: Peoples, Places and Philosophies | 10 |
| Select one core major subject | 10 | |
| Select one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Autumn session | ||
| BEHV 1021 | The Individual in Society | 10 |
| CULT 1017 | Understanding Society | 10 |
| Select one core major subject | 10 | |
| Select one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Spring session | ||
| CULT 2005 | Ethics in the Social Sciences | 10 |
| Select one core major subject | 10 | |
| Select two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Autumn session | ||
| HUMN 2066 | Investigating and Communicating Social Problems | 10 |
| Select two core major subjects | 20 | |
| Select one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Spring session | ||
| CULT 3007 | Contemporary Social Issues and Professional Practice | 10 |
| Select two core major subjects | 20 | |
| Select one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Autumn session | ||
| CULT 3001 | Applied Social Research | 10 |
| Select one core major subject | 10 | |
| Select two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Total Credit Points | 240 | |
Alternative Year 3 sequence
Social Sciences International Placement subjects
Those students who undertake the Social Sciences International Placement subjects in Year 3 would be exempted from completing CULT 3007 Contemporary Social Issues and Professional Practice and three electives. The program structure would be varied as follows, but students are also encouraged to seek advice from their ACA early on about this option.
| Year 3 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2H session | Credit Points | |
| HUMN 3100 | Social Sciences International Placement (1): Preparation for Placement | 10 |
| HUMN 3101 | Social Sciences International Placement (II): Placement | 20 |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Summer A session | ||
| HUMN 3102 | Social Sciences International Placement (III): Post-placement Reflections | 10 |
| Credit Points | 10 | |
| Autumn session | ||
| CULT 3001 | Applied Social Research | 10 |
| Select three Major or elective subjects (a combination of electives and major subjects if electives remaining) | 30 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Total Credit Points | 80 | |
Summer intake
Note: A maximum of two subjects may be studied in Summer session.
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summer session | Credit Points | |
| Select either the two first year core subjects below, or, the two first year subjects from the majors listed below: | 20 | |
| Understanding Society | ||
| The Individual in Society | ||
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Autumn session | ||
| Select four Major subjects or four electives | 40 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| HUMN 1060 | Introduction to Indigenous Australia: Peoples, Places and Philosophies | 10 |
| HUMN 1041 | People, Place and Social Difference | 10 |
| Select two major subjects or two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Summer session | ||
| CULT 2005 | Ethics in the Social Sciences (Core Subject) | 10 |
| HUMN 2066 | Investigating and Communicating Social Problems | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Autumn session | ||
| CULT 3001 | Applied Social Research | 10 |
| Select three major subjects, or three electives | 30 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| CULT 3007 | Contemporary Social Issues and Professional Practice | 10 |
| Select three major subjects or three electives | 30 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Students have two options to complete the remaining 40 credit points: | 40 | |
| Summer session | ||
| Part-time study over the following two Summer sessions | ||
| Two major subjects or two electives | ||
| Or | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| Full-time study to complete four subjects. Two major subjects and two electives or Social Sciences International Placement subjects | ||
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Total Credit Points | 240 | |
Social Sciences International Placement subjects
Those students who undertake the Social Sciences International Placement subjects in Summer would be exempted from completing CULT 3007 Contemporary Social Issues and Professional Practice and three electives. The program structure would require significant variation and students are therefore encouraged to seek advice from their ACA early on about this option.
Western Sydney University Online
Please note that the Social Sciences International Placement option is not available to online students.
