Education

Social science applies the 'science' of research and analysis to the world's complex 'social' problems such as sustainability, equity, and diversity, to create positive change.

The degree is 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 study some of society's most intriguing issues along with the techniques to analyse them and devise break-through solutions. You'll be equipped to combine your hard knowledge of world issues with advanced data analysis techniques. You'll develop the knowledge to select the appropriate tools and methodologies for the issues you're working on, along with the communication skills to collate and present your findings to decision-makers, to enable evidence-based solutions that can positively transform society.

Climate change is an example of a contemporary challenge that can't be solved by 'pure' science alone. Solutions will come from people who can not only interpret the data but also understand the need for social impact studies, policy development, and effective public communication. Social scientists work in these intersecting spaces, which is why they are in high-demand across government departments, creative industries, political parties, the business sector, in think tanks and non-government organisations (NGOs).

You don't need prior knowledge of statistical research methods as you'll study core courses that will develop your skills in analysing social policy and data, along with your two majors. Each of the majors represents a different perspective on the challenges of the future and allow you to develop areas of expertise that can open doors to a broad range of careers. There are also opportunities to undertake an internship in an area of your interest and join a global study tour.

Majors

You can choose two of the following majors:

Economics Environmental Sustainability Global Security Threats Media, Communication and Social Change Politics in Asia Social Justice

Economics

If you want an expert insight into why the Australian dollar fluctuates or what caused the Global Financial Crisis, this major is the ideal choice. You'll gain an understanding of the big financial issues facing societies and learn how governments make decisions about what to spend on complex issues such as the environment, healthcare, infrastructure and resources. You'll also learn how markets work, and how businesses make decisions about pricing, staffing and responding to competition.

You will be prepared for work in government, NGOs , the finance sector or large business organisations. You'll be equipped to take on roles analysing and interpreting the interaction between markets, the environment, the health sector, transport, financial policy developments and decision-making, and the impact of global conditions on the national economy.

Environmental Sustainability

Environmental sustainability is the world's biggest issue. This major is not about the 'hard science' of the environment but instead explores the key social and policy issues behind the need for sustainable management of our planet's finite resources. In this major you'll study environmental politics, climate change policy, the economics of natural resources, and environmental ethics and culture.

Employment opportunities exist in environmental science communication, environmental management and planning, policy development, environmental sustainability advocacy (in agriculture, industry, and natural resources), social and economic environmental impact analysis, and climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Global Security Threats

If you're interested in developing future-focused solutions to some of the world's most complex challenges, this major is for you. You'll be exposed to a stimulating array of international issues, including conflict and forced displacement, terrorism and political violence, Islam-West relations, cybercrime, energy security, and the environment. You'll gain a critical understanding of underlying causes, underpinned by a foundational course in World History.

Graduates seek works as an analyst, community advocate, liaison or leader, policy developer (in analysis and evaluation), research officer, corporate strategy officer, or risk adviser.

Media, Communication and Social Change

In the information age, the ways we communicate - and are communicated to - are diverse and ever changing. The ability to understand and manipulate communications is crucial to creating change. Producing, interpreting and analysing communications are not only desirable skills, but fascinating areas of study. This major covers such topics as, the power of mass and social media, journalism, public relations, discourse analysis, new communication technologies, political spin, and the global spread of English.

You will be prepared for work as a communications officer, social policy researcher, speech writer, media liaison, public relations consultant, social media analyst, or other roles where you're required to analyse, evaluate and interpret communication strategies or writing across diverse genres and on various platforms.

Politics in Asia

This major harnesses Griffith's internationally recognised strengths in politics and Asian studies. You'll develop a deep understanding of the political, cultural, economic and social dimensions of the Asian region. Topics include the rise of China, global security, the interconnection of business and politics, the role of international organisations, and Australia's place in the region.

Graduates may secure roles that provide advice to government, business leaders and NGOs in areas such as Asian economic, environment and social policy, regional relationships, regional development, Asian political structures, East-Asian political economy and trade relations.

Social Justice

This major is for those who are motivated by the fundamental question, 'What makes a fair society?' and are passionate about fighting for a better world. Social justice refers to the idea that all people deserve equal and fair opportunities and treatment. By specialising in this area, you'll explore contemporary hot topics such as human rights, indigenous history and disadvantage, gender and crime, domestic violence, youth justice, power and politics and the administration of the law.

You will be prepared for work in NGOs , government and business as a consultant, change manager, advocate, development officer, educator, evaluator, market analyst, market or social researcher, or policy analyst.

A Griffith social science degree provides the knowledge, skills and experience you need to play your part in the future and help meet SDG targets.

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In this degree, you will gain knowledge and skills from across the broad environmental science spectrum, across all Sustainable Development Goals, exploring environmental issues not only from a physical and biological perspective, but also a social perspective. On completion of core science courses in your first year of study, you will choose a major that suits your interests and career plans. The final year includes a "capstone" experience where you have the option to undertake a research project or participate in industry internships to gain employment-relevant experience. Combining a discipline specific major with a major in Environmental Management will equip you with the broad set of knowledge and skills needed to be an environmental science professional. Students and graduates of this accredited program are able to apply for Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ) membership.

Graduates may find employment in a variety of sectors related to their program, as well as major choices. These include positions with industry, state and local government as well as commercial enterprises in the following areas: Environmental consulting, Wildlife biology, Conservation science, Environmental science and sustainability, Environmental management, Environmental chemistry, Soil science, Catchment restoration and management, Urban planning, Landscape ecology, Restoration ecology, Habitat assessment and management, Pest management, Urban ecology, Research science, Bush regeneration and Wildlife management.

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The Climate Change Adaptation programs are designed to give professionals from any background a sound interdisciplinary knowledge of climate change, the ability to analyse its impacts, and the creative skills needed to build resilience across society and the environment. This includes the ability to develop and deploy adaptation strategies to protect communities, businesses, government agencies, infrastructure, and natural assets.

These skills can be applied from the local to the national and international level. They will empower students to be involved in, for example, improving the planning of urban areas, providing better services to the public to improve wellbeing, transforming economic development, creating new management plans to conserve biodiversity, or the development of treaties to protect major earth systems.

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This degree provides training for people who wish to help to make society more sustainable. It also provides opportunities for those who want to move into more senior management positions. You will develop the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams, to contribute to policy-making processes and to run environmental management systems.

Graduates of this program are eligible for membership of the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand and may subsequently apply for registration as a Certification as Environmental Practitioners (CENVP).

Majors

Climate Change Adaptation Environmental Policy and Planning Environmental Protection Sustainable Business

Climate Change Adaptation

You will be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to work in the areas of environmental climate change and policy-making. You may find work in the public sector, business or community organisations as an environmental assessment officer, project officer, project manager or policy officer.

Environmental Policy and Planning

(Only available on-campus at Brisbane South (Nathan))

Addressing the challenge of sustainability has created employment opportunities in environmental planning and policy making across the business, government and community sectors. You may find employment in a city or regional planning office, or as a policy officer, policy advisor, environmental consultant or environmental project manager.

Environmental Protection

You will be equipped with the essential skills in environmental protection policy and practice needed to work in consulting firms and in government agencies, such as the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, and the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service. Your work will be focused on improving environmental management, quarantine and biosecurity outcomes in careers such as environmental monitoring and compliance officer, environmental assessment officer or project officer.

Sustainable Business

Green jobs, and businesses, are increasingly recognised as important. Incorporating environmental issues into business trending toward not just being an option but also a requirement for many companies. With this specialisation you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to assist with organisation change toward sustainability goals, and thus sought after by a wide range of private and public organisations.

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