La Trobe University
Bachelor of Arts (Sociology)
Nationally Recognised Higher EducationThe Sociology major is concerned with the study of social life: the structural arrangements and cultural patterns that shape social action at the individual, group, and institutional levels. It examines the forces that shape individual character and the interactions between the individual and society from diverse socio-cultural, national and global perspectives. A Sociology major will provide you with the analytical and conceptual skills needed to diagnose today’s complex social problems, considering ethical implications and multiple perspectives.
You will study a wide range of topics in this major, including contemporary society and Australia in its global context, social policy, popular culture, inequality, migration and mobility, ethnicity and identity, relationships and emotions, health and mental illness, education and work, and urbanisation. These topics will develop your ability to examine social relationships and institutions, analyse inequality, conduct social research and interpret social policy. These skills will prepare you for a range of careers in the government and community sector, in research and education, and in media and communications.
Delivery mode
La Trobe University offers this course through the following delivery modes:
On campus
Work with instructors and classmates in a supportive and collaborative environment.
- Plenty Road, Bundoora, Melbourne
Entry requirements
Domestic Students
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Applicants with current or recent secondary education (within the last two years)
- VCE: Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL.
- HSC: One of English Standard, English Advanced (Band 2), English as an Additional Language or Dialect (Band 3).
Applicants can complete and submit a Personal Statement if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work or community experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.
Applicants seeking consideration via Work Recognition must complete all requirements listed on the La Trobe University and submit a Personal Statement, including relevant work experience and reasons for applying for this course.
Subject adjustments
- VCE: A study score of 25 in any Business, any Humanities, or any Science equals 4 aggregate points per study. A study score of 20 in any LOTE equals 4 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
- HSC: Applicants who successfully complete one of the following HSC or equivalent Year 12 subjects will have their selection rank increased by one point per study: Performance Band 3 in humanities, legal studies, psychology, any language other than English (Band 2), or theatre studies subject; English (Band 3). Overall, selection ranks can be increased by a maximum of five points.
Applicants with higher education study
Subject proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency equivalent to stated Year 12 prerequisites.
To be eligible for an offer of admission into the Bachelor of Arts at La Trobe University, an applicant must:
- Meet the stated criteria for Year 12 or Non-Year 12 admission, OR
- Successful completion of two of the following four Open Access Pathway subjects:
- LST1LOJ - LAW AND (DIS)ORDER
- SOC1SAC - SOCIETY AND CULTURE: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY
- ARC1THJ - THE HUMAN JOURNEY
- POL1SNS - STATES, SECURITY AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study
- Subject proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency equivalent to stated Year 12 prerequisites
Applicants with work and life experience
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice if you:
- Are not currently studying an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent)
- Have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or
- Do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program.
Course fees
For more information about this course and payment options please enquire now.
Career opportunities
The Bachelor of Arts (Sociology) will prepare you for the following roles.
Community Development Officer
Community Development Officers are employed by government organisations and non-profits to develop and deliver community-based programs for the ben...
Policy Analyst
A Policy Analyst provides advice and recommendations on policies affecting government departments, commercial businesses and not-for-profit organis...
Social Researcher
A Social Researcher investigates social issues, patterns, and trends to inform policy and practice. You might work in academic institutions, govern...
Sociologist
Sociologists are research professionals who study the way human behaviour impacts and shapes society. They apply their knowledge to real-world prob...
About La Trobe University
La Trobe is a university known for making a positive difference in the lives of our students, partners and communities. We will become an even more valued and relevant university because of the way we respond to their needs in this time of great local and national crisis.
Our aim is to emerge as a more resilient, future-focused and necessarily more efficient institution that will thrive in a post-COVID world by being more sharply focused on the needs of our community, and by playing to our strengths in teaching and research.