Online students must select one of the following majors
WSU Online with a Major in Child and Community
Full-time intake
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Credit Points | |
| BEHV 1021 | The Individual in Society | 10 |
| CULT 1017 | Understanding Society | 10 |
| HUMN 1041 | People, Place and Social Difference | 10 |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Trimester 2 | ||
| HUMN 1060 | Introduction to Indigenous Australia: Peoples, Places and Philosophies | 10 |
| WELF 1002 | Context of Human Services | 10 |
| CULT 1022 | Working with Cultural Differences | 10 |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Trimester 3 | ||
| HUMN 2066 | Investigating and Communicating Social Problems | 10 |
| WELF 2002 | Community Work & Development | 10 |
| HUMN 2015 | Community and Social Action | 10 |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Trimester 4 | ||
| CULT 2005 | Ethics in the Social Sciences | 10 |
| CULT 3001 | Applied Social Research | 10 |
| HUMN 2025 | Families and Intimate Life | 10 |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Trimester 5 | ||
| CULT 3007 | Contemporary Social Issues and Professional Practice | 10 |
| WELF 3006 | Family Violence: Policy and Practice | 10 |
| WELF 2001 | Community Management and Organisations | 10 |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Trimester 6 | ||
| WELF 3001 | Child Abuse as a Social Issue | 10 |
| Select two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Trimester 7 | ||
| Select three electives | 30 | |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Trimester 8 | ||
| Select three electives | 30 | |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Total Credit Points | 240 | |
Part-time intake
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Credit Points | |
| BEHV 1021 | The Individual in Society | 10 |
| CULT 1017 | Understanding Society | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Trimester 2 | ||
| HUMN 1060 | Introduction to Indigenous Australia: Peoples, Places and Philosophies | 10 |
| HUMN 1041 | People, Place and Social Difference | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Trimester 3 | ||
| WELF 1002 | Context of Human Services | 10 |
| CULT 1022 | Working with Cultural Differences | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Trimester 4 | ||
| HUMN 2066 | Investigating and Communicating Social Problems | 10 |
| WELF 2002 | Community Work & Development | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Trimester 5 | ||
| HUMN 2015 | Community and Social Action | 10 |
| CULT 2005 | Ethics in the Social Sciences | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Trimester 6 | ||
| CULT 3001 | Applied Social Research | 10 |
| HUMN 2025 | Families and Intimate Life | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Trimester 7 | ||
| CULT 3007 | Contemporary Social Issues and Professional Practice | 10 |
| WELF 3006 | Family Violence: Policy and Practice | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Trimester 8 | ||
| WELF 2001 | Community Management and Organisations | 10 |
| WELF 3001 | Child Abuse as a Social Issue | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Trimester 9 | ||
| Select two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Trimester 10 | ||
| Select two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Trimester 11 | ||
| Select two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Trimester 12 | ||
| Select two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Total Credit Points | 240 | |
WSU Online with a Major in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Full-time intake
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Credit Points | |
| BEHV 1021 | The Individual in Society | 10 |
| CULT 1017 | Understanding Society | 10 |
| HUMN 1041 | People, Place and Social Difference | 10 |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Trimester 2 | ||
| HUMN 1060 | Introduction to Indigenous Australia: Peoples, Places and Philosophies | 10 |
| CULT 1005 | Crime, Deviance and Society | 10 |
| CULT 1024 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 10 |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Trimester 3 | ||
| HUMN 2066 | Investigating and Communicating Social Problems | 10 |
| CULT 2018 | Crime Prevention and Drugs | 10 |
| CULT 2017 | Youth Justice and Practice | 10 |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Trimester 4 | ||
| CULT 2005 | Ethics in the Social Sciences | 10 |
| CULT 3001 | Applied Social Research | 10 |
| CULT 3025 | Prisons, Punishment and Criminal Justice | 10 |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Trimester 5 | ||
| CULT 3007 | Contemporary Social Issues and Professional Practice | 10 |
| CULT 3018 | Perspectives in Criminology | 10 |
| CULT 3013 | Gender, Crime and Violence | 10 |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Trimester 6 | ||
| CULT 3024 | Crime, Media, Culture | 10 |
| Select two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Trimester 7 | ||
| Select three electives | 30 | |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Trimester 8 | ||
| Select three electives | 30 | |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Total Credit Points | 240 | |
Part-time intake
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Credit Points | |
| BEHV 1021 | The Individual in Society | 10 |
| CULT 1017 | Understanding Society | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Trimester 2 | ||
| HUMN 1041 | People, Place and Social Difference | 10 |
| HUMN 1060 | Introduction to Indigenous Australia: Peoples, Places and Philosophies | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Trimester 3 | ||
| CULT 1005 | Crime, Deviance and Society | 10 |
| CULT 1024 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Trimester 4 | ||
| HUMN 2066 | Investigating and Communicating Social Problems | 10 |
| CULT 2017 | Youth Justice and Practice | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Trimester 5 | ||
| CULT 2018 | Crime Prevention and Drugs | 10 |
| CULT 2005 | Ethics in the Social Sciences | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Trimester 6 | ||
| CULT 3001 | Applied Social Research | 10 |
| CULT 3025 | Prisons, Punishment and Criminal Justice | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Trimester 7 | ||
| CULT 3007 | Contemporary Social Issues and Professional Practice | 10 |
| CULT 3018 | Perspectives in Criminology | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Trimester 8 | ||
| CULT 3013 | Gender, Crime and Violence | 10 |
| CULT 3024 | Crime, Media, Culture | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Trimester 9 | ||
| Select two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Trimester 10 | ||
| Select two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Trimester 11 | ||
| Select two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Trimester 12 | ||
| Select two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Total Credit Points | 240 | |
Equivalent Alternate Subject
The subject listed below counts towards completion of this program for students who passed this subject in 2018 or earlier.
