Social policy is concerned with actions by government, the private sector, families and communities to tackle social problems and work towards a more just and equal society. Drawing on a range of social sciences, including Sociology, Economics and Political Science, this major explores how social policies are developed, influenced, implemented, and evaluated. You will be introduced to the fundamental theories and concepts for analysing social policies and focus on substantive areas of policy including housing, health, education, welfare  and the personal social services, in Australia and internationally. You will learn to propose and analyse policies for their potential impacts on social and economic welfare, recognising tensions related to resource allocation, power and inequality, political ideologies, and government intervention.

This degree

The UOW Bachelor of Social Science (Social Policy) involves a common foundation of compulsory social science subjects in first year, followed by a major in Social Policy. In third year you'll have the opportunity to undertake work integrated learning, where you'll gain vital community experience. You will complement your degree with a minor study area from any field in the University offering cross-faculty enrolment. You can also study electives abroad, or stay local and undertake activities to build your cross-cultural communication skills.

What you will study

Foundational subjects in social science include human development and public health, human geography, sociology, psychology, research methods and statistics and interdisciplinary competencies. You will also begin your major in first year. During your second and third years you'll explore the legal, political, economic and government service dimensions of social policy.

• Community Planning and Development
• Environmental Officer
• Federal and International Policy
• Health Care Management and Policy
• Local and International Community Development
• Local Government
• Market Research
• Policy Analysis And Evaluation
• Social Planning and Social Impact Assessment