Bachelor of Social Science
Undergraduate | ECU-SSC-DEG | 2022
Course information for 2022 intake View information for 2024 course intake
Support people’s wellbeing and improve their communities
Explore how societies work and how you can make positive change. Through the lens of social justice and human rights, look at policy, diversity, and community development. Specialise in children and family studies, or human services and community work.
- Study method
- 100% online study with practicum placement
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Total subjects
- 23
- Price from
- $43,950
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Bachelor of Social Science
About this degree
At the end of the program, students of the Bachelor of Social Science can:
- Equip yourself 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.
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.
Award requirements
Students are required to complete 360 credit points.
Choose your subjects
Electives
Students are required to complete a Major plus a supplementary program, comprising of Minor and/or Elective units:
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 Ranking 2024:
- 28
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 25
How to apply
Edith Cowan University manages enquiries and applications for this degree.
Complete your details and we'll make sure your enquiry is sent to Edith Cowan University who will contact you to discuss this degree.
Don't worry, we're still here to help you - you'll receive a personalised follow-up from an Open Universities Australia student advisor to make sure you have found the right degree for you.
Entry requirements
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;*
- Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment; or*
- * Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
- For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.
Alternatively, applicants can apply with the indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published.
Alternatively, applicants can apply via Experience Based Entry Scheme, subject to eligibility.
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 University Readiness Assessment;*
- 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 (Band 3).
- * Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
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.
Study method requirements
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).
Further information regarding Professional Placement can be found at:
https://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/arts-and-humanities/courses/professional-placement
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.
Career 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
Professional recognition
The 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.
Career outlook
- Aged and Disabled Carers:
- $60K to $74K
- Policy and Planning Managers:
- Over $120K
- Social Workers:
- $75K to $93K
- Welfare Support Workers:
- $75K to $93K
- Welfare, Recreation and Community Arts Workers:
- $75K to $93K