Develop a career based on understanding human behaviour and social patterns
Sociology is the study of human social activity, relationships and social structures. Sociologists examine aspects of society such as race, class, criminality, legal issues, poverty and welfare systems, education and social change. Professionals who have developed their empathy and cultural awareness and can analyse complex social issues from multiple angles are highly sought-after by employers.
UNE offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in sociology designed to provide you with the knowledge you'll need to meet the future requirements of this ever-evolving area of social science. Our long history of preparing adults for modern workplaces means that by studying sociology with us, you will gain a deep understanding of global dynamics, intersectionality, technology's impact, environmental challenges, ethics in research and more, enabling you to keep pace with rapid advances in this discipline. You’ll learn from leading experts who are engaged in cutting-edge research, have a passion for teaching, and have the experience to help you secure your career.
A large proportion of our students prefer online education, where they join a community of adults and use their life and work experiences to establish practical networks for the future. On-campus students have the opportunity to utilise campus accommodation, sports facilities and support services. Whether online or on-campus, you can choose to study full-time or part-time over three trimesters.
With UNE, you’ll graduate feeling prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in sociology, whether you choose to pursue a career in the private or public sector. By choosing UNE, you’ll be studying with an industry leader in the provision of online lifelong learning. Year after year, students award us the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.
Explore the sociology courses on offer at UNE.
Courses by study level
Add an area of expertise to your CV and gain an undergraduate qualification — without committing to a full bachelor's degree. You will develop research, critical thinking, and writing skills in the core units. With the minor and elective units,…
- 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
If you are a Pacific Islander looking to become a teacher in your island home with your family and community, UNE’s Associate Degree in Teaching (Pacific Focus) is your ideal course. You’ll gain the knowledge and skills to become a qualified early…
- 2 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
One of our longest-standing degrees, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) is still relevant in today’s world. It equips you with the creative, critical and analytical skills in demand by employers, and is transferable across a range of workplaces. When you…
- 3 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- On Campus
- Online
Workplaces value employees who have a broad range of real-world skills, and this combined degree will equip you to excel in today’s dynamic working environment. In our Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business, you’ll gain business knowledge and learn…
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
The UNE Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws provides you with the opportunity to combine your study of law with an area of interest drawn from a wide variety of the arts, humanities and social sciences. As a double degree for the future, it has been…
- 5 years full-time
- Up to 12 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
Do you dream of a career where you’re helping to address the big issues facing humanity? Or perhaps you crave the excitement of being at the forefront of scientific discovery? Maybe you wish to instil your passion for the environment into future…
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
Criminology is the study of crime and our responses to crime. UNE's Bachelor of Criminology investigates factors that cause criminal behaviour and how crime can be prevented within wider society. The course offers a variety of key topics and…
- 3 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
By studying law and criminology at UNE, you will gain a broad portfolio of knowledge and skills to future proof your career in a wide variety of professions. In this comprehensive program of study, you will develop contemporary skills in how to…
- 5 years full-time
- Up to 12 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- On Campus
- Online
Whether you are looking to re-train to become a Primary or Secondary school teacher, teach different subjects or upgrade your teaching accreditation, the UNE Bachelor of Education (In-Service Conversion) provides a flexible pathway to pivot and grow …
- 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
Expand and hone your teaching knowledge while building a highly valuable breadth of skills with the UNE Bachelor of Education (K-12 Teaching). This is a dual sector degree giving you the flexibility to teach in both primary and secondary schools. It …
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
If you are a Pacific Islander looking to build on your teaching skills with a high-level qualification, UNE’s Bachelor of Education (Pacific Focus) is the degree for you. Gain the knowledge and skills to teach early childhood, inclusive education,…
- 2 years full-time
- Up to 8 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2025
- Online
UNE’s Bachelor of Education (Secondary Arts) offers a comprehensive program of study that provides you with the knowledge and practical skills to become a highly sought-after secondary school teacher. Develop your teaching skills in a supportive,…
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- On Campus
- Online
This flexible non-teaching education degree incorporates a wide range of subjects to prepare you to work in a range of educational fields, including training and management environments. With UNE’s Bachelor of Educational Studies, you will learn in…
- 3 years full-time
- Up to 8 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- On Campus
- Online
By studying UNE’s Bachelor of Social Science degree you will develop a comprehensive and valuable understanding of human societies and social thought, behaviour and relationships in their varied social, psychological and political manifestations,…
- 3 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- On Campus
- Online
