Prerequisites: Any General or Applied English subject (Units 3&4, C)
English Requirements
English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:
A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
OR a minimum score of 575 on TOEFL
OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.
English test results must be no more than two years old.
Social science applies the 'science' of research and analysis to the world’s complex 'social' problems such as sustainability, equity, and diversity, to create positive change.
You’ll study some of society’s most intriguing issues along with the techniques to analyse them and devise break-through solutions. You’ll be equipped to combine your hard knowledge of world issues with advanced data analysis techniques. You’ll develop the knowledge to select the appropriate tools and methodologies for the issues you’re working on, along with the communication skills to collate and present your findings to decision-makers, to enable evidence-based solutions that can positively transform society.
Climate change is an example of a contemporary challenge that can’t be solved by 'pure' science alone. Solutions will come from people who can not only interpret the data but also understand the need for social impact studies, policy development, and effective public communication. Social scientists work in these intersecting spaces, which is why they are in high-demand across government departments, creative industries, political parties, the business sector, in think tanks and non-government organisations (NGOs).
You don’t need prior knowledge of statistical research methods as you’ll study core courses that will develop your skills in analysing social policy and data, along with your two majors. Each of the majors represents a different perspective on the challenges of the future and allow you to develop areas of expertise that can open doors to a broad range of careers. There are also opportunities to undertake an internship in an area of your interest, and join a global study tour.
Majors
You can choose two of the following majors:
Economics
Environmental Sustainability
Global Security Threats
Media, Communication and Social Change
Politics in Asia
Social Justice
Economics: If you want an expert insight into why the Australian dollar fluctuates or what caused the Global Financial Crisis, this major is the ideal choice. You’ll gain an understanding of the big financial issues facing societies and learn how governments make decisions about what to spend on complex issues such as the environment, healthcare, infrastructure and resources. You’ll also learn how markets work, and how businesses make decisions about pricing, staffing and responding to competition.
Environmental Sustainability: Environmental sustainability is the world’s biggest issue. This major is not about the ‘hard science’ of the environment, but instead explores the key social and policy issues behind the need for sustainable management of our planet’s finite resources. In this major you’ll study environmental politics, climate change policy, the economics of natural resources, and environmental ethics and culture.
Global Security Threats: If you’re interested in developing future-focused solutions to some of the world’s most complex challenges, this major is for you. You’ll be exposed to a stimulating array of international issues, including conflict and forced displacement, terrorism and political violence, Islam-West relations, cybercrime, energy security, and the environment. You'll gain a critical understanding of underlying causes, underpinned by a foundational course in World History.
Media, Communication and Social Change: In the information age, the ways we communicate - and are communicated to - are diverse and ever changing. The ability to understand and manipulate communications is crucial to creating change. Producing, interpreting and analysing communications are not only desirable skills, but fascinating areas of study. This major covers such topics as, the power of mass and social media, journalism, public relations, discourse analysis, new communication technologies, political spin, and the global spread of English.
Politics in Asia: This major harnesses Griffith’s internationally recognised strengths in politics and Asian studies. You’ll develop a deep understanding of the political, cultural, economic and social dimensions of the Asian region. Topics include the rise of China, global security, the interconnection of business and politics, the role of international organisations, and Australia’s place in the region.
Social Justice: This major is for those who are motivated by the fundamental question, ‘What makes a fair society?’ and are passionate about fighting for a better world. Social justice refers to the idea that all people deserve equal and fair opportunities and treatment. By specialising in this area, you’ll explore contemporary hot topics such as human rights, indigenous history and disadvantage, gender and crime, domestic violence, youth justice, power and politics and the administration of the law.
CRICOS CODE: 094392A
More Info: Click here
Year 1
You must complete the following courses:
Introduction to Social Science - 1710LHS
Understanding the Social World - 1007LHS
Introduction to Environmental Sustainability - 1043SCG
Free-choice elective
OR
Language and Communication for Arts and Social Sciences - 5904LHS (see Note 1)
Introduction to Psychology 2 - 1002PSY
Research Methods for Social Science - 1712LHS
Foundation courses for majors
Note 1: Students required to undertake the English Language Enhancement course must complete 5904LHS.
