Sociology Major

This major can be taken by students enrolled in the pre-2008 Bachelor of Arts - please refer to the course overview for details.

Sociology at the University of Melbourne explores the social patterns characterising contemporary societies. The program also equips students with a range of research skills that allow them to design and carry out data collection and analysis, from in-depth interviewing techniques to computer-based data analysis. Many subjects involve a fieldwork emphasis that underpins the professionally oriented skills that students develop. Majoring students may undertake an internship in a public, corporate or community sector organisation. The program has a strong research identity, with international links to North America, Asia and Europe. Sociology graduates are able to choose a variety of career paths that draw on the substantive areas of their study as well as research skills. Students interested in expanding their interests and knowledge are provided with an articulated structure of higher degree options at the University of Melbourne.

The discipline of sociology involves the study of social practices and relationships. The program at the University of Melbourne focuses on major areas of social change and professional employment. These include the social patterns and issues involved in terrorism, community and place, media and communications, work and organisations, cyberspace, family transformation, youth issues, health and illness, as well as contemporary forms of social policy, social movement and social problems from drug use to poverty. The program in sociology also includes subjects offered through the anthropology, political science, criminology, geography and social theory programs.

see the course objectives

A major in Sociology usually consists of eight 12.5-point subjects, totalling 100 points. It comprises:

• one first-year subject in Sociology (12.5 points); and

• one compulsory subject at level two, Critical Analytical Skills (12.5), and;

• four second/third year subjects chosen from the core list (50 points); and

• two subjects from the core or optional lists (25 points).

Students who commenced their degree before 2007 will need to complete 112.5 points toward this major in order to complete the major. For the specific major structure you must follow, refer to the handbook produced in the year you commenced your degree, available online at https://psc.unimelb.edu.au/.

If you have any questions about the major structure or subjects, please contact the Arts Student Centre.

First-year subjects

Second/third-year - core subjects

Students completing a major in Sociology who have not completed Quantitative Social Research and Qualitative Research Strategies or Introduction to Research Methods or Social Science Research Methods, must complete Critical Analytical Skills.

Second/third-year - optional subjects