Special and inclusive education is rapidly evolving, and with it the demand for specialists in the field is larger than ever. UNE’s Bachelor of Special and Inclusive Education (Primary) equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to become a…
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
This course is not offered in Trimester 3, 2024. We encourage you to consider our Diploma in Arts as an alternative. The UNE Undergraduate Certificate in Arts provides you with foundational knowledge and skills to prepare for further study and more…
- 1 year part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Not Offered - Pending Review
- Online
Did your arts degree prompt a burning question or a passion for independent research? If so, consider applying for an honours year. A 'capstone' to your formal education, honours is an opportunity to drill deeper into a specialised area, to…
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
Would you like to help contribute to making the world a safer place? When you study UNE's Bachelor of Criminology with Honours you will complete a major research project in an area of criminology that you choose, for example organised crime,…
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
Aimed at high achievers, Honours is an extra year of study after completing your undergraduate degree. UNE's Bachelor of Social Science with Honours allows you to extend your studies in psychology or sociology, to build on knowledge and skills…
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
Are you a graduate looking to add new skills to your CV to reinforce or redirect your career? Perhaps you are keen to pursue a personal interest in the arts or humanities. Or maybe you are interested in completing a master's but aren't sure…
- 0.5 or 1 year full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
Adapt to an evolving workplace and open the door to new career opportunities with UNE's Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice. Whether you want to create more career choices, hone your specialist skills, or take a new…
- 0.5 years full-time
- 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
Design a bespoke course and prepare for a rapidly evolving workplace with the UNE Graduate Diploma in Professional Practice. Whether you want to advance your career, hone your skills or embark on a new career direction, we'll work …
- 1 year full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
With the advent of globalisation, issues relating to language and intercultural communication have never been more relevant. UNE's fully online Master of Applied Linguistics will give you the ability to understand the design of language, nuances …
- 1 or 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
UNE’s Master of Arts is designed to equip you with specialised knowledge as well as a wide range of transferrable skills that employers highly value, such as communication and critical thinking. This course is also a focused pathway to higher degree …
- 1 or 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- On Campus
- Online
Accelerate your career opportunities with the UNE Master of Teaching (Secondary). Gain the specialist knowledge and skills you need to become a sought-after teacher who makes a difference. Study online in a flexible timeframe that suits your…
- 2 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- On Campus
- Online
A Doctor of Philosophy is the pinnacle of academic study. Using rigorous and systematic research, combined with critical analysis, you will add to society's understanding of complex issues at the cutting-edge of your discipline or profession.…
- 4 years full-time
- 8 years part-time
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- On Campus
- Online
High quality research and analysis allows us to better understand the complex issues we face in industry and society. With UNE's Master of Philosophy by research, your original findings and insights will add to the body of knowledge and inform…
- 2 years full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- On Campus
- Online
If you are enrolled at another university, you can choose to study subjects at UNE that will count towards your course. Apply as a cross institutional student directly and complete one or several individual subjects (units) from the full scope of…
- 1 trimester full-time
- 1 trimester part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
The world is full of possibilities, with so much to discover and learn. There are endless opportunities to enrich your knowledge to prepare for the future, but what if you don’t want to undertake a full degree? And how can you zero-in on the…
- 1 trimester full-time
- 1 trimester part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
- Bespoke Graduate Certificate: design your own 4 unit postgraduate course and have your work experience recognised in the process.
- ‘Fundamental’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four fundamental units from a traditional degree. If you are planning a new direction, or adding a new set of skills to your portfolio, you may want to start with this option. These units provide a foundation, or a ‘base camp’, to return to if you want to later progress to a full degree.
- ‘Advanced’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four advanced units from a full degree. This is a great strategy for staying current in your field, or advancing your knowledge.
- ‘Critical Content’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four units any of the available units in a degree to create a Critical Content Bespoke Course. This option lets you get the knowledge you need without the time and cost of a full degree.
- ‘Mix and Match’ Bespoke Course: combine two, three or four units from different degrees and disciplines to design your mix and match Bespoke Course. This option lets you diversify your knowledge.
What our students say
![UNE PhD and Bachelor of Science (Hons) graduate Matthew Hilliar smiles in white lab coat](https://d1dkx4rtpm18tu.cloudfront.net/file/1572608410/63321039535/width=-1/height=-1/format=-1/fit=scale/t=444577/e=never/k=87fa1e3f/Matthew-Hilliar.jpg)
The access you have to academics is a major benefit to studying at UNE.
Dr Matthew HilliarFind the right major or specialisation for your studies in Sociology
With demand for versatile professionals strong and rising, UNE’s sociology study offerings will help you to stay at the forefront of rapid changes to society and its workplaces. Strengthen your position as a socially aware leader in a range of areas. Explore your options now.
