Social Sciences in Australia
Australia lists 22 Social Sciences programmes spread across 11 universities, giving international applicants a wide choice of locations and specialisations. Tuition for these programmes runs roughly €18k per year, with fees at institutions such as the University of Sydney and the University of Wollongong sitting close to this range. La Trobe University and Charles Darwin University round out a diverse mix of metropolitan and regional campuses.
Social Sciences degrees in Australia cover disciplines including sociology, political science, international relations, and anthropology. Australian universities operate in English and are recognised worldwide for research output and graduate employability, making them a strong option for students seeking a globally respected qualification.
Anthropology
Anthropology is the study of what makes us human, exploring how people from diverse cultures understand, live in, and shape the world. You will use anthropological theories to examine cultural differences, social change, inequality, the body and mind, animals, globalisation, and the environment. This program helps you build essential research skills and gain fieldwork experience.
Bachelor of Arts
The Bachelor of Arts at ACU is designed to equip you with highly transferable skills essential for today's dynamic job market. This program fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, and creative analysis, allowing you to develop a world-class education while pursuing your passions. You will explore interdisciplinary knowledge across the arts, humanities, and social sciences, building foundational skills in research, evaluation, digital literacy, and creative storytelling. With over 20 majors and minors available, you can tailor your degree to your interests. The program also offers unique global opportunities, including study experiences in New York and Rome, which help establish international networks and enhance cross-cultural agility. For those seeking to broaden their academic scope, double degree options are available in fields like global studies, sustainability, law, commerce, or teaching. High-achieving students can also pursue an honours program, focusing on independent research or creative projects with academic support. This degree can also serve as a pathway to a Master of Teaching.
Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) at Australian Catholic University (ACU) offers an opportunity to deepen your expertise within the arts and humanities. This one-year full-time program allows you to become part of a dynamic research community, developing and undertaking your own research thesis or creative project. You will make an original contribution to your chosen field, supported by experienced mentors within ACU’s National School of Arts and Humanities. This prestigious honours program provides a competitive advantage for your career. You can engage with industry through an internship or gain domestic or international experience via a fieldtrip. The program also hones critical and innovative thinking skills, preparing you for further graduate research degrees such as a Master's or PhD.
Bachelor of Arts and Social Science (Honours)
The Bachelor of Arts and Social Science (Honours) at Charles Sturt University is a one-year program designed for students who have completed a bachelor's degree and wish to deepen their knowledge in the arts or social sciences through advanced research. This program focuses on developing sophisticated research techniques and applying them to an in-depth investigation within a chosen area of interest. The course is delivered entirely online, offering flexibility for students to study from anywhere.
Bachelor of Community and Human Services
This degree is designed for individuals passionate about supporting people and communities to enhance their wellbeing, possessing a strong understanding of others and the ability to connect with vulnerable individuals. It equips you with essential community and human services skills and knowledge through a social science and human rights perspective. You will explore how communities function, develop, and change over time, examining concepts such as social change, gender equality, cultural diversity, sustainability, child development, and policy development. The program offers opportunities to build professional networks and gain practical experience through a 400-hour field placement, preparing you for the workforce upon graduation.
Bachelor of Criminology
The Bachelor of Criminology program allows you to explore the complex nature of crime, its impact on individuals and society, and the systems designed to address it. You will critically examine crime trends, understand the factors contributing to offending and victimisation, and learn about various prevention strategies and policies. The course delves into why people commit crimes and how society responds through policing, courts, and correctional facilities, as well as alternative justice approaches. A strong emphasis is placed on evidence-based thinking, developing your skills in data analysis, critical evaluation of information, and clear communication of complex ideas. Learn from leading academics who specialise in areas such as human trafficking, atrocity crimes, domestic and family violence, youth justice, migrant community safety, and environmental crime. You will explore real-world issues and develop the ability to think critically, act ethically, and contribute to meaningful change in justice, policy, and community settings. The program offers flexibility, allowing you to build expertise in a chosen major while also broadening your studies through minors or electives. The curriculum encourages you to question assumptions, consider diverse viewpoints, and engage with challenging social problems from the outset. You will build confidence in navigating complexity using theoretical frameworks, empirical evidence, and applied analytical skills. A unique aspect of the program is its focus on environmental crime, examined from an Indigenous perspective, exploring ecological justice and the growing issue of climate-related criminal activity. Simulated learning experiences, mirroring professional criminology practice and often involving collaboration with government and non-government organisations, provide practical insights into policy and real-world contexts.
Bachelor of Criminology
The Bachelor of Criminology at La Trobe University equips you with the knowledge to understand and address complex social issues related to crime and safety. You will explore the causes of crime, principles of crime prevention, and how social factors influence the criminal justice system. The course covers topics such as family violence, international crime, youth justice, and imprisonment, providing a comprehensive understanding of crime within its broader social context. You will gain critical analytical skills to examine the Australian legal system and understand international crimes. This program offers practical experience through work placements at organizations like the Victims of Crime Tribunal, enhancing your graduate job potential. You can choose electives in areas like case management or complete an industry internship. The degree provides a strong foundation for further study, with opportunities to transfer with credit into Bachelor of Laws (Honours) or double law degrees. The flexible StudyFlex™ mode allows you to study online, on campus, or a combination of both, adapting to your learning style and needs.
Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledges
Bachelor of Psychological Science - Bachelor of Social Science
Bachelor of Social Science
Bachelor of Youth Work
The Bachelor of Youth Work program prepares students to support young people aged 12-26. You will gain essential interpersonal and helping skills, learn about inclusive practices, and develop strategies for social change. The curriculum includes specialist youth work units and allows for complementary studies in areas such as psychology, human services, community development, counselling, and criminology, tailoring the degree to your career aspirations.
