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,…
- 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- 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…
- 2 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Online
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…
- 3 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- 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…
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- 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…
- 5 years full-time
- Up to 12 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- 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…
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- 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…
- 3 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- 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…
- 5 years full-time
- Up to 12 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- 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 …
- 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- 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 …
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- 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,…
- 2 years full-time
- Up to 8 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- 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,…
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- 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…
- 3 years full-time
- Up to 8 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- 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…
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- 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.…
- 1.5 or 3 years full-time
- Up to 5 or up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- 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,…
- 3 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- 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…
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- 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 …
- 1 year part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- 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…
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- 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,…
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- 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…
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- 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…
- 0.5 or 1 year full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- 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…
- 0.5 years full-time
- 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- 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 …
- 1 year full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- 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 …
- 1 or 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
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 …
- 1 or 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- 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…
- 2 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- 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…
- 4 years full-time
- 8 years part-time
- Research Period 1
- 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.…
- 4 years full-time
- 8 years part-time
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- 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…
- 2 years full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- 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…
- 1 trimester full-time
- 1 trimester part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
- On Campus
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…
- 1 trimester full-time
- 1 trimester part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- 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
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 studentFind 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.
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
UNE draws on a community of experts to help you explore the relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the creative industries. To be prepared for further study and wider career choices in a global economy learn about the …
UNE draws on a community of experts to help you explore the relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the creative industries. To be prepared for further study and wider career choices in a global economy learn about the past, present, and future of Indigenous Australia.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Undergraduate Certificate in Arts | Major | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
UNE's experienced linguistics teachers will help you explore the languages of the world and intercultural communication as you delve into the fundamentals of how we acquire and use language in education and other professional contexts. Use our…
UNE's experienced linguistics teachers will help you explore the languages of the world and intercultural communication as you delve into the fundamentals of how we acquire and use language in education and other professional contexts. Use our advanced language learning and analytical technology.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Arts | Minor | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business | Minor | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws | Minor | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science | Minor | Undergraduate |
Master of Applied Linguistics | Specialist Course | Postgraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Develop the skills to help communities with their resilience and capacity for long-term sustainability with UNE's sustainability experts. Future-proof your career and the planet as those in the field shift their focus to Indigenous communities…
Develop the skills to help communities with their resilience and capacity for long-term sustainability with UNE's sustainability experts. Future-proof your career and the planet as those in the field shift their focus to Indigenous communities and enduring sustainability practices.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Sustainability | Major | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE’s highly regarded educators and develop the analytical skills to think critically about the complex nature of crime. Secure your role in the rapidly changing world of law enforcement and social justice, using modern data analytics…
Benefit from UNE’s highly regarded educators and develop the analytical skills to think critically about the complex nature of crime. Secure your role in the rapidly changing world of law enforcement and social justice, using modern data analytics and tech to explain crime patterns and trends.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Arts | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Social Science | Major | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
With UNE's criminology experts, you’ll explore the interplay between social factors and criminal behaviour while fine-tuning your communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Secure your role in a society that will increasingly…
With UNE's criminology experts, you’ll explore the interplay between social factors and criminal behaviour while fine-tuning your communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Secure your role in a society that will increasingly focus on restorative and transformative justice.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Criminology | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Laws | Major | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's criminology experts and develop the skills to think critically about the policing, legal and prison institutions involved in the rural, remote and metropolitan criminal justice system and their impact on society. Be future-fit …
Benefit from UNE's criminology experts and develop the skills to think critically about the policing, legal and prison institutions involved in the rural, remote and metropolitan criminal justice system and their impact on society. Be future-fit to work in law, politics or community service.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Arts | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Social Science | Major | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's criminology and forensics experts and develop the skills to think critically about the justice process and forensic investigating. Future proof your career in law enforcement, the legal process or rehabilitation, and develop…
Benefit from UNE's criminology and forensics experts and develop the skills to think critically about the justice process and forensic investigating. Future proof your career in law enforcement, the legal process or rehabilitation, and develop an understanding of crime and society’s response to it.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Criminology | Minor | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Benefit from our leading researchers at UNE who are pioneers in the field of rural crime. Develop the skills to think critically about why people break the law and the impact this has on society. Learn using up-to-date and emerging tech and stay…
Benefit from our leading researchers at UNE who are pioneers in the field of rural crime. Develop the skills to think critically about why people break the law and the impact this has on society. Learn using up-to-date and emerging tech and stay abreast of changes in this dynamic field.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Criminology | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Laws | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Psychological Science | Minor | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts with Honours | Major | Bachelor Honours |
Bachelor of Criminology with Honours | Specialist Course | Bachelor Honours |
Bachelor of Social Science with Honours | Major | Bachelor Honours |
Advanced Diploma in Arts | Minor | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's experienced social science educators and develop the analytical skills to explore gender from a historical, sociological and political perspective and enhance your understanding of gender. Be future-fit to contribute to an…
Benefit from UNE's experienced social science educators and develop the analytical skills to explore gender from a historical, sociological and political perspective and enhance your understanding of gender. Be future-fit to contribute to an inclusive and diverse society.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Arts | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science | Major | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
UNE's highly regarded politics academics will help you develop an international mindset to secure your role in the rapidly changing world of global politics that is forecast to see vast social, political and technological advances. Explore…
UNE's highly regarded politics academics will help you develop an international mindset to secure your role in the rapidly changing world of global politics that is forecast to see vast social, political and technological advances. Explore issues such as peace, power, equality and justice.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Arts | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science | Major | Undergraduate |
Why study with us?
Australian Universities
Public NSW Universities
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
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 2007-2024No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience SurveyFive Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024Browse other disciplines within Social Sciences
What happens next?
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.
2024 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.