Why Bachelor of Arts?
Develop the ability to think and act ethically, compassionately, and creatively in a diverse and changing world.
Sociology seeks to understand, on a deep level, how people interact with each other and why groups, communities and societies are structured in certain ways.
Through our Bachelor of Arts majoring in Sociology, you’ll develop a deep understanding of complex human social systems and build the ability to ‘think big’ to influence positive social change.
You'll develop core skills in critical thinking, high level communication and research. This unique blend of skills is in demand by a variety of industries – from healthcare and public health, education, criminal justice, community development, government and more.
Overview
Our Bachelor of Arts majoring in Sociology will prepare you with the knowledge and skills to think and act ethically, compassionately, and creatively to make social change.
Majoring in Sociology, you’ll consider what tears societies apart, develop insights into social inequalities, examine moral panics, social crises, key social institutions and the impacts of technology on socialisation.
Highly flexible, you can select a second major and tailor your studies to your specific interests and ambitions. You’ll also develop core skills in critical thinking, high level communication and sociological approaches to research.
You’ll also put your learning into practice through an industry internship with an organisation relevant to your interests and future career goals.
Key features
Develop the knowledge and skills to influence social change.- Study a responsive and evolving discipline.
- Choose a second major to support your strengths and interests.
- Create a unique degree and graduate with multi- and interdisciplinary expertise.
- Enjoy enhanced flexibility from your first year through a wide range of elective choices.
- Undertake professional internships and connect with community and industry.
What you'll learn
Through our Bachelor of Arts majoring in Sociology, you’ll examine key sociological theories and the influence they have on contemporary social issues. Future-focused, you’ll explore the transformative power of society and build an understanding of how sociology can be a catalyst for positive social change.
You’ll delve into structural and cultural differences such as gender and ethnicity and the role these play in social inequalities.
Through a critical lens, you’ll consider topical moral panics and social crises and develop an understanding of key social institutions and the powers that shape them.
Additionally, you’ll examine the impact of technology on social life and analyse futures in the making across various social domains.
You'll also study core courses focused on developing the core skills employers look for – ensuring you graduate digitally literate and with the ability to collaborate, problem-solve and think creatively.
In final year, you’ll undertake an internship in an organisation aligned to your interests and future career ambitions.
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
- 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 48 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
The Social Life of Technology
|
Course code
POLI3005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
What Tears Societies Apart
|
Course code
POLI3006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Imagining New Social Worlds
|
Course code
POLI3007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
The Remarkable Power of Society: An Introduction to Sociology
|
Course code
SOCI1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Making Sense of Societies: Sociology in Practice
|
Course code
SOCI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Social Disadvantage in an Unequal World
|
Course code
SOCI2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Think Big: Changing the World Through Social Theory
|
Course code
SOCI2008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Mediating Social Life
|
Course code
SOCI2005
|
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
Anthropology
|
Course code
ANTHBARTS
|
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
Creative Writing
|
Course code
CREWBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
English Literature
|
Course code
ENGLBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Management
|
Course code
ENVMBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
French Studies
|
Course code
FRENBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Geography
|
Course code
GEOGBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
German Studies
|
Course code
GERMBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Chinese Studies
|
Course code
CHINBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Cultural Studies
|
Course code
CULTBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Gender and Sexuality Studies
|
Course code
GENDBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
History
|
Course code
HISTBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
International Development
|
Course code
INTDBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
International Security
|
Course code
INTSBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Italian Studies
|
Course code
ITALBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Japanese Studies
|
Course code
JAPNBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
|
Course code
LINGBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Philosophy
|
Course code
PHILBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Politics
|
Course code
POLIBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Population and Migration Studies
|
Course code
POPUBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Screen Studies
|
Course code
SCRNBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Spanish Studies
|
Course code
SPANBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Social Research and Policy Analysis
|
Course code
SOCRBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Kaurna Languages
|
Course code
KAURBARTS
|
Units
48
|
Career outcomes
Our Bachelor of Arts majoring in Sociology equips you with a versatile skillset, transferrable to a wide range of careers aligned with your values and interests.
You could work in social services or community-based organisations, providing support and advocacy for individuals and families in need. Maybe you’ll conduct research on healthcare disparities and help shape public health initiatives. Or perhaps you’ll lead diversity and inclusion initiatives for a large organisation.
Dynamic careers are available in a wide range of industries, including:
- Charities
- Criminal justice
- Government
- Human resources
- Humanitarian work
- International development
- Project management
- Social development and policy
- Research
- Welfare or social services.
Industry trends
Over the next 10 years it is predicted that 92% of new jobs created will require post-secondary education (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024). With the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI), now, more than ever, employers are seeking a workforce with high level communication and problem-solving skills, creativity, adaptability and leadership capabilities. As an arts graduate with a major in sociology you will be well placed to meet the demands of the future labour-force.
Ready to apply?
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.