Diploma in Arts and Social Science
This Diploma in Arts and Social Science provides a foundation for further study or to upskill in areas such as criminology, sociology, history, linguistics, and Indigenous studies. It offers guaranteed entry into over 70 Bachelor's degrees at the University of Newcastle and up to 80 units of credit towards related programs. The program allows you to explore diverse interests and develop a broad skill set. You will gain core knowledge in academic literacy, research, and discipline-specific skills, preparing you for a range of academic and professional pathways. Embedded support is available through the Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre, including a dedicated Student Liaison Officer and foundational courses with smaller class sizes.
Ethics and Social Justice
This program explores critical contemporary issues such as privacy, censorship, and artificial intelligence through the lenses of anthropology, business, philosophy, politics, and sociology. It examines how technology impacts our connected and safe lives, our medical records, and autonomous systems. Students will develop a deep understanding of ethical considerations and social justice principles in a rapidly evolving world.
Gender, Sexuality and Diversity Studies
Explore how identity is shaped by the world around you in this program. You will delve into the complex relationships between identity and factors such as gender, sexuality, ethnicity, nationality, class, and disability. The course offers exposure to a rich history of diversity and difference, fostering critical thinking and cultural awareness.
Graduate Certificate in Behavioural Insights
Policy making in business, public, and non-governmental sectors fundamentally deals with human behaviour: understanding, predicting, and influencing it for better societal and economic outcomes. Behavioural insights, the science of human choice, has advanced significantly over the past 50 years, leading major organisations to adopt its principles. This Graduate Certificate equips you with the latest in behavioural science as applied to public policy, finance, organisational management, and consumer behaviour. You will learn to apply behavioural science in practical contexts, including formulating human-centric policies, designing behavioural 'nudge' interventions, and conducting experimental trials. Our specialists will guide you through applying insights from behavioural economics, psychology, and cognitive science to enable you to make impactful decisions, mirroring those already being made by organisations globally. The course highlights the tangible results of applying behavioural insights, such as increased tax compliance and improved revenue through simple interventions.
Graduate Certificate in Human and Community Services
This Graduate Certificate provides foundational knowledge and skills for a career in the Australian human and community services sector. You can specialise in areas like management, community work, or domestic and family violence. It's ideal if you aim to make a positive impact in fields such as mental health, disability support, child and family services, or migrant and refugee services.
Higher Degree Research (HDR) - The Wollotuka Institute
The University of Newcastle offers Higher Degree Research (HDR) programs, specifically Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degrees, through The Wollotuka Institute. These programs focus on supervised research projects designed to contribute new knowledge to a chosen field. The Wollotuka Institute prioritizes the inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, knowledge systems, and methodologies, ensuring research is led by Indigenous voices and grounded in cultural protocols and community engagement. The university is committed to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander HDR students and expanding the Indigenous academic workforce. The Wollotuka Research Support Team provides resources and guidance, understanding the cultural factors that influence HDR candidature and ensuring a culturally safe research environment.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Charles Darwin University (CDU) offers a range of Humanities and Social Sciences courses designed to equip you with critical thinking and analytical skills. These programs explore diverse subjects such as philosophy, sociology, politics, public policy, history, Indigenous perspectives, and cultural studies. You can choose to study online or on campus, full-time or part-time, allowing for flexible learning that fits your lifestyle. CDU emphasizes unique Indigenous and Asia Pacific perspectives, drawing on cultural experts and strong regional links. The university aims to foster empathetic, culturally competent global citizens who understand their place in the world and can contribute to positive societal change.
Master of Humanities and Social Sciences
Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) program at Australian Catholic University (ACU) is designed for graduates from other disciplines who wish to become qualified social workers. This intensive two-year full-time program, or equivalent part-time study, provides the necessary theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and ethical understanding required for professional social work practice. Graduates will be equipped to work effectively with individuals, families, groups, and communities across diverse settings. The curriculum integrates core social work theories with extensive practice education, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience. Students will engage with contemporary issues in social policy, mental health, and Indigenous and cultural studies, preparing them for a dynamic and rewarding career in social justice and human services. The program focuses on developing critical thinking, research skills, and an ethical approach to practice. The program is offered at ACU's Canberra and Strathfield campuses. Upon successful completion, students will have completed 160 credit points, including a significant practice education component, making them eligible for professional accreditation as social workers.
Research Methods for Earth Sciences
This course provides an introduction to the research methods essential for Earth Sciences. Through lectures, seminars, and workshops, you will learn to plan, manage, and present scientific research effectively. Key skills developed include computational methods, data acquisition, and data analysis, preparing you for advanced study and research projects. It is a fundamental preparatory course for Honours programs in Earth and Marine Science and Physics of the Earth.
Undergraduate Certificate of Child and Family Studies
This certificate provides a strong foundation for a career focused on supporting children and their families. You will gain essential knowledge and skills to promote child development and well-being. The program delves into theories and practical approaches for supporting students and managing emotional and behavioural challenges within a family context.
Frequently asked questions
How many Social Sciences programmes are available in Australia?
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There are 22 Social Sciences programmes listed across 11 Australian universities.
How much does a Social Sciences degree cost in Australia?
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Tuition runs roughly €18k per year across the listed programmes.
Which universities offer Social Sciences programmes in Australia?
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Among others, the University of Sydney, La Trobe University, University of Wollongong, Charles Darwin University, and Australian Catholic University offer programmes in this field.
Can international students enrol in Social Sciences programmes in Australia?
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Yes, Australian universities welcome international students; a student visa (subclass 500) is required for most on-campus programmes.
What are typical entry requirements for Social Sciences in Australia?
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Most programmes require a completed secondary education or prior degree (for postgraduate study), English proficiency (e.g. IELTS 6.0–6.5), and may request a personal statement or academic references.