The Bachelor of Social Science degree combines a core program of study in social science, policy analysis and research methods with a major in a particular social science discipline.

The Bachelor of Social Science core program aims to provide students with skills in undertaking social research, particularly in an applied policy setting. These include written communication skills with particular emphasis on reports, submissions, position papers and proposals; the ability to undertake research and data analysis, both quantitative and qualitative; analysis and critical evaluation of research, arguments and policies; and the use of computers in social research and information processing.

The major study aims to equip students with a knowledge base in one of the social sciences.

The basic requirements for the degree are:

1. a total of 144 units of credit.

2. 48 units of credit in the core courses of the BSocSc degree program, each of which carries 6 units of credit:

and one of the following:

The Social Science and Policy core program satisfies the University's requirement for 56 hours of study relating to the purposes and consequences of university education, professional and ethical action, and social responsibility.

3. a major sequence (List F) in one of the following:

Students who major in Film and Theatre must also complete a sequence of 24 units of credit in a discipline listed in 3. above.

A major sequence is an approved progression of courses in a school or program: you will find details under the relevant entry.

4. 48 units of credit obtained in Level 1 (first year) courses, including the two core courses, the first year courses of your major sequence and two other electives.

5. during their second and third years of study, students are also required to complete courses from the University's General Education program carrying the equivalent of 12 units of credit.

Enrol in the core courses SLSP1001 and either SLSP1000 or SLSP1002 (see 2. above); then choose one area from the list in point 3. which you would like to major in, and enrol in the appropriate first year (Level 1) courses. Then select additional courses to make up a total of 48 units of credit. 24 Level 1 units of credit must be selected from courses offered by the Faculty.

In second and third year, enrol in the prescribed core courses (see 2. above) and the necessary courses for your major sequence. The additional units of credit should be taken either in the area you chose as a possible second major or in other Upper Level courses. You must also enrol in the prescribed courses from the University's General Education program. Try to spread your workload evenly over the four sessions of study.

In addition, if you intend to apply for entry to the Honours year, you should enrol in SLSP3911 in your third year of study.

For entry to Honours in the BSocSc degree Program, you must have obtained an average of credit or better in your core program and major sequence; and a credit or above in SLSP3911 Inquiry and Interpretation in the Social Sciences. You have to apply to the Head of School for admission.

Students are also required to complete 12 units of credit from the University's General Education program, normally during their second and third years of study. For further information, please refer to "General Education" in the Table of Contents (see left-hand side of the page).

Pass Degree

To qualify for the award of the degree at Pass level, a student must obtain, normally over three years of study, a minimum of 144 units of credit in approved courses including:

1. the core program (48 units) in SLSP Social Science and Policy;

2. a major sequence from List F below;

3. a total of 48 Level 1 units of credit, including no more than 12 in any one sequence of study, from Lists A, B and C of the BA Rules;

4. at least 24 Level 1 units of credit, including 12 in SLSP, from Lists A and B of the BA Rules;

5. 12 units of credit from the General Education program, normally taken in the second and third year of study

List F
AUST Australian Studies, COMD Development Studies, ECON Economics/Economic History, Environmental Studies, EURO European Studies, GEOH/GEOS Geography and Geology, HIST History, HPSC History and Philosophy of Science, MEFT Film/Theatre & Performance Studies, MGMT International Business/Industrial Relations/Human Resource Management, PECO Political Economy, PHIL Philosophy, POLS Politics and International Relations, PSYC Psychology, SOCA Sociology and Anthropology, SPAN Spanish and Latin American Studies (history stream), WOMS Women's and Gender Studies.

Students who major in Film or Theatre & Performance Studies must complete at least 24 units of credit in other sequences from List F.

6. The Pass degree of Bachelor of Social Science may be awarded with Distinction where a candidate has achieved a weighted average mark (WAM) of at least 75% in all courses completed since enrolment at UNSW which are credited towards the degree.


Honours Degree

To qualify for the award of the degree at Honours level in one or two Schools/specialisations, a student must:

7. have obtained 144 units of credit in accordance with 1.-5. above and satisfied the appropriate prerequisites for entry to the Honours level program;

8. obtain a further 48 units of credit in an approved Honours program.

The Honours degree is awarded in three classes (Class 1, Class 2 in two Divisions and Class 3). Students who fail to obtain one of these classes may proceed to graduate with the Pass degree.

For information regarding fees for UNSW programs, please refer to the following web-page:  https://my.unsw.edu.au/student/fees/FeesMainPage.html