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Nearly half of world leaders hold a social science degree*

Social Science explores big world issues, social change and lasting solutions. You'll study and debate some of society's most compelling challenges, along with the techniques to understand, analyse and solve them. It’s built around a tailored employability framework, so you’ll have the tools and experience to start building a successful and meaningful social science career, well before you graduate. You'll develop specialist knowledge in high-demand fields, selecting two majors from: social justice; global security threats; environmental sustainability; politics in Asia; economics; and media, communication and social change.

You’ll develop a deep understanding of society and be prepared to lead big changes.

*Academy of Social Science in Australia, 2017

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Frequently Unasked Questions

Got questions about uni life that only a student would know? Get the kind of answers you won’t find on a typical university FAQ page.

Find out more about Frequently Unasked Questions

Study social science at Griffith

Unlock both sides of your brain

Most careers use one side of your brain. Logic or creativity. Analysis or insight. Reason or imagination. But our Bachelor of Social Science taps your whole potential and unlocks both kinds of smarts, so you can really help shape the future. You'll be prepared to meet the global demand for social scientists who can understand and help solve the biggest problems facing our modern, high-tech societies. If you’re fascinated by human behaviour but don’t want to be a psychologist, or are intrigued by science and how things work, but aren't interested in lab work, a career in social science could be for you.

Social science is the perfect intersection between the scientific and the social and offers a fulfilling and financially rewarding career across a wide range of industries.

Start building a successful, meaningful career from your first year

From the second week of study, you’ll focus on your future employability, developing an e-portfolio and a career action plan and be assisted into internships by a dedicated Placement Officer. There are also opportunities to join a global study tour. You can customise your degree with two majors and free choice electives, and you can study full time or part time across our Nathan and Gold Coast campuses. At Griffith, you get the opportunity to quench your thirst for knowledge and make a real difference by influencing and leading public policy and helping individuals, communities and society.

Career outcomes

Find lasting solutions to social issues

The Bachelor of Social Science is a flexible, versatile and practical degree that can position graduates for many different career opportunities.

44% of world leaders and 67% of CEOs of ASX200 companies hold a social science degree (Academy of Social Science in Australia, 2017) and numerous private sector and government agencies employ social science graduates, drawing on their skills in policy development, data analysis, communications, social research and advocacy. As a graduate, your expertise will be sought in many different settings, from the public service to community agencies, advocacy and lobbying organisations, social activism and international aid organisations. You'll embark on your career with the solid foundation required to work across various rewarding professions, including jobs in:

  • Social policy development
  • Politics
  • Environmental sustainability
  • International aid
  • Foreign affairs and trade
  • Education and training
  • Economic analysis
  • Media and communications
  • Information management
  • Non-government organisations
  • Social enterprise
  • Corporate strategy
  • Security intelligence

Lia Ribeiro De Noronha

“Not everyone gets to say that within the first five minutes of almost every class they are completely immersed, fascinated and empowered. The Bachelor of Social Science was described to me as a degree that would hone both my left and right brain skills; it provides me the opportunity to do just that as I study both STEM and humanities and arts symbiotically. People often forget that skills such as creativity, critical thinking and collaboration are required across the board and this degree is providing me with learning opportunities to develop all of these.”

2017 School Captain, Indooroopilly State High

Harry Harding

Study options

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Degrees Campus OP
Bachelor of Arts Online
Bachelor of Arts Nathan
 15
Bachelor of Arts Gold Coast
 15
Bachelor of Asian Studies Nathan
 15
Bachelor of Communication (Honours) Gold Coast
Nathan
Bachelor of Government and International Relations Gold Coast
Nathan
 15
Bachelor of Government and International Relations (Honours) Nathan
Bachelor of Social Science Gold Coast
Nathan
 12
Graduate Certificate in International Relations Nathan
Master of International Relations Nathan
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Expand your qualifications and your career options with our range of double degrees. As a double degree graduate, you’ll have a special skill set that will help you stand out with future employers.

Double Degrees Campus OP
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Nathan
 15
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Gold Coast
 15
Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Asian Studies Nathan
 15
Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Asian Studies Nathan
 15
Bachelor of Government and International Relations/Bachelor of Asian Studies Nathan
 15
Bachelor of International Business/Bachelor of Government and International Relations Nathan
 15
Bachelor of International Business/Bachelor of Government and International Relations Gold Coast
 15
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Government and International Relations Gold Coast
Nathan

It is important to check the degree requirements including placement requirements, before you apply.

Scholarships

Over 600 Scholarships available.

