Bachelor of Social Science (Honours)
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
Not applicable
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Duration
Full-time 1 year, Part-time 2 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February, July Entry score
Not applicable
Duration
Not applicable Location
Not applicable
Overview
This degree enhances your learning horizons, giving you access to a fuller and more advanced range of professional and research practices. You will be encouraged to critically consider how knowledge of social, political, economic, cultural, environmental and other related issues is constructed and represented in political and public debate across a range of contexts.
Learn to advocate for equity and human rights and engage with the academic world of social sciences. You’ll become part of a network of talented students providing fresh insights and information to communities.
This program will prepare you for policy and administration roles in the private and public sectors. Many graduates continue on to higher degrees through research or qualify for policy and research positions outside the education sector.
Details
This program uses a variety of teaching and learning approaches including:
- interactive coursework seminars
- case studies to apply theoretical knowledge
- syndicate and industry workshops in selected courses to enhance interaction and build collaborative abilities
- individual study arrangements to provide self-paced options
Assessment activities might incorporate written, oral, group and online components.
All programs are delivered in English. You will have access to online resources through the myRMIT student portal.
This program is overseen and supported by the Social Sciences Program Advisory Committee (PAC), which is comprised of representatives from many organisations in the sector.
The organisations and agencies represented on the PAC are consulted with about the program design, development and delivery. Their involvement ensures that courses within the program are vocationally relevant, meet the needs of graduate employers and is up to date with latest industry issues.
RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.
The central focus of this program is your thesis project, which is supported by individual and small group interaction with staff, peers and industry experts.
Your thesis project will focus on a topic of your choice, negotiated with a supervisor, to allow you to address a policy-related research and development issue. It will also provide a foundation for you to pursue further study or your career aspirations.
The thesis project will have an assessable outcome equivalent to between 15,000 and 20,000 words, spread over the 2 semesters.
In addition, you will complete a total of 2 core subjects that will assist in writing your thesis, as well as 2 elective subjects related to social policy theory and sustainability.
RMIT’s close industry ties and strengths in social and political theory enables you to tailor your thesis to current trends within the public policy, social research and community services sectors.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) | City Campus |
One Year Full Time or Two Years Part Time
|
One Year Full Time
|
BH016 |
Choose a program structure
Program code: BH016
Career
Upon graduation, you will be able to work effectively in a variety of professional environments within the public and private sectors. As a critical and reflective practitioner, you'll consider issues using a range of social perspectives and disciplines to advance principles of social equality and harmony.
Employers value an honours degree because it demonstrates higher-order research, analysis and writing skills.
You will be able to demonstrate sensitivity in working in culturally and linguistically diverse environments and lead debate within organisations on policy process and research issues.
Careers
- policy officer
- social researcher
- case manager
- political analyst
- policy adviser
- speech writer
Admissions
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options.
RMIT admits students from a range of educational pathways, including Year 12 results, previous higher education or vocational education study, work experience, and for some programs - interviews, auditions or portfolios.
To get a better understanding of admissions at RMIT, view our admissions information.
The highest level of education you have previously completed will determine which category applies to you.
Applicants with Higher Education study
Successful completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in a relevant discipline with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (out of 4.0) in your final year of study.
Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to, social science, sociology, criminology, environment,gender studies, policy, politics, and youth work.
Applicants with recent secondary education (current or within the past two years)
Secondary education (Year 12) is not considered for entry into this program.
Applicants with Vocational Education and Training
Vocational education and training (VET) is not considered for entry into this program.
Applicants with Work and Life Experience
Work and life experience is not considered for entry into this program.
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
Fees
In 2019, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958*.
* Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Additional expenses
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$303 maximum fee for 2019.
Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
Defer your payment
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available. In 2019, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958.
In a CSP, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the Australian Government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of the courses in which you enrol, not the overall program.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
Courses (subjects) fall into one of three bands. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2019
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2019 |
Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing |
$6,566 per standard year |
Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture |
$9,359 per standard year |
|
$10,958 per standard year |
HECS-HELP Loans
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.
SA-HELP Loans
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your HECS-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to the full amount of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You will only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying).
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2019 is $303.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.