Year 2
You must complete the following courses:
Public Policy for Change - 2111LHS
Major courses (see Note 1)
Social Data Analytics - 2116LHS
Note 1: Students must complete two 60 credit point majors to meet degree requirements. You must ensure that a minimum of 20 credit points in each major are at level 3 or higher. Your foundation courses for the majors are not counted in this 60 credit points.
Year 3
You must complete the following courses:
Community Internship and Partnerships for SDGs - 3002LFC
Major courses (see Note 1)
Social Science in Action (Capstone) - 3711LHS
Note 1: Students must complete two 60 credit point majors to meet degree requirements. You must ensure that at least 20 credit points in each major are at level 3 or higher. Your foundation courses for the majors are not counted in this 60 credit points.
Foundation courses for majors
Why Money Matters - 1006GBS
Global Environmental Challenges - 1444ENV (Environmental Sustainability major) (not offered in 2021)
World History - 1117LHS (Global Security Threats major)
Communication: Theory and Scholarship - 1511LHS (Media, Communication and Social Change major)
Understanding Asia - 1008IBA (Politics in Asia major) (not offered from 2021)
OR
Globalisation, the Asia-Pacific and Australia - 1003GIR (offered at Nathan) (Politics in Asia major)
Law Government and Criminal Justice - 1003CCJ (Social Justice major) (Tri 3 online only)
Free-choice electives
You may select free-choice electives from the list below or any Undergraduate free-choice elective/s offered across the University provided prerequisites are met. If you require guidance, please liaise with your Program Director.
Modernising Asia - 1004IBA (not offered from 2022)
Communicating Across Asia - 1009IBA (not offered from 2021)
OR
Engaging Asia: Developing Cultural Competence - 2047IBA
Introduction to Politics - 1101GIR
Communication and Culture - 1506LHS
Islam in the Modern World - 1603LHS
Foundations of Western Culture - 1705LHS (not offered from 2019)
OR
Global Humanities - 1706LHS (not offered from 2021)
Work and Employability - 1001EHR (not offered from 2021)
OR
The Future of Work - 1007GBS
Understanding Asia - 1008IBA (not offered from 2021)
OR
Understanding Asia: From Silk to Belt Roads - 2048IBA
Introduction to Marketing - 1003MKT (not offered from 2021)
OR
Business Decision-Making - 1008GBS
Economics for Decision Making 1 - 1303AFE (not offered from 2022)
Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice - 1013CCJ
Law Government and Criminal Justice - 1003CCJ (Tri 3 online only)
Globalisation, the Asia-Pacific and Australia - 1003GIR
Transforming Asian Economies - 1013IBA (not offered from 2020)
World History - 1117LHS
Approaches to Human Security - 1213LHS
Global Environmental Challenges - 1444ENV (not offered in 2021)
Introduction to Public Relations - 1510LHS (not offered from 2019)
OR
Introduction to Communication and Journalism - 1505LHS
Foundations of Academic Writing - 1019LHS (online only)
Dangerous Pleasures: An Introduction to Literary Studies - 1016LHS
Economics: You will be prepared for work in government, NGOs, the finance sector or large business organisations. You’ll be equipped to take on roles analysing and interpreting the interaction between markets, the environment, the health sector, transport, financial policy developments and decision-making, and the impact of global conditions on the national economy.
Environmental Sustainability: You will be prepared for work in environmental science communication, environmental management and planning, policy development, environmental sustainability advocacy (in agriculture, industry, and natural resources), social and economic environmental impact analysis, and climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Global Security Threats: You will be prepared for work as an analyst, community advocate, liaison or leader, policy developer (in analysis and evaluation), research officer, corporate strategy officer, or risk adviser.
Media, Communication and Social Change: You will be prepared for work as a communications officer, social policy researcher, speech writer, media liaison, public relations consultant, social media analyst or other roles where you’re required to analyse, evaluate and interpret communication strategies or writing across diverse genres and on various platforms.
Politics in Asia: You will be prepared for roles that provide advice to government, business leaders and NGOs in areas such as Asian economic, environment and social policy, regional relationships, regional development, Asian political structures, East-Asian political economy and trade relations.
Social Justice: You will be prepared for work in NGOs, government and business as a consultant, change manager, advocate, development officer, educator, evaluator, market analyst, market or social researcher, or policy analyst.
OSHC: 609 ($) AUD per year