Bachelor of Social Science

At the end of the program, students of the Edith Cowan University (ECU) Bachelor of Social Science can:

1. Equip yourself with an understanding of how society works and how you can make a positive change.
2. You learn to analyse, challenge and gain insight into globally significant theories about class, race, work, social justice, gender, family and communities.
3. 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.

Our Social Science degree provides you with the skills, knowledge and capacity to make that kind of difference.

In this course, you’ll study social change, gender equality, community development, sustainability and cultural diversity, child development, working with groups, and policy development through a social justice and human rights lens. You’ll also learn how to conduct social research using a range of methods, techniques and technologies.

You can study completely online, or on-campus. Either way, you’ll be under the guidance of lecturers who have extensive industry and research experiences to share with you.

During your studies, you’ll have opportunities to develop your networks, meet industry professionals and apply your knowledge to become work ready through 400 hours of field placement.

And as a graduate with a Social Science degree, you’ll be recognised by the Australian Community Workers Association and be eligible for full membership.

Recommended study pattern

Students are required to complete a Major plus a supplementary program, comprising of Minor and/or Elective units.

Award requirements

Students are required to complete 360 credit points.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $51,000

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

ECU is ranked one of the world’s best young universities and Australia’s best public university for teaching quality. That quality extends to more than 30,000 students, many studying online through Open Universities Australia. ECU offers the same quality of teaching to you, regardless of where you’re studying in the world. Their flexible study solutions include a huge range of online courses, recognising your need to juggle work, family or other commitments.

Learn more about ECU.

Explore ECU courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

29

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

24

All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. 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)
• Undergraduate Certificate
• Special Tertiary Admissions Test*
• University Preparation Course*
• Indigenous University Orientation Course*; OR
• Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment*.

*For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.

Alternatively, applicants can apply with the indicative or guaranteed minimum ATAR of 70.

Alternatively, applicants can apply via Experience Based Entry Scheme, subject to eligibility .Our Experience Based Entry Scheme allows you to be considered for entry to an undergraduate course through an assessment of your ability to succeed in higher education. This is based on a portfolio of evidence you provide to us.

Students can satisfy English competency requirements by showing any of the following:

• Results of Year 12 English ATAR or English Literature ATAR with a grade C or better or equivalent.
• Results of a Special Tertiary Admissions Test to ECU’s standards.
• An IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0).
• Completion of 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada.
• Completion of an ECU University Preparation Course, Indigenous University Orientation Course, or Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment.
• Completion of a Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree as described by the Australia Qualifications Framework.
• Completion of 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); OR
• Completion of other tests, courses or programs as accepted by ECU.

If you have completed units of study at University, undertaken a Diploma qualification or higher, or have relevant professional experience, you may be eligible for Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning (CRPL).

To assess your eligibility for credit, we first need you to apply for and accept an offer in your course of interest with us. You can then submit an Application for Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning via your Student Portal. 

Practicum

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 Practice Guidelines 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 validate the Practice Guidelines as set out by Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA). Students undertaking the Major in Human Services are required to validate the competencies as set out by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Host organisations may require students to attend after hours and on the weekends.