Why Bachelor of Arts?
Do you dream of making the world a better place?
Make your dream a reality by exploring the potential for policy and evidence to make positive social change.
Analyse contemporary social challenges such as poverty, gambling, housing/homelessness, affordability of education and domestic violence – and consider current public debates on these issues.
Understand the influence of different forms of evidence in shaping policy. Learn how to design surveys to help answer elusive social questions.
With a major in Social Research and Policy Analysis, you’ll graduate with in-demand skills. Through understanding research and policy, you’ll be equipped to make the world a better place.
Overview
The Bachelor of Arts majoring in Social Research and Policy Analysis at Adelaide University has been specifically designed to prepare graduates to meet the growing skills shortage in the areas of social research, policy analysis and data analytics.
You'll gain specific expertise related to the field, and broad, transferable skills that will carry you throughout your working life.
You’ll explore policy within Australia and beyond, focusing on contemporary social issues. You’ll learn how different forms of evidence can inform policy development, and how it can be used to address some of the biggest social problems of our time.
During your degree, you’ll build essential critical thinking, problem-solving, communication and collaboration skills. Through real-world learning and internship opportunities specific to the field, you’ll be well-prepared to enter the workforce.
Key features
Develop a sound understanding of contemporary social issues. - Build the skills to drive real social change.
- Learn from inspiring scholars.
- Explore your interests with a double major.
- Tailor your degree with a broad range of elective choices.
- Graduate job-ready with in-demand skills and knowledge.
What you'll learn
In this in-depth degree, you'll explore contemporary social issues and evaluate complex social policy. You'll learn how to do field research, gathering the facts needed to shape policies and programs.
From your first year, you'll have the opportunity to choose a second major, so you can develop knowledge in two distinct but complementary disciplines.
Specific topics in first year will analyse contemporary social problems, critique social policy and introduce the fundamentals of social research.
Your second year will explore the principles of social policy and dig deeper into social research methods, with focused study in both quantitative and qualitative methods.
In the third year you'll explore solutions for an equitable future and develop the skills to advocate for evidence-based policy. You'll also build skills in participatory research methods widely used by governments and industry groups.
Each year of your degree offers work integrated learning opportunities with the freedom to investigate sectors aligned with your interests. In your final year, you'll undertake a mentored internship with a networking focus.
Majors
The Bachelor of Arts is also available with majors in the following:
- Aboriginal Studies
- Archaeology and Classical Studies
- Art History and Visual Culture
- Anthropology
- Chinese Studies
- Cultural Studies
- Creative Writing
- English Literature
- Environmental Management
- French Studies
- Gender and Sexuality Studies
- Geography
- German Studies
- History
- International Development
- International Security
- Italian Studies
- Japanese Studies
- Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
- Philosophy
- Politics
- Population and Migration Studies
- Screen Studies
- Sociology
- Spanish Studies.
What courses you'll study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 18 units for Core courses, and
- 96 units for 2 Majors from Majors, and
- 18 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 12 units for all Electives
Complete 18 units comprising:
- 18 units from Common core
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
An Ethically Rich Life
|
Course code
COREX001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fact or Fiction: Data for Everyone
|
Course code
COREX002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Igniting Change: Ideas to Action
|
Course code
COREX003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Proppa Ways, Future Practice
|
Course code
COREX004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Responsible AI: Bridging Ethics, Education and Industry
|
Course code
COREX005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ways of Being, Ways of Seeing
|
Course code
COREX006
|
Units
6
|
Complete exactly 48 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Using Big Data for Economic and Social Problems
|
Course code
ECON1006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fundamentals of Social Research
|
Course code
POLI1006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
The Anatomy of Social Problems: Social Critique and Policy
|
Course code
SOCI1006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Principles of Social Policy
|
Course code
POLI2003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Qualitative Methods in Social Research
|
Course code
SOCI2100
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Quantitative Methods in Social Science Research
|
Course code
SOCI2101
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introductory Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
|
Course code
SOCI2301
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Policy Solutions for Equitable Futures
|
Course code
POLI3008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Policy Monitoring and Evaluation
|
Course code
POLI3009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Choices, Models, and Morals
|
Course code
POLI3010
|
Units
6
|
Complete 18 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 1
|
Course code
SOCI1007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
Units
6
|
Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Elective 1
|
Course code
AUXX1011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Elective 2
|
Course code
AUXX1012
|
Units
6
|
Complete one Major from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Aboriginal Studies
|
Course code
ABORBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Archaeology and Classical Studies
|
Course code
ARCYBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Art History and Visual Culture
|
Course code
ARTHBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Anthropology
|
Course code
ANTHBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Criminology and Criminal Justice
|
Course code
CRIMBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
|
Course code
LINGBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Cultural Studies
|
Course code
CULTBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
International Development
|
Course code
INTDBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
English Literature
|
Course code
ENGLBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Creative Writing
|
Course code
CREWBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Gender and Sexuality Studies
|
Course code
GENDBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Population and Migration Studies
|
Course code
POPUBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
French Studies
|
Course code
FRENBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Screen Studies
|
Course code
SCRNBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Spanish Studies
|
Course code
SPANBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
German Studies
|
Course code
GERMBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Sociology
|
Course code
SOCIBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Management
|
Course code
ENVMBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Italian Studies
|
Course code
ITALBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Japanese Studies
|
Course code
JAPNBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Politics
|
Course code
POLIBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
International Security
|
Course code
INTSBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Philosophy
|
Course code
PHILBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Chinese Studies
|
Course code
CHINBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Geography
|
Course code
GEOGBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
History
|
Course code
HISTBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Kaurna Languages
|
Course code
KAURBARTS
|
Units
48
|
Career outcomes
As a Bachelor of Arts graduate, your broad and deep knowledge will open doors to a wide range of career opportunities.
Your social research and policy analysis expertise will equip you for employment at all levels of government and will be particularly sought after in the areas of public engagement, research and policy development.
You could find jobs in the third sector – such as in not-for-profits or organisations with a specific policy focus like the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition or Shelter SA. You might also consider working in human resources within the private sector.
Industry trends
Australia is currently experiencing a skills shortage in the area of quantitative literacy and data analytics, meaning graduates of this program with these skills will be in high demand (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2023).
Additionally, increasing social challenges across areas such as climate change, healthcare, housing, disability, economic disadvantage and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights will continue to drive demand for skilled graduates with broad understanding in these areas.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
