The three year Bachelor of Social Science degree at Edith Cowan University is intended to broaden students' understanding of themselves, their community and society as well as prepare them for work as policy makers, managers and practitioners within the community/public service sector. 

Students can choose to take a Major in Children and Family Studies; Counselling and Psychotherapy; Human Services; Social Science; or Youth Work.  Depending on the Major selected, all students will study a minimum of ten (10) core Social Science units.  Students may combine their Major with other areas of study in the university.

The specialist Major in Human Services consists of two complimentary streams being social science and social work. The social work units are undertaken in year three and include a 45 Credit Point social work Field Placement. The combination of these two complimentary streams of study provide the graduate with a seamless transition into the Bachelor of Social Work degree.

Standard university admission requirements apply.

Award requirements

Students enrolling in the Bachelor of Social Science must complete a total of 360 credit points and may complete no more than 150 credit points at year One level.  The course structure consists of the following elements:

1. Core Units: All students are required to undertake a minimum of ten (10) Core Social Science units. The units to be undertaken are determined by the Major selected by the Student.

2. Major Units: Each Major has a set of compulsory units. The units to be undertaken are determined by the Major selected by the Student.

3. Supplementary program of study, consisting of a Minor area of study or six (6) electives depending on the Major selected.

Note:  

All selections are subject to availability and to standard University and Course Rules.

Semester requirements

In each semester, full-time students will normally complete 60 credit points:

Students normally complete first level units before advanced level units.  Any Unit Pre-requisites must be met.

Selecting an individual course of study within the Bachelor of Social Science

The Bachelor of Social Science has been designed with great flexibility, to provide students with an excellent range of choices whist still maintaining a coherent program. The selection of units within the program is subject to availability and normal University and Faculty rules.

The Bachelor of Social Science provides a pathway into the Bachelor of Social Work program. The Major in Human Services includes a social work stream within the Major providing students with a seamless entry into Social Work program upon graduation of their Social Science degree. This flexible approach does mean students need to take great care in selecting an individual program of study, which fulfils the course requirements. Students are advised to consult with the School Student Support Officer or a relevant Course Coordinator in planning their course.