HUMN 3073 Social Sciences International Placement, 40 credit point subject has been replaced by 3 subjects HUMN 3100 Social Sciences International Placement (1): Preparation for Placement (10 credit points), HUMN 3101 Social Sciences International Placement (II): Placement (20 credit points) and HUMN 3102 Social Sciences International Placement (III): Post-placement Reflections (10 credit points)
Equivalent Core Subjects
The subjects listed below count towards completion of this program for students who passed these subjects in 2020 or earlier.
CULT 1020 Working with Communities, replaced by HUMN 1060 Introduction to Indigenous Australia: Peoples, Places and Philosophies
HUMN 2049 Social Research Methods, replaced by HUMN 2066 Investigating and Communicating Social Problems Investigating and Communicating Social Problems
Equivalent Major Subjects
The Criminology and Criminal Justice Major subjects listed below count towards completion of this major for students who passed these subjects in 2020 or earlier.
CULT 3008 Crime, Prevention and Community, replaced by CULT 2018 Crime Prevention and Drugs
CULT 3010 Culture & Crime, replaced by CULT 3024 Crime, Media, Culture
CULT 1007 Introduction to Crime and Criminal Justice, replaced by CULT 1024 Introduction to Criminal Justice
CULT 2009 Juvenile, Crime & Justice, replaced by CULT 2017 Youth Justice and Practice
CULT 2011 Prisons, Punishment and Criminal Justice, replaced by CULT 3025 Prisons, Punishment and Criminal Justice
Majors
Note: Students enrolling into this program with the Diploma of Social Science from Western Sydney University, The College should use up to two of their elective subjects towards obtaining their chosen major.
Liverpool, Parramatta and Penrith campus students must select one of the following majors
Sydney City campus students must select the following major
Western Sydney University Online students must select one of the following two majors
Elective Minors which may be available
Major and Minor elective spaces
Elective subjects may be used toward obtaining an additional approved major (80 credit points) or minor (40 credit points). Western Sydney University offers majors and minors in a range of areas including Sustainability and Indigenous Studies.
Global Sustainability Minor
Indigenous Australian Studies Major
Indigenous Australian Studies Minor
Western Sydney University also offers the following innovative transdisciplinary Challenge Minors which we encourage those students who have elective space to consider.
Equitable Technologies
Urban Evolution
Migration and Global Change
Personal Innovation
Innovating, Creating and Problem Solving
Eco-Socially Conscious Design and Manufacturing
Water for Life
Climate Justice
Creative and Visual Communication
Global Workplaces
Innovating For Humans
Creative Living for Cultural Wellbeing
Ideate. Strategise. Innovate.
Humanising Data
For more information, visit the Challenge Minor website.
Students can apply for an elective major or minor via Western Now.
Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 240 credit points with no less than 60 credit points at Level 3.
Recommended Sequence 2023
Recommended Sequence - Sydney City Campus
Click here for the recommended sequence at Sydney City Campus.
Liverpool, Parramatta and Penrith Campuses
Full-time start-year intake
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Autumn session | Credit Points | |
| BEHV 1021 | The Individual in Society | 10 |
| CULT 1017 | Understanding Society | 10 |
| Select one core major subject | 10 | |
| Select one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| HUMN 1041 | People, Place and Social Difference | 10 |
| HUMN 1060 | Introduction to Indigenous Australia: Peoples, Places and Philosophies | 10 |
| Select one core major subject | 10 | |
| Select one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| HUMN 2066 | Investigating and Communicating Social Problems | 10 |
| Select two core major subjects | 20 | |
| Select one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| CULT 2005 | Ethics in the Social Sciences | 10 |
| Select one core major subject | 10 | |
| Select two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| CULT 3001 | Applied Social Research | 10 |
| Select one core major subject | 10 | |
| Select two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| CULT 3007 | Contemporary Social Issues and Professional Practice | 10 |
| Select two core Major subjects | 20 | |
| Select one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Total Credit Points | 240 | |
Alternative Year 3 sequence
Social Sciences International Placement subjects
Those students who undertake the Social Sciences International Placement subjects in Year 3 would be exempted from completing CULT 3007 Contemporary Social Issues and Professional Practice and three electives. The program structure would be varied as follows, but students are also encouraged to seek advice from their ACA early on about this option.
