University of Wollongong

Bachelor of Social Science

Nationally Recognised Higher Education

Social Science looks at why and how we live the way we do. The social sciences look at society and social behaviour to understand, explain and change human behaviour to positively transform the lives of individuals, families and communities.

Social Scientists work in diverse social environments to identify issues and develop strategies for solutions to social problems. Nationally and globally there is a demand for social scientists who are able to understand the complex and changing needs of societies in the face of technological, economic and social changes that constantly affect the smallest of communities to the largest of continents.

The UOW Bachelor of Social Science degree embeds Indigenous knowledge’s and content, and subjects that will develop your understanding of social inequalities impacting on the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities. You will also be provided with career ready experiences throughout the degree to prepare you for a changing world of work.

Delivery mode

University of Wollongong offers this course through the following delivery modes:

On campus

Work with instructors and classmates in a supportive and collaborative environment.


Locations
  • Northfields Ave, Wollongong
  • George Evans Rd, West Nowra

Entry requirements

Domestic Students

  • There are no mandated entry requirements.

RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION ADMISSION CRITERIA

Recent secondary education students can gain admission to this course via non-ATAR or ATAR-based options.

NON-ATAR ADMISSION OPTIONS

Non-ATAR admissions at UOW take an individual approach to understanding potential for academic success. Each student is assessed based on key qualities across academic readiness, motivation & passion, planning & persistence, and communication & collaboration.

  • Early Admission
  • Students may be admitted to this course via Early Admission.

  • Access UOW
  • A vast array of experiences and circumstances can impact on your high school studies. Our AccessUOW scheme gives you the opportunity to have your individual circumstances and your achievement in HSC subjects that relate to your chosen degree recognized as part of your application.

    Once you have applied for your UOW degree through UAC, you’ll automatically be assessed for AccessUOW. A range of personal factors will be taken into account, including your geographical location, the school you attended, whether you identify as having a disability, and whether you identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. If you fit the criteria for AccessUOW, we will look at your final Year 12 subject results and be in touch to conduct an interview to get to know you and assess your application.

  • Portfolio Admission
  • Students may gain admission to UOW on the basis of an interview and completed portfolio that meets the Australian Qualifications Framework, including portfolios from a Big Picture Education Australia school..

  • Woolyungah Indigenous Centre’s Indigenous Admissions Program
  • IAP is an alternative pathway for Indigenous Australians over the age of 17, who are seeking entry into an undergraduate course at UOW. Students who have completed the IAP will be considered for admission into this course after an application and interview where both academic and non-academic qualities are assessed.

ATAR-BASED ADMISSION OPTIONS

Guaranteed entry selection ranks

Entry to this course can be gained with:

  • Minimum ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank)
  • International Baccalaureate (IB)
  • Interstate equivalent (such as Victoria’s ENTER or Queensland OP)
  • Results in an overseas qualification deemed equivalent to Australian year 12

The minimum score for guaranteed entry (or for consideration if this course has limited places) is an ATAR-Selection Rank of 70 or an IB of 25. This includes the effect of adjustment factors.

Adjustment factors

Adjustment factors, such as the subjects you are studying, the area in which you live or equity and access schemes, are taken into consideration and these will be combined with your ATAR to adjust your selection rank and make it higher than your ATAR. Find out more about UOW's adjustment factors.

ASSUMED KNOWLEDGE AND RECOMMENDED STUDIES

The University assumes students will have studied any 2 units of English.

OTHER ADMISSION CRITERIA

  • VOCATIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING
  • Applicants who have completed a minimum of an AQF Certificate IV will be considered for admission to this degree. Your grades will be converted to a selection rank, in order for UOW to assess whether you meet the minimum ATAR-SR (which is stated above).

  • HIGHER EDUCATION STUDY
  • For your application to be assessed on your university results, you need to have completed at least half a year of full-time study (or part-time equivalent) at a Bachelor's degree level or higher. Your grades will be converted to a selection rank to be used for admission purposes. Students may also be eligible for credit for prior learning.

  • WORK & LIFE EXPERIENCE
  • Admission to UOW is based on your academic qualifications, and generally your work or life experience is not taken into account. Students wishing to undertake this course but who do not meet academic requirements are advised to apply for a pathway program that UOW recognizes, such as a UOW College pathway program, or the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (for people over 21 years of age by 1 March in the year of enrolment) or the TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate (TPC).

Additional requirements may apply.

Course fees

Estimated Fee* Unavailable
* Fees are indicative only and vary based on your circumstances and eligibility for government funding.
Study mode On Campus
Duration 3 Years
Estimated fee* Unavailable

Career opportunities

The Bachelor of Social Science will prepare you for the following roles.

About University of Wollongong

UOW is young, dynamic and innovative, and has become a benchmark for Australia’s new generation of universities.

The quality of our teaching and research features prominently in national and international rankings, and we’re proud to be among the top one per cent of universities in the world.

Harnessing our expertise and strength to create positive impact in our local and global communities is at the forefront of everything we do and shapes our University’s purpose for the years to come.

We’re globally recognised for delivering impactful research that drives positive change. UOW ranks equal 70th among the world’s universities for social and economic impact in the THE Impact rankings, which are benchmarked against the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals.

In addition to our research impact, we produce some of the world’s most employable graduates, by anticipating emergent industries and future jobs to prepare them for the future of work. Our graduates are ethical, mobile, technologically literate, and ready for multicultural workplaces.

Through our researchers, students, graduates and staff, we’re working towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all. Now, more than ever, it’s our responsibility to continue to use our knowledge and influence for the betterment of society.