A Bachelor of Social Science (single and dual program) teaches students how to develop strategies to help find solutions to a range of social issues at the local, national and international level. Graduates are equipped with key skills valuable to employers such as problem solving, effective written and oral communication, information processing, creative and critical thinking, cross-cultural awareness, social research skills and computer literacy. 

The degree is a unique and innovative program that gives students expertise in social science research design and implementation. Students gain knowledge and skills for employment in areas such as public policy design and evaluation; social impact assessment; social planning and the analysis of socio-economic issues in a wide range of contexts.

First year plans

 In order to complete the Bachelor of Social Science program, you must complete 48 units comprised of:

  • 16 units of core courses
  • 16 units of a major
  • 16 units of a second major or general electives

Of the 48 units required for the program, a student must complete 28 units of advanced courses (level 2 courses or higher) See further information on the Bachelor of Social Science program.

The following course selection guide is relevant for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Science program:

Semester 1 Semester 2
POLS1102 Introduction to Politics & Public Policy Elective                                              
SOSC1000 Society, Challenges and Solutions: Introduction to the Social Sciences Elective  
Elective   Elective  
Major**
or 
Elective
  Major**
or 
Elective
 
**For Development major: POLS1701 (semester 1)
**For Social & Public Policy major: POLY1000 (semester 2)
**For Health & Society major: SOCY1030 (semester 2)
**For Environment & Society major: GEOS1100 (Semester 1 or 2)

You are strongly advised to begin your major in your first year.

Please note that the program planner is a guide only and does not enrol you in your courses, you must enrol in courses through mySI-net.

Visit HASS courses and programs for Information regarding dual degree programs and the relevant dual degree planner.

What courses do I need to do?

To ensure that students are familiar with their program rules and requirements we ask that all students complete a self-progression check in the first instance. Then if you still have questions or concerns about your outstanding program requirements the Faculty would be happy to review your progression check and provide advice. To complete a progression check please use the following steps:

Step 1 – Print out your studies report from mySI-net using the following steps:

  • Log into mySI-net
  • From the top left-hand side menu select the option for ‘Studies Report’
  • Follow the prompts

Step 2 – Select your program from the list: http://www.uq.edu.au/study/faculty.html?faculty=hss

Step 3 – Select your year of commencement from the top right hand side and click ‘Change’.

Step 4 – Go to ‘Program Rules and Requirements’ and ensure that you have understanding of your program requirements, for example, do you need to select a major; is there an advanced level requirement etc. Once you understand your program requirements you can move to the next step.  

Step 5 - Select the green course list button on the left hand menu.

Step 6 – Compare your studies report to the course list and tick off the courses you have completed, and note the courses you are planning to complete in the future. Ensuring that you have completed all of your compulsory courses, and courses towards your major(s).

Step 7 – Once you have gone through and ticked off all of your completed courses, view your program rules and requirements again to ensure that you are meeting all requirements (e.g. overall structural requirements, advanced level requirements etc). Ensure you can tick off that you have completed (or are planning to complete) all of the requirements.

Please Note
•    To have your progression check verified by a Student Administration Officer, or if you have questions or concerns, please upload your completed check by signing in here using your UQ username and password.  Please ensure that you upload your studies report, course list(s) (ensuring you have indicated all completed courses and future enrolments), and program rules with your notes.
•    A course may only count once toward the program (including dual programs).
•    Dual degree students must consult with the relevant faculty regarding outstanding requirements for the other component of the dual.

2018 Program Restructure (Pre 2018 Students)

The Bachelor of Social Science Is Changing from 2018

Following consultation with academics, industry professionals, graduates and your feedback as current students, the Bachelor of Social Science is being restructured. These changes will come into place from Semester 1 2018 for new students. The changes include:

  • Introduction of a new Environment and Society major
  • Revision of the core, including a new dedicated first year course and an additional policy course
  • Up to 16 units of Electives courses (for single BSocSc students only)

What does this mean for current students (or those who intend to return to their BSocSc studies)?

Students who commenced the BSocSc before 2018 have a choice:

  1. You will be able to complete with the program structure/rules that were in place when you commenced You will not need to change to the new structure. You will be able to complete the core Part A  and Part B (Majors) as in your current program and complete with the majors that were included in the program prior to 2018 (ie, Development, Social and Public Policy, Health and Society)
     
  2. You may be able to transition to the restructured program to take the new Environment and Society major or the new 20 unit Core. We strongly recommend this option only for those students who have completed 16 units or less towards the BSocSc.

What do I need to do?

  1. If you are completing the program in accordance with the program rules of the year you commenced (ie. pre-2018), then no further action is required from you. You can complete the program by following the 2017 BSocSc course list.
     
  2. If you would like to transition to the new 2018 program structure to complete the new 20 unit core and/or the new major in Environment and Society, it is recommended that you:
    1. Review the new 2018 course list and make a plan for your future enrolment.
    2. Complete a checklist - to develop a transition plan to the new BSocSci (or dual) program.
    3. Send your checklist to the Faculty for review by 5th of January 2018

Where can I get help?

Once you have completed a checklist and made a plan, staff in the Faculty are available to check your enrolment plan. You can send your completed checklist to Faculty Office via UQ Answers – please log in with your student details and click on “send us your question”, or call on 3365 1333 to make a one-to-one appointment with an advisor.

It is strongly recommended that you complete a checklist and forward to the Faculty no later than 5 January 2018, in order to ensure that there is time to check your plan, and for you to enrol. Checklists received after 5 January may not be checked in time for the commencement of semester.