| Year 3 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Autumn session | Credit Points | |
| CULT 3001 | Applied Social Research | 10 |
| Select three Major or elective subjects (a combination of electives and major subjects if electives remaining) | 30 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| 2H session | ||
| HUMN 3100 | Social Sciences International Placement (1): Preparation for Placement | 10 |
| HUMN 3101 | Social Sciences International Placement (II): Placement | 20 |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Summer session | ||
| HUMN 3102 | Social Sciences International Placement (III): Post-placement Reflections | 10 |
| Credit Points | 10 | |
| Total Credit Points | 80 | |
Full-time mid-year intake
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring session | Credit Points | |
| HUMN 1041 | People, Place and Social Difference | 10 |
| HUMN 1060 | Introduction to Indigenous Australia: Peoples, Places and Philosophies | 10 |
| Select one core major subject | 10 | |
| Select one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Autumn session | ||
| BEHV 1021 | The Individual in Society | 10 |
| CULT 1017 | Understanding Society | 10 |
| Select one core major subject | 10 | |
| Select one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Spring session | ||
| CULT 2005 | Ethics in the Social Sciences | 10 |
| Select one core major subject | 10 | |
| Select two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Autumn session | ||
| HUMN 2066 | Investigating and Communicating Social Problems | 10 |
| Select two core major subjects | 20 | |
| Select one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Spring session | ||
| CULT 3007 | Contemporary Social Issues and Professional Practice | 10 |
| Select two core major subjects | 20 | |
| Select one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Autumn session | ||
| CULT 3001 | Applied Social Research | 10 |
| Select one core major subject | 10 | |
| Select two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Total Credit Points | 240 | |
Alternative Year 3 sequence
Social Sciences International Placement subjects
Those students who undertake the Social Sciences International Placement subjects in Year 3 would be exempted from completing CULT 3007 Contemporary Social Issues and Professional Practice and three electives. The program structure would be varied as follows, but students are also encouraged to seek advice from their ACA early on about this option.
| Year 3 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2H session | Credit Points | |
| HUMN 3100 | Social Sciences International Placement (1): Preparation for Placement | 10 |
| HUMN 3101 | Social Sciences International Placement (II): Placement | 20 |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Summer session | ||
| HUMN 3102 | Social Sciences International Placement (III): Post-placement Reflections | 10 |
| Credit Points | 10 | |
| Autumn session | ||
| CULT 3001 | Applied Social Research | 10 |
| Select three Major or elective subjects (a combination of electives and major subjects if electives remaining) | 30 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Total Credit Points | 80 | |
Summer intake
Note: A maximum of two subjects may be studied in Summer session.
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summer session | Credit Points | |
| Select either the two first year core subjects below, or, the two first year subjects from the majors listed below: | 20 | |
| Understanding Society | ||
| The Individual in Society | ||
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Autumn session | ||
| Select four Major subjects or four electives | 40 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| HUMN 1060 | Introduction to Indigenous Australia: Peoples, Places and Philosophies | 10 |
| HUMN 1041 | People, Place and Social Difference | 10 |
| Select two major subjects or two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Summer session | ||
| CULT 2005 | Ethics in the Social Sciences (Core Subject) | 10 |
| HUMN 2066 | Investigating and Communicating Social Problems | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Autumn session | ||
| CULT 3001 | Applied Social Research | 10 |
| Select three major subjects or three electives | 30 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| CULT 3007 | Contemporary Social Issues and Professional Practice | 10 |
| Select three major subjects or three electives | 30 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Students have two options to complete the remaining 40 credit points: | 40 | |
| Summer session | ||
| Part-time study over the following two Summer sessions | ||
| Two major subjects or two electives | ||
| Or | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| Full-time study to complete four subjects. Two major subjects and two electives | ||
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Total Credit Points | 240 | |
Social Sciences International Placement subjects
Those students who undertake the Social Sciences International Placement subjects in Summer would be exempted from completing CULT 3007 Contemporary Social Issues and Professional Practice and three electives. The program structure would require significant variation and students are therefore encouraged to seek advice from their ACA early on about this option.
