What is Social Science?
Are you passionate about social issues and looking for a career that makes an impact in a changing world?
Studying one of the many social sciences equips you with the skills to drive positive change to shape a better future for all.
At UNSW, social science is more than a single discipline – it’s a collection of study areas that explore the way humans interact, organise and give meaning to things, in everything from politics and global development to international studies and languages. It’s a fascinating and diverse area of study with myriad career opportunities, so let’s dive in.
What social science is and is not
The term ‘social science’ is often confused with other fields of science, such as psychology, medicine and sociology, and non-science fields of study including humanities and social work. But there’s a simple and powerful distinction that sets it apart.
Social science is commonly understood as the study (science) of society (social). It explores the meaning that human beings give to their experiences and seeks to understand the challenges and conflicts in the world.
At UNSW, social science is not limited to a single study area. We acknowledge that there are numerous social sciences that endeavour to understand human behaviour in various contexts. The social sciences expand beyond the study of societies and interpersonal relationships to consider how power operates at the highest levels of government to the most mundane facets of everyday life.
The social sciences are critical for understanding the big issues facing the world today, such as climate change, migration, gendered violence, poverty and war. The social sciences give us the tools to understand the political, international, social, environmental and economic challenges that affect society.
This far-reaching field of study helps to connect the dots between broad social forces and everyday experiences. Through the study of social sciences, we’re able to analyse the decisions and forces that shape actions at every level of society. This knowledge can be used to help drive positive social, political and cultural change.
The social sciences at UNSW include numerous areas of study, including:
- Economics
- Environmental humanities
- Gender studies
- Geographical studies
- Global development
- Humanitarian engineering
- Human resource management
- Indigenous studies
- Innovation, strategy & entrepreneurship
- International business
- International studies
- Marketing
- Media, culture & technology
- Languages
- Politics & international relations
- Sociology & anthropology
Why study a social science degree?
Social scientists develop a deep understanding of the world and use their knowledge about human behaviour and society to inform public debate and shape the policies that guide society.
By studying a social science degree, you’ll build comprehensive knowledge, analytical skills and hands-on experiences to propel your social science career forward. Whether you’re interested in politics, social relations, climate change, public health, sustainability or indigenous issues, a degree in the social sciences has something for you.
The critical thinking, research and writing skills you develop as a social scientist are also highly valued in many roles, including in government, the NGO sector and business.
Social science careers
Whether you’re interested in policy development, advocacy, advisory or social research jobs, social science degree holders can access a broad range of career opportunities.
Social science careers
With a social science degree, jobs and career opportunities include:
- Advocate
- Campaign manager
- Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade official
- Government relations assistant
- International business consultant
- Local government official
- Non-government organisation official
- Policy analyst
- Political adviser
- Political journalist
- Project officer
- Program manager
- Research consultant
- Research officer
- Tourism and trade adviser
- United Nations official
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There are many options to study social science courses at UNSW, including a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD.
UNSW offers a Bachelor of Social Sciences, a three-year undergraduate degree that can be studied by itself or as part of a double degree combined with:
To further your skills in analytical thinking and research, you can study a Master of Social Science in fields such as International Relations, Development Studies and Public Policy and Governance. UNSW also offers a Master of Arts & Social Sciences (Combined) in which you can study two fields at the same time.
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What is social science?
Social science is the study of society. It investigates how people behave in their society and how societies work. From social systems and institutions to culture and community, social science shows us how people behave and influence the world.
At UNSW, we see the social sciences as a collection of disciplines – each exploring the various ways humans give meaning to their experiences, the way power is distributed and disseminated, and the ways in which we seek to understand the challenges and conflicts in the world. The social sciences can be explored through various study areas, from sociology and social work to global development and international relations.
Why study a Bachelor of Social Sciences?
Social scientists develop a deep understanding of the world and use their knowledge about human behaviour and society to inform public debate and shape the policies that affect society.
By studying a social science degree, you’ll build the comprehensive knowledge and analytical skills alongside practical experiences you need to propel your social science career forward.
What Social Sciences jobs are available for graduates?
With a Bachelor of Social Sciences, jobs are available in many sectors, including in government, the NGO sector and business. Whether you’re interested in economics, climate change, the law, public health, sustainability, public safety, indigenous issues, business, language or history, a degree in social sciences has something for just about everyone.
Want to find out more about our Bachelor of Social Sciences?
If you have any questions about studying at UNSW or how you can make your studies work for you, contact us below. We’re here to help.