Expand your understanding of our rapidly changing social structures

Social science, the study of human society and behaviour, involves continuous exploration and understanding of shifting societal processes. As society undergoes rapid changes in technology, globalisation and cultural shifts, professionals in social science who can adapt to and embrace these transformations will ensure their relevance and success in the evolving landscape of human societies.

Safeguard your career with UNE's comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses and specialisations. Designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this dynamic discipline, our programs focus on key concepts such as social change, power and governance, and inequality to ensure you are future-fit and capable of adapting to trends in the field. With UNE's proven track record of helping adults prepare for workplace changes, you can confidently explore our social science offerings and position yourself for success.

Most UNE students opt for online study, joining a community of experienced adults and building networks which extend into the real world. UNE also offers an on-campus experience with accommodation, sports facilities and support services. Let your study work around your schedule with full-time or part-time study over three trimesters, on-campus or online.

When you graduate with a social science degree from UNE you will be ready to excel in your chosen industry, whether it be in government, research, healthcare, nonprofit or education organisations. By choosing UNE, you’ll be studying with an industry leader in the provision of online lifelong learning. Year after year, students award us the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.

Explore the wide range of social science courses and specialisations on offer at UNE. 

Courses by study level

Add an area of expertise to your CV and gain an undergraduate qualification — without committing to a full bachelor's degree. You will develop research, critical thinking, and writing skills in the core units. With the minor and elective units,…

Duration
  • 1.5 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

If you are a Pacific Islander looking to become a teacher in your island home with your family and community, UNE’s Associate Degree in Teaching (Pacific Focus) is your ideal course. You’ll gain the knowledge and skills to become a qualified early…

Duration
  • 2 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
Mode
  • Online
Bachelor of Arts

One of our longest-standing degrees, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) is still relevant in today’s world. It equips you with the creative, critical and analytical skills in demand by employers, and is transferable across a range of workplaces. When you…

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Workplaces value employees who have a broad range of real-world skills, and this combined degree will equip you to excel in today’s dynamic working environment. In our Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business, you’ll gain business knowledge and learn…

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

The UNE Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws provides you with the opportunity to combine your study of law with an area of interest drawn from a wide variety of the arts, humanities and social sciences. As a double degree for the future, it has been…

Duration
  • 5 years full-time
  • Up to 12 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Do you dream of a career where you’re helping to address the big issues facing humanity? Or perhaps you crave the excitement of being at the forefront of scientific discovery? Maybe you wish to instil your passion for the environment into future…

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Criminology is the study of crime and our responses to crime. UNE's Bachelor of Criminology investigates factors that cause criminal behaviour and how crime can be prevented within wider society. The course offers a variety of key topics and…

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

By studying law and criminology at UNE, you will gain a broad portfolio of knowledge and skills to future proof your career in a wide variety of professions. In this comprehensive program of study, you will develop contemporary skills in how to…

Duration
  • 5 years full-time
  • Up to 12 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Whether you are looking to re-train to become a Primary or Secondary school teacher, teach different subjects or upgrade your teaching accreditation, the UNE Bachelor of Education (In-Service Conversion) provides a flexible pathway to pivot and grow …

Duration
  • 1.5 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online

Expand and hone your teaching knowledge while building a highly valuable breadth of skills with the UNE Bachelor of Education (K-12 Teaching). This is a dual sector degree giving you the flexibility to teach in both primary and secondary schools. It …

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

If you are a Pacific Islander looking to build on your teaching skills with a high-level qualification, UNE’s Bachelor of Education (Pacific Focus) is the degree for you. Gain the knowledge and skills to teach early childhood, inclusive education,…

Duration
  • 2 years full-time
  • Up to 8 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
Mode
  • Online

UNE’s Bachelor of Education (Secondary Arts) offers a comprehensive program of study that provides you with the knowledge and practical skills to become a highly sought-after secondary school teacher. Develop your teaching skills in a supportive,…

