Sociology courses

Sociology is the study of society, focusing on social relationships, institutions, and patterns of behaviour. It seeks to understand how societies function and how various factors influence human interactions and social structures.

While the two are closely linked there are key differences between sociology and psychology.

Sociology examines societal structures and group interactions, analysing how social forces affect communities and institutions. Psychology, on the other hand, focuses on individual behaviour and mental processes. While both fields study human behaviour, sociology emphasises external social factors, whereas psychology centres on internal cognitive and emotional processes. 

In a sociology course, you'll explore sociological theories, research methods, and data analysis techniques. Topics may include social relationships, diversity, inequality, and the processes that drive social change and stability. These studies equip you with critical thinking and analytical skills that you can apply across various social issues.

Yes—when you choose to study sociology online through Open Universities Australia, you can study part time. This flexibility allows you to tailor your learning schedule to fit around work, family, and other commitments. Whether you want to take a lighter course load each semester to keep up with an existing career, or are keen to tackle a larger load to get to the finish line sooner—it’s up to you.

Online sociology courses keep students connected with classmates and teachers using a range of methods. From discussion forums and video calls to virtual group projects, there's ample opportunity to immerse yourself in university life online. You'll be able to engage in meaningful discussions and collaborate on assignments with your peers.

Plus, if you ever need extra help, your teachers are just an email away. Our student advisors are also available to assist with course choice, enrolment, study planning and more.

When you study a sociology degree you’ll gain a deep understanding of society. This makes you a valuable asset in careers that shape communities, influence policies, and drive social change. With a sociology degree, you could work in:

• Social research

• Community development

• Public policy

• Human services

• Education

• Healthcare

• Non-profit and government agencies

A sociology degree doesn’t just open doors—it equips you with the skills to challenge norms, spark meaningful conversations, and make a difference in the world. 

Yes. Completing a sociology degree can lead to further studies, including masters and doctoral programs.

If you decide to further your education or undertake research, you’ll broaden your career horizons. It could lead you to specialised research opportunities, academic positions, or somewhere else entirely.

If you're fascinated by how societies function, social structures, and human behaviour, a sociology degree could be your ideal match.

However, if you're unsure, you might also like to explore related fields, like psychology, criminology, media studies, social work, history, or politics. Each of these disciplines offers a unique lens on society.

Still weighing up your options? Speak with a student advisor about your passions and goals. They’ll be able to help you consider all of your options, offering unbiased advice at no cost.

Before starting an enrolment, it’s important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you’re eligible to apply. If you don’t quite meet the requirements, we may be able to help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study.

Chat with us to find out more.

Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.

When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Apply now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.

Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.

Please note that enquiries and applications for some courses are handled directly by the university. If this is the case, it will be indicated on the course listing page.  

For more information about enrolment, read our online self-service enrolling instructions. If you get stuck at any time, contact us and we’ll talk you through it.