斯威本科技大学

This course is delivered through Swinburne Online. Swinburne Online delivers Swinburne University of Technology programs designed to meet the needs of those who are unable to undertake on-campus study. These programs have been specifically designed for online delivery and support.

The Bachelor of Social Science course gives students a broad and coherent body of Social Science knowledge in the area of either Criminology, Security and International Relations, Security and Counter Terrorism or Behavioural Studies. The Criminology major combines science and psychology studies to help understand the social and personal motivations for offending. The Security and International Relations major focuses on issues surrounding human rights and the ethical issues of security and international relations. The Security and Counter Terrorism major focuses on human rights and the ethical issues surrounding security and counter terrorism policy. Students examine the changing nature of warfare and its justification in the context of the post-9/11 security environment. The Behavioural Studies major provides students with a foundation understanding of human behaviour and mental well-being, and how these can be applied to issues in health and community sectors.

Career opportunities

As employers are increasingly seeking people with well-developed generic skills, in addition to professional competencies, the Bachelor of Social Science firmly prepares students for professional work after graduation. Moreover, the combined focus on generic skills and sound academic and professional knowledge within this degree equips students for a lifelong process of personal development.

Future career areas include roles that: implement strategies and policies for correction programs and crime prevention; investigate victim support, community safety, and rehabilitation; provide guidance and support within child protection, human resources, community health support teams; and examine the role of technology in crime, terrorism and warfare in culturally diverse global environments.

Career opportunities for graduates include child protection officer, community health worker, human resources support. Among other opportunities, graduates may find employment in government departments including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Defence, the Australian Border Force, and the Attorney-General’s office.

Alternatively, graduates may pursue research and further studies in international studies, security studies or the social sciences as part of one of several graduate awards available at Swinburne, including Masters and Doctoral degrees.

Aims and objectives

Students who successfully complete the Bachelor of Social Science will be able to: systematically review and critically evaluate research from a variety of sources to inform their knowledge and conceptual understandings in the social sciences; formulate arguments that are fit for purpose and demonstrate an understanding of the relevant theories and evidence in their areas of disciplinary expertise; critically analyse information to generate creative solutions to solve complex problems in the social sciences; define and integrate theoretical principles and apply these in their disciplinary areas of expertise; apply knowledge and skills with responsibility and accountability for their own learning and practice, individually and in collaboration with others; interpret and communicate ideas, problems and arguments in modes suitable to a range of audiences using a range of media; coherently articulate a line of reasoning demonstrating cultural sensitivity and apply a framework to analyse and offer solutions to ethical dilemmas in local and international contexts.