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. at least 84 units of credit from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
3. 48 units of credit in the core courses of the BSocSc degree program, each of which carries 6 units of credit:

4. a major sequence of 48 units of credit from one of the following prescribed majors:

*denotes majors and minors offered by Faculties other than Arts and Social Sciences

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

5. 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

6. at least 24 units of credit obtained in Level 1 courses must be from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

7. during their second and third years of study, students are also required to complete 12 units of General Education selected from courses outside the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Enrol in the core course SLSP1000 and SLSP1001; then choose one area from the list in point 4. 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 of Arts and Social Sciences.

In second and third year, enrol in the prescribed core courses (see 3. above) and the necessary courses for your major sequence. The additional units of credit should be taken in other Upper Level courses. You must also enrol in 12 units of General Education. Try to spread your workload evenly over the four semesters 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.

To fulfil the University's General Education requirement students must complete 12 units of credit selected from courses outside the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. This requirement is met if the major taken is convened outside the Faculty as listed above (for example, Economics).

1. The program leading to the award of the degree of Bachelor of Social Science (Pass) normally consists of 144 units of credit (UOC) to be completed over a period of three academic years or six semesters. Except in exceptional circumstances, a student will enrol in a minimum of 6 UOC per semester and a maximum of 24 UOC per semester

2. To complete the requirements for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Social Science a student must:

2.1 complete the 48 UOC core social science program as listed in the program structure

2.2 complete a major sequence of 48 UOC from the prescribed list of majors

2.3 complete a minimum of 12 units of credit in General Education courses or their equivalent (unless otherwise entitled to exemption)

2.4 complete 48 Level I UOC from courses approved by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

2.5 take at least 84 units of credit from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

3. A Major:

3.1 is 48 UOC in a major chosen from the prescribed list of majors in point 4. (under Program Structure) above

3.2 must incorporate: 12 UOC at Level I, 18 UOC at Level II, and 18 UOC at Level III in courses designated for that major

3.3 must also include the Capstone Course of 6 UOC offered at Level III in that major, where appropriate

4. Students may not take:

4.1 more than 24 Level I UOC from courses convened by Schools outside the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

4.2 more than 12 Level I UOC from any one Major

4.3 in the event that a student elects to complete a Major convened outside the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, 12 UOC from Level II and/or Level III from that major will be deemed as having satisfied the requirements for General Education.

5. The degree of Bachelor of Social Science may be conferred as a Pass Degree or as an Honours Degree

5.1 to qualify for the award of the Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) a student must meet the Faculty’s honours’ admission criteria and complete a further 48 UOC consisting of coursework and research, normally taken over 1 academic year / two semesters following completion of the Pass Degree

5.2 a student may take a combined honours degree

5.3 the Honours degree is awarded in three classes namely Class 1, Class 2 in two Divisions and Class 3

5.4 in cases of superior academic performance, ie a WAM of 75 or greater, where Honours is not taken the Pass Degree will be conferred with Distinction

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