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Benefit from our leading researchers at UNE who are pioneers in the field of rural crime. Develop the skills to think critically about why people break the law and the impact this has on society. Learn using up-to-date and emerging tech and stay…
Benefit from our leading researchers at UNE who are pioneers in the field of rural crime. Develop the skills to think critically about why people break the law and the impact this has on society. Learn using up-to-date and emerging tech and stay abreast of changes in this dynamic field.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Criminology | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Laws | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Psychological Science | Minor | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts with Honours | Major | Bachelor Honours |
Bachelor of Criminology with Honours | Specialist Course | Bachelor Honours |
Bachelor of Social Science with Honours | Major | Bachelor Honours |
Advanced Diploma in Arts | Minor | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Globalisation has driven demand for talented linguists in fields such as IT, education, politics, marketing and more. Undertake linguistics studies in growing areas of interest such as Indigenous language revitalisation and language diversity. Learn …
Globalisation has driven demand for talented linguists in fields such as IT, education, politics, marketing and more. Undertake linguistics studies in growing areas of interest such as Indigenous language revitalisation and language diversity. Learn from UNE's world-leading lecturers.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Arts | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Languages | Minor | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Social Science | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts with Honours | Major | Bachelor Honours |
Bachelor of Social Science with Honours | Major | Bachelor Honours |
Master of Arts | Major | Postgraduate |
Graduate Certificate in Arts | Major | Postgraduate |
Advanced Diploma in Arts | Minor | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's highly regarded philosophy academics and learn how to use philosophical insights and methods to address practical problems in fields such as ethics, politics, and social justice. Create new career prospects and secure your…
Benefit from UNE's highly regarded philosophy academics and learn how to use philosophical insights and methods to address practical problems in fields such as ethics, politics, and social justice. Create new career prospects and secure your ability to meet the challenges of future workplaces.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Arts | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts with Honours | Major | Bachelor Honours |
Bachelor of Social Science with Honours | Major | Bachelor Honours |
Master of Arts | Major | Postgraduate |
Graduate Certificate in Arts | Major | Postgraduate |
Advanced Diploma in Arts | Minor | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Future-fit yourself for a career in politics, business, social sectors or the law with UNE's widely published and engaging teachers. Develop an understanding of the political issues that concern Australian and international governments. Protect…
Future-fit yourself for a career in politics, business, social sectors or the law with UNE's widely published and engaging teachers. Develop an understanding of the political issues that concern Australian and international governments. Protect your role in a global economy that is ever-changing.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of International Studies | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts with Honours | Major | Bachelor Honours |
Bachelor of Social Science with Honours | Major | Bachelor Honours |
Master of Arts | Major | Postgraduate |
Graduate Certificate in Arts | Major | Postgraduate |
Advanced Diploma in Arts | Minor | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Develop your understanding of psychology including observing and studying human behaviour. Build skills in modern psychology and the technology related to psychological assessment and testing, as well as approaches to diagnosing and treating mental…
Develop your understanding of psychology including observing and studying human behaviour. Build skills in modern psychology and the technology related to psychological assessment and testing, as well as approaches to diagnosing and treating mental health conditions in a rapidly changing world.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Arts | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts | Minor | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business | Minor | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws | Minor | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science | Minor | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Criminology | Minor | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Psychological Science | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Social Science | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Psychology with Honours | Specialist Course | Bachelor Honours |
Master of Professional Psychology | Specialist Course | Postgraduate |
Master of Psychology (Clinical) | Specialist Course | Postgraduate |
Graduate Diploma in Psychology | Specialist Course | Postgraduate |
Undergraduate Certificate in Psychological Science | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
Advanced Diploma in Arts | Minor | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Develop skills in analysis and communication with UNE's well-established sociology dept. Learn about human behaviour in society and gain an academic understanding of people’s cultures and motivations to secure your future in a range of vocations …
Develop skills in analysis and communication with UNE's well-established sociology dept. Learn about human behaviour in society and gain an academic understanding of people’s cultures and motivations to secure your future in a range of vocations like law, business, the arts, and education.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Arts | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Social Science | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts with Honours | Major | Bachelor Honours |
Bachelor of Social Science with Honours | Major | Bachelor Honours |
Master of Arts | Major | Postgraduate |
Graduate Certificate in Arts | Major | Postgraduate |
Advanced Diploma in Arts | Minor | Undergraduate |
- 1
Why study with us?
Australian Universities
Public NSW Universities
NSW Universities
Careers in Sociology
By studying sociology with UNE, you will have the future-proof skillset to secure positions in a wide range of socially-focused careers. With the need for expertise in predicting and analysing human behaviour set to rise, professionals with skillsets in sociology can find work in a variety of settings.
- Social worker
Provide support and advocacy services to individuals and families facing challenges such as mental health issues, substance abuse, or domestic violence. - Policy analyst
Examine social issues, evaluate policy implications, and make recommendations for social policy development and implementation. - Human resources officer
Manage the daily needs of an HR department in an organisation, working on employee relations, organisational development and talent management. - Community development worker
Work with communities to identify needs, develop programs, mobilise resources and promote social change and wellbeing. - Market research analyst
Analyse consumer behaviour, trends, and social influences to inform marketing strategies and business decisions. - Non-profit program coordinator
Coordinate initiatives aimed at addressing social issues, promoting advocacy and supporting marginalised populations. - Policy advocate
Work as a policy advocate or lobbyist, influencing public policies and promoting social justice on behalf of individuals or marginalised groups. - Community outreach coordinator
Engage with the community, raise awareness and develop programs to meet community needs.
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience SurveyFive Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024Browse other disciplines within Social Sciences
What happens next?
Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.
2024 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.