Bachelor of Social Science (Honours)
Quick facts
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Entry score
Not applicable
-
Duration
Full-time 1 year, Part-time 2 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February, JulyEntry score
Not applicable
Duration
Not applicableLocation
Not applicableFees
Not applicable
Next intake
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
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 an overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 (out of 4.0) and a GPA of at least 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
Credit and recognition of prior learning
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience. Find out if you might be eligible.
Fees
2021 indicative fees
In 2021, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$3,950 to AU$14,500*.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$313 maximum fee for 2021.
- Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Annual fee adjustment
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.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
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.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
Paying your fees and applying for refunds
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available.
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?
The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package.
The fees in the table below apply to students commencing their program in 2021. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Each course (subject) falls into a band. 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 2021 for commencing students
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2021 |
|---|---|
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture |
$3,950 per standard year $493 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology |
$7,950 per standard year |
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science |
$11,300 per standard year |
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture |
$14,500 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 FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You 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 2021 is $313.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
The annual tuition fee for 2021 is AU$XX,XXX.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2021 commencement is AU$XXX,XXX.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.
Applying for refunds
Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.
Looking for answers or more general infomation?
For frequently asked questions or how to find more information regarding applications and enrolments, fees, student support services, university policies and more, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions.