Social Policy
UNDERGRADUATE MAJOR
A Social Policy major is concerned with the study of a range of policies which affect the social and economic welfare of individuals, families and broader social groupings. The study of social policy enables students to develop an understanding of the arrangements and principles underpinning the provision and administration of social policies and can lead to careers in both government and non-government organisations. Policy areas studied can include: income support, work and unemployment, health, housing, family and children's services, youth, policies for the aged, health policies, policies for women, indigenous and multicultural policies, urban and regional development.
Studies in Social Policy at the University of Sydney are concerned with the history and contemporary institutions and practices of Australian social policies; comparative studies of policies in other countries; and the principles of social policy.
Study plan
36 senior credit points in Sociology or Social Policy, including SCPL2601 Australian Social Policy, SCPL2602 The Principles of Social Policy, SCLG2611 Welfare States: A Comparative Analysis, SCLG2601 Sociological Theory, either SCLG2602 Social Inquiry: Research Methods or SCLG3603 Quantitative Methods for Social Science. This is in addition to the first year requirements of SCLG1001 Introduction to Sociology 1 and SCLG1002 Introduction to Sociology 2, and the other junior and senior units required for your degree.
Graduate opportunities
Sydney Arts and Social Sciences graduates work in government departments at all levels, and major private sector consultancies and corporations, locally and overseas. The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences offers a range of subject areas that prepare graduates for careers in administration, education, business research, marketing, media, management consultancy, public relations, gallery and museum curatorship, hospitality and tourism, community and welfare. Our graduates are proficient in research and inquiry, and demonstrate personal and intellectual autonomy, and ethical, social and professional understanding, qualities sought after by leading employers all over the world.
Further study for major
Eligible candidates may proceed to an Honours year in the Bachelor of Arts, or apply for admission to a rich postgraduate program in the humanities and social sciences, comprising advanced learning and professional courses. Master degrees include capstone projects ranging from internships with government and non-government organisations in Australia and overseas, the gallery and museum sector, and leading media organisations, to opportunities for independent research projects which prepare students for higher degrees by research.
Related subject areas
Sociology, Socio-Legal Studies