Bachelor of Social Science
Course code C58
Social Science is what connects people with each other and what divides us, as well as exploring questions of social justice and inequality.
This course equips you with an understanding of how society works and how you can make a positive change. You learn to analyse, challenge and gain insight into globally significant theories about class, race, work, social justice, gender, family and communities. You will also explore the exciting complexities of the human social experience and armed with these in-depth insights, you can help policy makers find the right solutions to improve the society in which we exist.
Entry requirements
70 Indicative ATAR
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Course code
C58
Fees
Commonwealth supported - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $6,700
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
| JO | ML | BU | OL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | ||||
| Part-time |
See Course Details for further information.
Entry requirements
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Course code
C58
CRICOS code
079122D
Fees
International onshore - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $32,000
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
| JO | ML | BU | OL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | ||||
| Part-time |
See Course Details for further information.
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
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All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- AQF Cert IV;
- Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- University Preparation Course;*
- Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
- Aboriginal Student Intake Test; or*
- Experience Based Entry Scheme.*
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.
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English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0);
- Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
- University Preparation Course;
- Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
- Aboriginal Student Intake Test;*
- AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree;
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
- Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
Course Details
Choose student typeSemester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup or Online
Semester 1: Study part-time at Joondalup or Online
Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup or Online
Semester 2: Study part-time at Joondalup or Online
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup or Online
Semester 1: Study part-time Online
Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup or Online
Semester 2: Study part-time Online
Course Structure
Students are required to complete a Major plus a supplementary program, comprising of Minor and/or Elective units:
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Unit from Major | x 17 | 270 |
| Unit from Minor/Elective | x 6 | 90 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Unit from Major | x 17 | 270 |
| Elective Unit | x 6 | 90 |
Note: Students should complete no more than 150 credit points at Level 1000 when combined with their selected major.
C58|2
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Semester timetable.
Student handbookMajors you can study in this course
One or more of the majors in this course is externally recognised when studied within this course. Refer to the major for more information.
Course notes
Important course notes
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For the Human Services Major some units undertaken on the South West (Bunbury) Campus are offered in intensive mode.
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Students are required to complete a professional placement unit during the course. The requirements for this professional placement vary depending on the major that is selected but both majors must meet the Standards of Practice as set by the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA).
Attendance requirements
Students undertaking the Majors in Human Services and Community Work, and Children and Family Studies are required to complete the Standards of Practice as set out by Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA). Students undertaking the Major in Human Services are required to complete the competencies as set out by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required
Risk Management Assessment is negotiated with the agencies and ECU under agreement arrangements. Students are required to have a Working With Children check and a National Police Clearance.
Professional practice rules
The accrediting bodies Standards of Practice are required to be met.
Professional Recognition
Accredited by: Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA)
Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA) have accredited this course. To meet the professional accreditation requirements with ACWA, students must undertake certain units including 400 hours in the community and social science field.
Fees and Scholarships
Choose student typeAUD $6,700 *
* Commonwealth supported - estimated 1st year indicative fee
The 'Estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for the individual units you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the amount you’ll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
AUD $32,000 *
* International onshore - estimated 1st year indicative fee
The 'Estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for the individual units you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the amount you’ll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
This course prepares graduates for working with people and communities, and being able to specialise in family support, community work and community development.
Possible future job titles
Community Worker, Community Development Officer, Policy Officer, Family Support Officer, Parent Education Coordinator, Project Officer
Similar courses to consider
Student
stories
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"I wanted more from my job, to be more involved with children and families who are disadvantaged"
Joyce NederpelBachelor of Social Science graduate I worked in childcare for many years and had worked my way up to management. I wanted more from my job, and wanted to be more involved with children and families who are disadvantaged. I attended the 2014 Open Day and spoke to Dr Anna Targowska who pointed me in the right direction in terms of the course I needed to do.
As a student, I never had a bad experience with any lecturer; they were always happy to help, listen and challenge my thinking.
And I didn't know how valuable the networking would be and how many opportunities it would open up. It was so much more than studying further to get a job.
I went to Camp Kulin as camp counsellor, then did my second placement at Foundations Care which opened up a whole new world for me. This was the dream job, the job I have always wanted. It was incredible to learn from and watch my supervisor. I was extremely lucky! I was then offered a job and stayed on at Foundations Care as a case worker, starting my new journey.
Quick guide to uni-speak
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ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
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CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
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A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
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Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
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If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
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If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
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Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
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A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
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We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points – that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
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These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
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An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
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