Western Sydney University Online
Please note that the Social Sciences International Placement option is not available to online students.
Online students must select one of the following majors
WSU Online with a Major in Child and Community
Full-time intake
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Credit Points | |
| BEHV 1021 | The Individual in Society | 10 |
| CULT 1017 | Understanding Society | 10 |
| HUMN 1041 | People, Place and Social Difference | 10 |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Trimester 2 | ||
| HUMN 1060 | Introduction to Indigenous Australia: Peoples, Places and Philosophies | 10 |
| WELF 1002 | Context of Human Services | 10 |
| CULT 1022 | Working with Cultural Differences | 10 |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Trimester 3 | ||
| HUMN 2066 | Investigating and Communicating Social Problems | 10 |
| WELF 2002 | Community Work & Development | 10 |
| HUMN 2015 | Community and Social Action | 10 |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Trimester 4 | ||
| CULT 2005 | Ethics in the Social Sciences | 10 |
| CULT 3001 | Applied Social Research | 10 |
| HUMN 2025 | Families and Intimate Life | 10 |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Trimester 5 | ||
| CULT 3007 | Contemporary Social Issues and Professional Practice | 10 |
| WELF 3006 | Family Violence: Policy and Practice | 10 |
| WELF 2001 | Community Management and Organisations | 10 |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Trimester 6 | ||
| WELF 3001 | Child Abuse as a Social Issue | 10 |
| Select two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Trimester 7 | ||
| Select three electives | 30 | |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Trimester 8 | ||
| Select three electives | 30 | |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Total Credit Points | 240 | |
Part-time intake
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Credit Points | |
| BEHV 1021 | The Individual in Society | 10 |
| CULT 1017 | Understanding Society | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Trimester 2 | ||
| HUMN 1060 | Introduction to Indigenous Australia: Peoples, Places and Philosophies | 10 |
| HUMN 1041 | People, Place and Social Difference | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Trimester 3 | ||
| WELF 1002 | Context of Human Services | 10 |
| CULT 1022 | Working with Cultural Differences | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Trimester 4 | ||
| HUMN 2066 | Investigating and Communicating Social Problems | 10 |
| WELF 2002 | Community Work & Development | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Trimester 5 | ||
| HUMN 2015 | Community and Social Action | 10 |
| CULT 2005 | Ethics in the Social Sciences | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Trimester 6 | ||
| CULT 3001 | Applied Social Research | 10 |
| HUMN 2025 | Families and Intimate Life | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Trimester 7 | ||
| CULT 3007 | Contemporary Social Issues and Professional Practice | 10 |
| WELF 3006 | Family Violence: Policy and Practice | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Trimester 8 | ||
| WELF 2001 | Community Management and Organisations | 10 |
| WELF 3001 | Child Abuse as a Social Issue | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Trimester 9 | ||
| Select two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Trimester 10 | ||
| Select two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Trimester 11 | ||
| Select two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Trimester 12 | ||
| Select two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Total Credit Points | 240 | |
WSU Online with a Major in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Full-time intake
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Credit Points | |
| BEHV 1021 | The Individual in Society | 10 |
| CULT 1017 | Understanding Society | 10 |
| HUMN 1041 | People, Place and Social Difference | 10 |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Trimester 2 | ||
| HUMN 1060 | Introduction to Indigenous Australia: Peoples, Places and Philosophies | 10 |
| CULT 1005 | Crime, Deviance and Society | 10 |
| CULT 1024 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 10 |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Trimester 3 | ||
| HUMN 2066 | Investigating and Communicating Social Problems | 10 |
| CULT 2018 | Crime Prevention and Drugs | 10 |
| CULT 2017 | Youth Justice and Practice | 10 |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Trimester 4 | ||
| CULT 2005 | Ethics in the Social Sciences | 10 |
| CULT 3001 | Applied Social Research | 10 |
| CULT 3025 | Prisons, Punishment and Criminal Justice | 10 |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Trimester 5 | ||
| CULT 3007 | Contemporary Social Issues and Professional Practice | 10 |
| CULT 3018 | Perspectives in Criminology | 10 |
| CULT 3013 | Gender, Crime and Violence | 10 |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Trimester 6 | ||
| CULT 3024 | Crime, Media, Culture | 10 |
| Select two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Trimester 7 | ||
