Program Overview

Overview

The Bachelor of Social Science is a degree that equips students to become change-makers in diverse social environments. It promotes social justice by exploring how practices, policies, and structures contribute to social disadvantage and injustice. The program embeds Indigenous knowledge and content, and subjects covering social inequalities impacting the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

Sociology (major)

Sociology is the study of society, examining social life, cultural and social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Throughout the studies, students develop an understanding of our diverse and rapidly changing world and identify the roots of and solutions to social problems. Areas of study include power and stratification, globalization, sexualities, social movements, and bodies.

Careers

Possible career paths for graduates of the Bachelor of Social Science include:

• Advocacy
• Business Development and Administration
• Community and Social Services
• Environmental Officer
• Health Care Management and Policy
• Local and International Community Development
• Market Research
• Policy Analysis and Evaluation
• Social Policy Development

Admissions information

A range of admission options are available for future students. The procedures governing admission are defined in UOW's Admissions Procedures, and the UOW College Admissions Policy.

Academic Entry Requirements

Applicants must achieve the required score in a previous qualification, equivalent to completing at least 13 years of schooling in Australia. To succeed in the chosen course, applicants should have completed relevant subjects in senior high school or other qualifications.

English Language Requirements

The following level of English is required to gain admission to this program:

• IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.5 in reading and writing, and 6.0 in listening and speaking.
• TOEFL (Internet-based): 86 overall, with a minimum of 22 in reading and writing, and 17 in listening and speaking.
• UOW College: English for Tertiary Studies: Credit (weighted average mark of 65 overall and minimum 50 in Academic Reading and Writing).

More detail

Fees

International Course fees:

• Campus: Wollongong
• Delivery method: On Campus
• Session fee: $16,032 (2025)
• Course fee: $96,192 (2025)

Key dates

• Autumn Session, 2025 at UOW:
  • Application Deadline: See important dates for more information
  • Orientation: Check your campus details
  • Session: 03 March - 27 June 2025
• Spring Session, 2025 at UOW:
  • Application Deadline: See important dates for more information
  • Orientation: Check your campus details
  • Session: 28 July - 20 November 2025

Admission profile

The tables below contain information on the 2024 commencing student cohort, which indicates the likely profile of students for 2025.

Student profile

This table shows the breakdown of the applicant background of the student group at UOW for this course.

• Higher education study: 39 (57%)
• Vocational education & training study: <5 (<5%)
• Work & life experience: <5 (<5%)
• Recent secondary education:
  • ATAR Only: <5 (<5%)
  • ATAR plus additional criteria: 0 (0%)
  • Other criteria only (non-ATAR): 20 (29%)
  • International students: <5 (<5%)
• All students: 68 (100%)

ATAR profile

This table relates to all students selected on the basis of ATAR alone or ATAR in combination with adjustment factors.

• Highest rank to receive an offer: 93.05
• Median rank to receive an offer: 72.1
• Lowest rank to receive an offer: 64.3

Pathway to Teaching

You may also take a Foundations in Teaching minor and complete the Bachelor of Social Science (Pathway to Primary Education). This pathway degree offers priority entry to the Master of Teaching (Primary) and a reduced study load while undertaking your master’s degree. You’ll graduate with an undergraduate and postgraduate degree, as well as the qualification and skills to teach children aged 5-12 years.