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

This flexible non-teaching education degree incorporates a wide range of subjects to prepare you to work in a range of educational fields, including training and management environments. With UNE’s Bachelor of Educational Studies, you will learn in…

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 8 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

What could be more exciting than landing in a foreign country and immediately being able to speak the language and connect with the local culture? In an ever-changing world, the study of languages has never been more relevant, and our Bachelor of…

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Do you want to understand more about what drives human behaviour? Gain in-depth knowledge of the scientific study of human behaviour, as well as research and analytical experience, with UNE's innovative Bachelor of Psychological Science.…

Duration
  • 1.5 or 3 years full-time
  • Up to 5 or up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

By studying UNE’s Bachelor of Social Science degree you will develop a comprehensive and valuable understanding of human societies and social thought, behaviour and relationships in their varied social, psychological and political manifestations,…

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Special and inclusive education is rapidly evolving, and with it the demand for specialists in the field is larger than ever. UNE’s Bachelor of Special and Inclusive Education (Primary) equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to become a…

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

The UNE Undergraduate Certificate in Arts provides you with foundational knowledge and skills to prepare for further study and more career choices, with a focus on your chosen area of interest. With the freedom to assemble your course from a curated …

Duration
  • 1 year part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online

Did your arts degree prompt a burning question or a passion for independent research? If so, consider applying for an honours year. A 'capstone' to your formal education, honours is an opportunity to drill deeper into a specialised area, to…

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • 2 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Would you like to help contribute to making the world a safer place? When you study UNE's Bachelor of Criminology with Honours you will complete a major research project in an area of criminology that you choose, for example organised crime,…

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • 2 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Aimed at high achievers, Honours is an extra year of study after completing your undergraduate degree. UNE's Bachelor of Social Science with Honours allows you to extend your studies in psychology or sociology, to build on knowledge and skills…

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • 2 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Are you a graduate looking to add new skills to your CV to reinforce or redirect your career? Perhaps you are keen to pursue a personal interest in the arts or humanities. Or maybe you are interested in completing a master's but aren't sure…

Duration
  • 0.5 or 1 year full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Adapt to an evolving workplace and open the door to new career opportunities with UNE's Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice. Whether you want to create more career choices, hone your specialist skills, or take a new…

Duration
  • 0.5 years full-time
  • 2 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online

Design a bespoke course and prepare for a rapidly evolving workplace with the UNE Graduate Diploma in Professional Practice. Whether you want to advance your career, hone your skills or embark on a new career direction, we'll work …

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online

With the advent of globalisation, issues relating to language and intercultural communication have never been more relevant. UNE's fully online Master of Applied Linguistics will give you the ability to understand the design of language, nuances …

Duration
  • 1 or 1.5 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
Master of Arts

UNE’s Master of Arts is designed to equip you with specialised knowledge as well as a wide range of transferrable skills that employers highly value, such as communication and critical thinking. This course is also a focused pathway to higher degree …

Duration
  • 1 or 1.5 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Accelerate your career opportunities with the UNE Master of Teaching (Secondary). Gain the specialist knowledge and skills you need to become a sought-after teacher who makes a difference. Study online in a flexible timeframe that suits your…

Duration
  • 2 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Embrace your passion for person-centred clinical practice and pursue research excellence in the rapidly changing world of clinical psychology. UNE’s PhD in Clinical Psychology prepares you to provide high-quality clinical services as a registered…

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • 8 years part-time
Start
  • Research Period 1
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

A Doctor of Philosophy is the pinnacle of academic study. Using rigorous and systematic research, combined with critical analysis, you will add to society's understanding of complex issues at the cutting-edge of your discipline or profession.…

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • 8 years part-time
Start
  • Research Period 1
  • Research Period 2
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

High quality research and analysis allows us to better understand the complex issues we face in industry and society. With UNE's Master of Philosophy by research, your original findings and insights will add to the body of knowledge and inform…