| Select three electives | 30 | |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Trimester 8 | ||
| Select three electives | 30 | |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Total Credit Points | 240 | |
Part-time intake
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Credit Points | |
| BEHV 1021 | The Individual in Society | 10 |
| CULT 1017 | Understanding Society | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Trimester 2 | ||
| HUMN 1041 | People, Place and Social Difference | 10 |
| HUMN 1060 | Introduction to Indigenous Australia: Peoples, Places and Philosophies | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Trimester 3 | ||
| CULT 1005 | Crime, Deviance and Society | 10 |
| CULT 1024 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Trimester 4 | ||
| HUMN 2066 | Investigating and Communicating Social Problems | 10 |
| CULT 2017 | Youth Justice and Practice | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Trimester 5 | ||
| CULT 2018 | Crime Prevention and Drugs | 10 |
| CULT 2005 | Ethics in the Social Sciences | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Trimester 6 | ||
| CULT 3001 | Applied Social Research | 10 |
| CULT 3025 | Prisons, Punishment and Criminal Justice | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Trimester 7 | ||
| CULT 3007 | Contemporary Social Issues and Professional Practice | 10 |
| CULT 3018 | Perspectives in Criminology | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Trimester 8 | ||
| CULT 3013 | Gender, Crime and Violence | 10 |
| CULT 3024 | Crime, Media, Culture | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Trimester 9 | ||
| Select two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Trimester 10 | ||
| Select two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Trimester 11 | ||
| Select two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Trimester 12 | ||
| Select two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Total Credit Points | 240 | |
Equivalent Alternate Subject
The subject listed below counts towards completion of this program for students who passed this subject in 2018 or earlier.
HUMN 3073 Social Sciences International Placement, 40 credit point subject has been replaced by 3 subjects HUMN 3100 Social Sciences International Placement (1): Preparation for Placement (10 credit points), HUMN 3101 Social Sciences International Placement (II): Placement (20 credit points) and HUMN 3102 Social Sciences International Placement (III): Post-placement Reflections (10 credit points)
Equivalent Core Subjects
The subjects listed below count towards completion of this program for students who passed these subjects in 2020 or earlier.
CULT 1020 Working with Communities, replaced by HUMN 1060 Introduction to Indigenous Australia: Peoples, Places and Philosophies
HUMN 2049 Social Research Methods, replaced by HUMN 2066 Investigating and Communicating Social Problems Investigating and Communicating Social Problems
Equivalent Major Subjects
The Criminology and Criminal Justice Major subjects listed below count towards completion of this major for students who passed these subjects in 2020 or earlier.
CULT 3008 Crime, Prevention and Community, replaced by CULT 2018 Crime Prevention and Drugs
CULT 3010 Culture & Crime, replaced by CULT 3024 Crime, Media, Culture
CULT 1007 Introduction to Crime and Criminal Justice, replaced by CULT 1024 Introduction to Criminal Justice
CULT 2009 Juvenile, Crime & Justice, replaced by CULT 2017 Youth Justice and Practice
CULT 2011 Prisons, Punishment and Criminal Justice, replaced by CULT 3025 Prisons, Punishment and Criminal Justice
Majors
Note: Students enrolling into this program with the Diploma of Social Science from Western Sydney University, The College should use up to two of their elective subjects towards obtaining their chosen major.
Liverpool, Parramatta and Penrith campus students must select one of the following majors
Sydney City campus students must select the following major
Western Sydney University Online students must select one of the following two majors
Elective Minors which may be available
Major and Minor elective spaces
Elective subjects may be used toward obtaining an additional approved major (80 credit points) or minor (40 credit points). Western Sydney University offers majors and minors in a range of areas including Sustainability and Indigenous Studies.
Global Sustainability Minor
Indigenous Australian Studies Major
Indigenous Australian Studies Minor
Western Sydney University also offers the following innovative transdisciplinary Challenge Minors which we encourage those students who have elective space to consider.
Equitable Technologies
Urban Evolution
Migration and Global Change
Personal Innovation
Innovating, Creating and Problem Solving
Eco-Socially Conscious Design and Manufacturing
Water for Life
Climate Justice
Creative and Visual Communication
Global Workplaces
Innovating For Humans
Creative Living for Cultural Wellbeing
Ideate. Strategise. Innovate.
Humanising Data
For more information, visit the Challenge Minor website.
Students can apply for an elective major or minor via Western Now.