What are the Social Sciences and why are they important?

The social sciences examine collective and individual human behaviour from a scientific point of view. As such, they generate knowledge to address the pressing problems of our times – poverty and inequality; the environmental crisis; racism, tribalism, sexism, and xenophobia (to name a few). In contrast to the simplistic slogans and “quick fixes” that dominate the media, the social sciences thrive on rigorous research and informed dialogue. If we are going to create a world in which all humanity can thrive, then we will do so, in large part, by promoting the values of social science and training good social scientists.

What is a Bachelor of Social Sciences (BSocSci) and why should I pursue this degree?

A Bachelor of Social Sciences (BSocSci) degree is an academic qualification, indicating that the recipient is competent in the core skills of a social scientist. These skills include the ability to think critically and develop nuanced arguments about the social world. The BSocSci, therefore, is necessary training for many socially engaged professions and will be valuable to individuals who wish “to make a difference” in any walk of life.

Career prospects

Social scientists tend to specialise in different fields (e.g., Anthropology, Criminology, Industrial Psychology, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology) to address many of the world's most pressing problems. Various institutions, organisations, businesses, and countries enlist the expertise of social scientists to deal with the issues that individuals and groups encounter daily.

Thus, the aim of the BSocSci degree is to develop social scientists who are experts in, and scholars of, human society and social relationships. This degree is thus valuable in careers where knowledge of people, relationships and societies is important, typically in urban and rural planning, human resources management, the diplomatic services, community development, the police service, correctional services, the public sector, non-governmental organisations, social services, analyst services, recruitment, and social and market research.

Two possibilities are available for admission:

BSocSci three-year degree (Mainstream):

The BSocSci degree is a general formative degree to be completed over three years. Students must choose two major subjects that will be completed over three years, one minor subject that will be completed for two years, and one elective subject that will be completed for one year. Requirements for the BSocSci three year programme are:

• AP score of 30+
• Achievement level 4 (50%) for the school-leaving examination in English
• National Senior Certificate (Matriculation exemption)

BSocSci four-year degree (Extended programme):

The four-year BSocSci degree and the three-year BSocSci degree are equivalent qualifications and differ in terms of course duration. Students are required to complete additional development modules in the four-year BSocSci degree. Requirements for the BSocSci four year programme are:

• AP-score of 25-29
• Achievement level 4 (50%) for the school-leaving examination in English
• National Senior Certificate (Matriculation exemption)

BSocSci students registered before or during 2020:
Read this document for more information about the different modules and academic plans

BSocSci students registered after 2021:
Read this document for more information about the different modules and the academic plan