Bachelor of Social Sciences
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1, 2 & 3
- Duration
- 3 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
-
Kensington
- Codes
- UAC code 422301
- Program code 3325
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $15,000*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $48,000*
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $49,500*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $152,500*
Fees
Fees
-
Design your own degree
-
Overseas study options
-
Work experience
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Social science careers
- Double degrees
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
Are you passionate about social issues and driven to tackle the myriad political, social, environmental and economic challenges that face the world today? With a UNSW Bachelor of Social Sciences degree, you'll discover how to bring about positive change through critical analysis and political influence – with the opportunity to specialise in your area of interest.
Social science explores how societies work – from social systems and institutions to culture and community. As a social scientist, you’ll develop a deep understanding of how people behave and influence the world and use your knowledge to inform public debate and shape the policies that affect society.
Throughout this three-year, full-time degree, you'll build comprehensive knowledge and analytical skills alongside practical experiences to prepare you for a career with real and meaningful impact. You’ll also take advantage of unique projects, work experiences and internships in Australia and overseas.
Key features
Flexibility and variety
Choose among a wide range of social sciences to design a degree that suits your goals and values. Focus on one or two fields that you are passionate about while still having the freedom to explore other exciting areas. Build a solid foundation whether you want to graduate to further study or a professional career.
Practical experience, here and overseas
Through real-world work experiences, you'll build professional skills and employability that stand out. Gain skills in communication, analysis, ethical decision-making and teamwork through internships and international exchange opportunities with our diverse range of industry partners.
Purpose-driven community
Become part of a collective dedicated to solving local and global issues. Diverse classmates, award-winning teachers, world-renowned researchers, and leading practitioners will support your goals and share knowledge and experiences. Develop influential diplomacy and collaboration skills through student-led organisations and volunteer groups.
Why study this degree at UNSW?
At UNSW, you’ll be encouraged to follow your passions and tailor your studies to your interests. The Bachelor of Social Sciences allows you to choose from a wide range of majors, with an optional minor, based on your field of interest. You can also combine this program with another study area and complete a fast-tracked double degree.
Connect with like-minded people
Find your people at UNSW School of Art, Design and Architecture. With over a dozen clubs to join, you'll connect with fellow creatives who'll support and challenge you to put your passion into practice.
Realise your full potential, here and overseas
Through real-world work experiences, you'll build professional skills and employability that stand out. Study areas like International Studies, Global Development and International Business give you the opportunity to take your studies and skill development overseas through internships and international exchange opportunities with our diverse range of industry partners.
Join a school that’s focused on the future
At UNSW Art, Design and Architecture, we're working to build a better future. Our subjects are ranked #1 in Australia for industry, innovation and infrastructure (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, 2023). We're also ranked #2 globally for climate action (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, 2023) – in alignment with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
Want to see more from UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture?
Entry requirements
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Domestic students are eligible to apply for the following volume of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) credits towards their UNSW degree that belong in the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture:
- 1-year Diploma: 48 UoC (equivalent to first year)
- 1.5-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 72 UoC (equivalent to first year and a half)
- 2-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 96 UoC (equivalent to two years)
Considering your previous qualifications and their relevance to the chosen program at UNSW, the type and amount of credit you can apply for, as well as the duration of your remaining program, will then be determined.
Assessment by the Program Director is required for RPL applications toward Professional Accredited programs. Please note that eligibility for the full volume of RPL may be subject to accreditation requirements.
Portfolio Entry
At UNSW ADA, you will find the freedom and support to design the future you want. An ADA Portfolio Entry submission will demonstrate your passions alongside your best work, to boost your chances of admission to a bachelor’s degree of your choice. For more information and to see specific guidelines for portfolio submissions visit UNSW Portfolio Entry. , opens in a new window
Prerequisites
You don’t need to have completed prerequisite courses, but we do assume you have a Year 12 (or equivalent) level of knowledge.
Assumed knowledge
None
Adjustment Factors
We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.
HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.
Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.
Educational Access Scheme (EAS), opens in a new window
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.
Admission pathways
Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our Future Student Advisers to discuss your path to UNSW.
Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students who attend Gateway schools, live in a low-socioeconomic area based on IRSAD and IEO indexes of SEIFA criteria, or are an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person. It adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides early offers and early conditional offers to UNSW.
Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.
TAFE Pathways Program
This degree is eligible for the TAFE Pathways Program. If you've completed a qualification under a relevant TAFE Training Package, you may be eligible for credit transfer. For more details, including this program's TAFE Pathway study plan, visit UNSW TAFE Pathways Program.