Find out more about Scholarships

Career outcomes

Develop skills and strategies to find solutions to social issues

Social science is a flexible, versatile and practical degree that can position graduates for many different career opportunities

Numerous private sector and government agencies employ social science graduates, drawing on their skills in problem-solving, critical analysis, social research and advocacy. As a Griffith graduate, your expertise will be sought in many different settings, from the public service to community agencies, advocacy and lobbying organisations, social activism and international aid organisations. You'll embark on your career with the solid foundation required to work across various rewarding professions, including jobs in:

  • Advertising
  • Aid work
  • Education
  • Government
  • Media
  • Social policy analysis
  • Information management

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Life at Griffith

You can gain more than just a degree at Griffith. With plenty of opportunities to balance life and study, you can make memories and mates to last a lifetime.

Learn more about life at Griffith University

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News

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19 Dec 2019

New course to prepare future health communicators

Read more about New course to prepare future health communicators

26 Nov 2019

Griffith awarded New Colombo Plan mobility round funding for Pacific Islands projects

Read more about Griffith awarded New Colombo Plan mobility round funding for Pacific Islands projects

Key dates

View all key dates

Monday 28 October — Saturday 15 February

Trimester 3: Teaching and exams

Includes study and exam period from Monday 3 February to Saturday 15 February.

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Tuesday 28 January — Thursday 30 January

Mature Student Open Evenings

No matter whether you’re returning to university after a few years off, starting study for the first time or looking for a postgraduate degree to further your career, we can help you find the right study path.

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Monday 17 February — Friday 21 February

Trimester 1: Orientation

Get the right start and find out everything you need to know about starting at Griffith.

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Monday 24 February — Monday 24 February

Trimester 1: Teaching and exams

Includes study and exam period from Thursday 28 May to Friday 6 June.

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Friday 8 May — Saturday 9 May

Brisbane Careers and Employment Expo

Visit the Griffith University stand at the Brisbane Careers and Employment Expo to talk to our expert advisers about your study goals, life at Griffith, online study options and more.

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Monday 11 May — Thursday 14 May

Mature Student Open Evenings

No matter whether you’re returning to university after a few years off, starting study for the first time or looking for a postgraduate degree to further your career, we can help you find the right study path.

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Wednesday 13 May — Thursday 14 May

Gold Coast Careers Festival

Visit the Griffith University stand at the Gold Coast Careers Festival to talk to our expert advisers about your study goals, life at Griffith, online study options and more.

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Thursday 21 May — Thursday 21 May

Cairns Youth and Careers Expo

Visit the Griffith University stand at the Gold Coast Careers Festival to talk to our expert advisers about your study goals, life at Griffith, online study options and more.

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Monday 22 June — Wednesday 24 June

Trimester 2: Orientation

Get the right start and find out everything you need to know about starting at Griffith.

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Monday 29 June — Saturday 10 October

Trimester 2: Teaching and exams

Includes study and exam period from Thursday 1 October to Saturday 10 October.

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Saturday 18 July — Sunday 19 July

Tertiary Studies Expo (TSXPO)

TSXPO is for anyone considering further study. Talk to our academic and professional staff about our degrees, flexible study options, admission pathways, how to apply, scholarships and support services. Entry is free.

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Tuesday 21 July — Tuesday 21 July

Sunshine Coast Daily Careers Expo

Visit the Griffith University stand at the Sunshine Coast Daily Careers Expo to talk to our expert advisers about your study goals, life at Griffith, online study options and more.

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Monday 3 August — Monday 3 August

Townsville Careers Expo

Visit the Griffith University stand at the Townsville Careers Expo to talk to our expert advisers about your study goals, life at Griffith, online study options and more.

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Sunday 9 August — Sunday 9 August

Open Day

On Open Day, you’ll find general information about all our degrees at each campus, as well as essential information about student support services, admissions, scholarships and postgraduate studies. It’s a great time to get to know our campuses, experience life at Griffith, explore your study options and find the information you need to make a decision about your future.

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Monday 14 September — Thursday 17 September

Mature Student Open Evenings

No matter whether you’re returning to university after a few years off, starting study for the first time or looking for a postgraduate degree to further your career, we can help you find the right study path.

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Monday 19 October — Friday 23 October

Trimester 3: Orientation

Get the right start and find out everything you need to know about starting at Griffith.

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Saturday 12 December — Thursday 17 December

Explore your options

If your OP or ATAR result changes your direction, chat online with our expert study advisers to explore your study options. Find out about admissions pathways, entry requirements and changing your preferences.

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