Bachelor of Social Science with a major in Philosophy
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Overview
Look closely at human society and the science of people. In a Bachelor of Social Science you'll gain skills in social research and applied social science to prepare you for a wide variety of policy-related and research careers.
BSocSci at Macquarie University is a unique social science degree with a focus on policy and applied social research.
Philosophy seeks the answers to fundamental questions about human life and inquiry.
In the philosophy major, you’ll develop reasoning skills and apply them to questions such as:
- What is the nature of human knowledge?
- Are there any limits to what we can know?
- Do we have minds that are separate from our bodies?
- Does God exist?
- Are morality and religion completely different things?
- How is morality related to human happiness?
You’ll learn how to:
- think for yourself rather than relying on someone else’s authority
- reflect on your views, and give reasons for them
- understand and evaluate other positions and arguments.
Because philosophy is such a broad subject, it combines well with other degree options including science, law, psychology, media, politics and history.
Key features
- Enhance your job prospects in a wide field, by addressing current issues such as economic inequality, the environmental crisis, gender relations, animal welfare and Indigenous rights.
- First-year students can get help and advice from second- and third-year student mentors.
Location
North Ryde
Suitable for
Students with an interest in philosophy, contemporary social and political issues such as economic inequality, the environmental crisis, gender relations, animal welfare, and indigenous rights.
HECS Course fee
Student amenities fee
Information on the Student services and amenities fee
Entry requirements
English language requirements
If you have completed the NSW HSC or equivalent you satisfy the English proficiency requirements.
For full information view the English proficiency requirements table (436 Kb).
Work experience requirements
What you will study
| Degree requirements | Credit Points |
|---|---|
| Minimum number of credit points for the degree | 68 |
| Minimum number of credit points at 200 level or above | 38 |
| Minimum number of credit points at 300 level or above | 22 |
| Completion of a Qualifying Major for the Bachelor of Social Science | |
| Completion of a designated People unit | |
| Completion of a designated Planet unit | |
| Completion of a designated Participation unit | |
| Completion of other specific minimum requirements as set out below |
Degree requirements
The following outlines the units (subjects) to be studied within this degree.
| 100 level | Credit Points | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Required | SSC100 | Introduction to Social Science | 3 | ||
| 200 level | Credit Points | ||||
| Required | SOC224 | Methods of Social Research | 3 | ||
| Required | SSC200 | Evaluation, Planning and Policy - Social Science Research | 3 | ||
| 300 level | Credit Points | ||||
| Required | SSC300 | C | Advanced Methods in Social Research | 3 | |
| Required | SOC301 | P | Internships in Social Research | 6 | |
| Total credit points required to satisfy this major | 24 | ||||
Notes
- Units marked with a C are Capstone units.
- Units marked with a P are Participation units.
Major requirements
The following outlines the units (subjects) to be studied within this major
| 100 level | Credit Points | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Required | 3cp from | PHL units at 100 level | 3 | ||
| 200 level | Credit Points | ||||
| Required | 6cp from | PHL units at 200 level | 6 | ||
| 300 level | Credit Points | ||||
| Capstone | PHL354 | C | Philosophy Capstone Unit | 3 | |
| Required | 9cp from | PHL units at 300 level | 9 | ||
| Any level | Credit Points | ||||
| Required | 3cp from | PHL units | 3 | ||
| Total credit points required to satisfy this major | 24 | ||||
Notes
- Units marked with a C are Capstone units.
- The course information contained on this page is applicable for 2012 ONLY.
For more information please read the courses disclaimer.
Profiles
Our Graduates
Chris Jones
Year Graduated: 1980
Current Position: Director, Chris Jones Risk Management.
'I majored in behavioural science, but did some economics, politics, and philosophy courses. The wide range of subjects gave me genuine perspective and insight into dealing with people, and people in organisations.'
Our Expertise
Dr Jennifer Duke-Yonge
Jennifer is a highly awarded and well respected academic who has recently receieved a prestigious national award for outstanding contributions to student learning by the Australian Learning and Teaching Council.
'The study of Philosophy, and study in the Faculty of Arts generally, challenges students to open themselves to new ideas. One of the most rewarding things about teaching at Macquarie is seeing our students meet that challenge: developing a commitment to knowledge and really engaging with the process of learning.'
an education in the top two per cent of universities in the world, giving you an international recognised and respected degree