Duration
  • 2 years full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Research Period 1
  • Research Period 2
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

If you are enrolled at another university, you can choose to study subjects at UNE that will count towards your course. Apply as a cross institutional student directly and complete one or several individual subjects (units) from the full scope of…

Duration
  • 1 trimester full-time
  • 1 trimester part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus
Non-Award

The world is full of possibilities, with so much to discover and learn. There are endless opportunities to enrich your knowledge to prepare for the future, but what if you don’t want to undertake a full degree? And how can you zero-in on the…

Duration
  • 1 trimester full-time
  • 1 trimester part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus
  • Bespoke Graduate Certificate: design your own  4 unit postgraduate course and have your work experience recognised in the process.
  • ‘Fundamental’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four  fundamental units from a traditional degree. If you are planning a new direction, or adding a new set of skills to your portfolio, you may want to start with this option. These units provide a foundation, or a ‘base camp’, to return to if you want to later progress to a full degree.
  • ‘Advanced’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four  advanced units from a full degree. This is a great strategy for staying current in your field, or advancing your knowledge.
  • ‘Critical Content’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four units any of the available units in a degree to create a  Critical Content Bespoke Course. This option lets you get the knowledge you need without the time and cost of a full degree.
  • ‘Mix and Match’ Bespoke Course: combine two, three or four units from different degrees and disciplines to design your  mix and match Bespoke Course. This option lets you diversify your knowledge.

What our students say

Pathways Enabling Course student Kim Sutherland in black top leans her elbow on table

I love having the weekly topics and the whole community feeling that UNE gives. I find it an extremely supportive and inclusive environment.

Kim Sutherland, Pathways Enabling Course student

Find the right major or specialisation for your studies in Social Science

As societal concerns and behaviours continuously shift, staying ahead in the field of social science requires adaptability and innovation. UNE will build your knowledge in areas such as social dynamics, sustainability and policy. Prepare for a successful career in shaping a better society.

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Society and Culture
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Help students develop the skills to study and understand the culture of the society in which we live. Learn practical skills to teach effectively amid advancing education tech and an expanding emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. Safeguard your…

Help students develop the skills to study and understand the culture of the society in which we live. Learn practical skills to teach effectively amid advancing education tech and an expanding emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. Safeguard your place in the high-demand education sector.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Education (In-service Conversion) Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Education (Secondary Arts) Teaching Area Undergraduate
  • 1

Why study with us?

5 stars
For Overall Experience and Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
Australian Universities
No. 1
For Undergraduate Student Support
Good Universities Guide 2024
Public NSW Universities
No. 1
For Postgraduate Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
NSW Universities

Careers in Social Science

Graduating with a qualification in social science from UNE opens doors to a diverse range of careers. Whether you choose to work in research, policy, or community development, the knowledge and skills you gain in areas such as sociology, psychology and communication will equip you for a fulfilling and successful future.

  • Market research analyst
    Collect and analyse data to understand consumer behaviour, market trends, and competitor strategies.
  • Human resources specialist
    Recruit and manage personnel, develop policies and procedures, and promote employee well-being within organisations.
  • Policy analyst
    Evaluate and develop policies for government agencies, think tanks, or non-profit organisations to address social issues.
  • Community development officer
    Facilitate community engagement, assess community needs and implement programs to enhance social well-being.
  • Public relations specialist
    Analyse and assess educational policies and recommend improvements to enhance the quality of education.
  • Non-profit program coordinator
    Design and create educational materials, lesson plans, and resources for schools, publishers, or online learning platforms.
  • Policy advisor
    Integrate technology into classrooms, assist with e-learning initiatives, or work for educational technology companies.
  • Social worker
    Teach adult learners in vocational training programs, language courses, or professional development workshops.

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024

What happens next?

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1. Decide on your course

Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.

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2. Apply

2024 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!

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3. Receive an offer, enrol and start studying

Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.