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Sociology courses

Investigate what causes social issues in this research-based study area

Help me choose a course

Introduction to Sociology

Do you want to push for change in Australian society? Sociologists research all sorts of behavioural trends so they can recommend improvements at a community level. You should choose this study path if you’d like to understand the theory and the practice behind this rewarding work. You’ll learn sociological theories, research methods and data analytics skills that will allow you to advocate for different social groups. 

Start by comparing the various online sociology courses that are available with leading universities. We’re here to help you make sense of your options and find your right fit. 

Explore sociology courses
Open Universities Australia student Shiree at work standing in front of a colourful notice board.
Shiree studied sociology with Griffith University, through Open Universities Australia

Discover sociology courses

Online sociology subjects and short courses

University of South Australia

Health and Society

UndergraduateUSA-HLTH1054

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 07 Apr 2025, 22 Sep 2025
Curtin University
Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 02 Jun 2025, 01 Dec 2025
La Trobe University

Sex, Race Nation

UndergraduateLTU-GSD1SDG

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 28 Jul 2025
Murdoch University

Food Security

UndergraduateMUR-SOC301

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 28 Jul 2025
View all subjects

Online sociology degrees

Macquarie University

Bachelor of Arts

UndergraduateMAQ-ART-DEG

An arts degree that no one else has

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Available majors

  • Ancient History
  • Creative Writing
  • English
  • Critical Indigenous Studies
  • International Relations
  • Modern History
  • Philosophy
  • Politics
  • Sociology
Griffith University

Bachelor of Arts

UndergraduateGRF-ART-DEG

Innovators, communicators and creators start here!

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Available majors

  • Art History
  • Creative Writing
  • Criminal Justice
  • History
  • Journalism
  • Literature
  • Public Relations
  • Screen and Media Studies
  • Sociology
La Trobe University

Make the world a healthier place. Your way.

Study method
100% online
Duration
4 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Available majors

  • Anthropology
  • Archaeological and Heritage Studies
  • Asian Studies
  • Creative and Professional Writing
  • Crime, Justice and Legal Studies
  • Digital Media
  • English
  • Ethics and Social Justice
  • Hindi Studies Beginners
  • History
  • Human Geography
  • International Studies
  • Linguistics
  • Philosophy
  • Politics
  • Sociology
  • Sustainabilty and Development
  • Visual Cultures
  • Digital Health
  • Environmental Health
  • Health Promotion
  • Health, Wellbeing and Performance
  • Psychological Science
  • Public Health
  • Rehabillitation Counselling
Charles Sturt University

Bachelor of Arts

UndergraduateCSU-ART-DEG

Prepare for life and work with the ultimate skill set

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
View all bachelor degrees

Discover 168 ways to study sociology with leading Australian universities.

Explore sociology courses

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Sociology study FAQs

What is a sociology degree?

A sociology degree explores why people behave the way they do within society. During your studies, you will look at the things that influence everyday life, like consumerism, religion, gender, socioeconomics and pop culture. 

Most undergraduate students study sociology by enrolling in a Bachelor of Arts and majoring in sociology subjects. Postgraduates can specialise in an aspect of sociology like gender studies through a Master of Arts. 

What do you learn in a sociology degree?

You can expect your sociology studies to be very theoretical and research focused. You will explore the social and cultural issues that shape modern society, and then evaluate your findings through research papers and case studies.   

Depending on your course, you’ll develop skills in:

  • Social research methods
  • Interviewing
  • Data analysis
  • Social development theory
  • Social psychology
What is the difference between a sociology and psychology degree?

A sociology degree looks at how people behave as a collective, while a psychology degree looks at how people behave individually. 

You should choose sociology if you’d like to conduct research that could help a particular social group, like young people, families or migrants. Choose psychology if you’d like work one-on-one with people on their personal issues and mental health challenges.    

If you can’t decide, there are qualifications available through our marketplace that combine both disciplines, such as the Bachelor of Psychological Science and Sociology. This study path has its advantages. It allows you to understand the social and psychological reasons people behave the way they do, which could make you a more well-rounded sociologist. 

Why should I study sociology?

You should study a degree in sociology if you want to understand why social problems exist—so you can change things for the better. Sociologists use research and data to investigate a broad range of issues, from social inequality, gender and racism to youth crime rates and homelessness. Their findings often influence government policies, community development projects and healthcare processes, to name a few. If you’d like your work to truly make a difference, sociology is an area worth considering. 

Why study sociology online?

You should study your sociology degree online if you’re looking for flexibility. The courses available online through Open Universities Australia give you the freedom to study at a pace that suits your lifestyle. You can take on as many—or as few—subjects at a time as you like, which means you can dictate when you finish your course.

This also makes it possible to travel or work while you study, since you’re not required to attend lectures face to face. Sociology is all about gathering new experiences, so this can only help you in your coursework. 

Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?

There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.

  • You can enrol without entry requirements 
    We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don’t meet the entry requirements for a degree, we’ll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
  • You have total control over how you study
    Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We’ll introduce you to flexible study options you didn’t even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.
  • You’ll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
    Once you enrol through us, you’ll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you’ll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.
  • We’ll help you navigate the university world
    Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.
What jobs can you get with a sociology degree?

Your sociology degree could lead to a job in any industry where research, critical thinking and data analytics skills are needed. 

Graduates commonly go on to pursue careers in: 

  • Social research
  • Social policy planning
  • Community development
  • Social services and welfare
  • Criminal justice
  • Business analysis
  • Academia and teaching
  • Journalism and communications

Read more about the different career opportunities for sociologists

How do I know if I’m eligible to apply for a course?

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.

How do I enrol?

Unlike when you study through a traditional university, you can enrol you in most of the undergraduate subjects available through our website instantly. Enrol in the subjects you’re interested in, and as soon as your study materials arrive, you can start learning online.

As you start completing your subjects, you’ll eventually need to apply to your uni to formally enter your degree. Enrolling in subjects is a great way of becoming eligible and applying successfully. Check out the Registering in this degree section on the degree page you're interested in for more information.

Postgraduate subjects are different. Most of them are restricted, meaning you’ll have to apply for entry and be accepted before you can start studying online. You’ll find information about the application process on the postgraduate degree page that you’re interested in.

Enrolling is easy. You can enrol online or over the phone with a student advisor.

Student stories and study advice

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Hundreds of new degrees have just been added to our website by leading universities. While it’s impossible to choose a favourite, these are the highlights we recommend checking out. Some of these topics have never been available through OUA—until now!

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We’re here to guide you to the right uni course

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Over 523,000 students have enrolled in university through us since 1993.

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Studying through Open Universities Australia means we take care of the guesswork and administration of university study, so you can focus on learning.

You don't need a strong academic history to go to uni

We make it possible for everyone to start university through single subjects, regardless of ATAR or study experience. These subjects are covered by government loans, and can be used to upskill or gain entry into a qualification.

You have the flexibility to start at multiple points during the year

We’re not restricted by a traditional academic calendar, so you can enrol when it suits your life. You also have total control over how you study. You can scale up (or down) your study load and even pause your course if you need to.

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As a not for profit, we have your best interests at heart. Our advisors are here 7 days a week to guide and support you. It’s our priority to get you qualified with the university of your choice.

Enrol in courses from 25 of Australia's leading universities

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Charles Sturt University logoGriffith University logo
The University of Queensland logoAustralian Catholic University logo
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