UNSW Prep Program
If you want to study at UNSW but faced challenges in year 11 and 12 that make you eligible for the UNSW ACCESS Scheme, but you don't meet the cut-off for degree entry, consider UNSW Prep.
UNSW Prep is a one-year (18 months for Engineering) pathway to a UNSW degree place. You'll study subjects that allow you to develop your academic skills, including maths skills if needed, so that you can achieve your best results. You also study degree level courses from week one, to give you a realistic introduction to university level study. If you do well in these courses you can earn course credit towards your degree.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
International direct entry
| Qualifications | Direct entry requirement |
|---|---|
|
International ATAR
|
75.0
|
| UNSW Foundation Studies GPA |
6.9
|
|
Great Britain General Certificate of Education (GCE A levels)
|
10.0
|
|
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)
|
27.0
|
|
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) (after 2016)
|
1130.0
|
We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.
Please contact us for direct entry requirements.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Typically, international students are eligible to apply for the following volume of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) credits towards their UNSW degree that belong in the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture:
- 1-year Diploma: Up to 48 UoC
- 1.5-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 72 UoC
- 2-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 96 UoC
Generally, International students must ensure that their prior qualifications are assessed and deemed relevant to the program they intend to pursue. Additionally, they are required to maintain a full-time study load as part of the conditions for their Confirmation of Enrolment.
Prerequisites
You don’t need to have completed prerequisite courses, but we do assume you have a Year 12 (or equivalent) level of knowledge.
Admission pathways
If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Study areas
Study overseas
Broaden your horizons and study overseas for a term. Choose an international exchange at one of 300 UNSW university partners in more than 38 countries. UNSW encourages a global mindset – which means overseas study is credited toward your degree with us, and you may also be eligible for financial support to help cover costs.
Program structure
The Bachelor of Social Sciences structure allows you to combine in-depth knowledge of study areas with the skills to identify and use evidence for practice and policy. The degree is offered two ways. Either as a major in your chosen field alongside free electives or the other offers a major plus a minor. Regardless of the structure you choose, there are 24 courses in your degree. You’ll typically study eight courses a year if you study full time. You can also study part time to take advantage of a flexible study load.
When you complete a bachelor’s degree, you’ll be eligible for further study at a postgraduate level. If you’d like further information about this degree and its learning outcomes have a look at our student handbook, opens in a new window.
Social science careers
More than just a foot in the door or a pathway towards landing your first job, this degree will set you up with the professional, analytical and personal skills you’ll need to thrive throughout your career. Take your learnings and turn them into a career that celebrates your purpose and values.
Career opportunities
- Advocate
- Campaign manager
- Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade official
- International business consultant
- Local government official
- Non-government organisation official
- Policy analyst
- Political adviser
- Political journalist
- Project officer
- Program manager
- Research consultant
- Research officer
- Tourism and trade adviser
- United Nations official
Explore your career options
Many career options lie ahead in your future. If you don’t know what you want to do yet, it’s ok. University is the time to test your ideas, discover potential career paths, or develop the knowledge to create a job that doesn’t even exist yet.
Along with flexible course options, degrees from UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture include opportunities to experiment with professional roles in internships and work placements. Wherever the future takes you, you’ll be set for life with experience and contacts among your classmates, lecturers, and UNSW graduates worldwide.
Our alumni
“I've always been pushed to do my best. And it's nice that there are people around who are just as motivated as you. Not only to learn but also to do well, because where we stand in our own context will always influence the way we write and the way we see the world.
I think that's the beauty of learning how to be critical and research and analyse because with social sciences… humanity is so complicated, and there are so many shades of grey. So, the chance to understand the world from somebody else's perspective, I think, is a unique one. And one that always serves you well.”
Nimaya Mallikahewa
Graduate Policy Officer
Double degrees
Combine talents and passions to open future opportunities suited to your unique strengths. Despite the name, double degrees are not double the workload! You'll study core courses in two areas of expertise, graduating with two qualifications in less time than it takes to complete two consecutive degrees.
Double your knowledge, skills, and career options with the Bachelor of Social Sciences and:
How to apply
Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Visit the Apply section of the UAC website, opens in a new window and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.
On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website, opens in a new window for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.
Ready to apply?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC), opens in a new window for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.
Ready to apply?
Fees & Scholarships
Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 2
*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
QS World University Rankings, 2025
AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020-2025
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders
The student community collectively inspire and encourage my individual career goals.
