School Leavers and Non-School Leavers can apply direct for this degree.
For more information about studying the Bachelor of Development Studies / Bachelor of Social Science
Program handbook
Description
The need for environmentally sustainable and equitable development is one of the most serious issues facing the contemporary world. Development Studies provides opportunities to study the causes and consequences of unequal development and assess policy options for a more equitable and sustainable future.
Social science provides you with the opportunity to analyse, challenge and gain an insight into theories about life cycle, gender, class, race, work, social justice and social organisation. Social science theories are the result of systematic thinking, observations and reflection, and contribute to political and moral debate in society, rather than dictate precise answers to complex social problems.
The combined program offers students an interdisciplinary understanding of uneven development in the Bachelor of Development Studies with a grounding in social science theory and practice from the Bachelor of Social Science.
Program learning outcomes
On successful completion of the program students will have:
- Program Learning Outcomes as per those for the single degree programs
Details
| Information correct as at | May 2, 2024 9:46 am | |||||
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| Program code | 40095 | |||||
| AQF level | Level 7 Bachelor Degree | |||||
| Locations and UAC codes | ||||||
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| Duration |
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| Selection Rank |
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| Recommended studies | HSC English (Advanced) or equivalent. For the Psychology Studies major: HSC Mathematics or equivalent. | |||||
| Term type | Semesters | |||||
| Fees |
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| Relevant University rules and policies |
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| CRICOS Code | 095143K |
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Admission information
Admission requirements
Eligibility for admission to this program is based on applicants meeting the minimum selection rank, or satisfying the requirements for an approved admission scheme.
The University of Newcastle accepts a range of qualifications to determine eligibility for admission. These include, but are not limited to, Australian or overseas senior secondary qualifications (such as the HSC), prior tertiary studies, prior TAFE/VET studies, and completed enabling programs.
For further information on the pathways that are available to you, please refer to:
English Language Requirements
All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy here.
- IELTS Overall Minimum: 6
- IELTS Sub Test Minimum: 6
Credit transfer
If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution, or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to the new program, visit the University's credit website for more information on applying for credit.
Academic requirements for program completion
Total units required
320 units
Program duration
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent up to 10 years maximum.
International students studying this program on campus are required to enrol full time to comply with their student visa requirements and complete their study in the standard minimum program duration. International students requiring enrolment advice should review the program plan corresponding to the semester and year of commencement and can contact their Program Advisor at ProgramAdvice@newcastle.edu.au
Program requirements
The Bachelor of Development Studies/Bachelor of Social Science requires students to complete a total of, but no more than, 320 units, comprised of the following:
- 130 units of Core courses
- 10 units from the Career-ready Placement course list
- One 80 unit Social Science major, noting the below prohibitions in note 1
- One 80 unit Development Studies major
- 10 unit fro the 1000 Level Development Studies course list
- 10 unit from the 2000/3000 Level Development Studies course list
Notes
1) Due to overlap in program content, students in the combined degree are NOT permitted to take the following Bachelor of Social Science majors:
- Global Indigenous Studies (previously named Aboriginal Studies)
- Human Geography and the Environment
- Politics and International Relations
- Sociology and Anthropology
2) Courses taken from the 1000 level or 2000/3000 level Development Studies course lists cannot be counted towards the Bachelor of Development Studies major or the Bachelor of Social Science major.
3) Students must not complete more than 120 units at 1000 level and no more than 100 units at 2000 level.
4) Where courses are listed in more than one major, they may only count towards one of the student's chosen majors. Students cannot count a course towards two majors.
5) Students who wish to exit the combined degree and qualify for one award only will need to ensure that they meet the requirements of the single degree by checking the appropriate single degree handbook and contacting their Program Advisor at programadvice@newcastle.edu.au.
Program planner
Current students program planner
Current students can plan their program using Program Planner.
Prospective student degree planner
If you're a prospective student considering studying this degree take a look at My Degree Planner to see what your study journey will look like.
Additional documents
- 2023 Transition Arrangement (Criminology major) 393.1 KB
- 2023 Transition Arrangements 312.9 KB
Transition arrangements
2023 Revision
From 2023 there are changes to the program structure. For students who commenced the program prior to 2023, please refer to the 2023 Transition Arrangements in the Additional Documents section for more information.
2021 Revision
From 2021 there are changes to the Bachelor of Development Studies and the Bachelor of Social Science. For students who commenced the program prior to 2021, please refer to the Bachelor of Development Studies Program Handbook and the Bachelor of Social Science Program Handbook for more information.
Program structure
Students can plan their program using Program Planner. It is recommended students review the program handbook in conjunction with using Program Planner.
Advanced course filters
Courses that are currently unavailable are hidden by default. You can show them by adjusting the advanced course filters above, or clicking the 'show all' links below each section.
Core Courses
Complete the following core courses to fulfil the requirements of this program. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| ABOR1110 | Introduction to Aboriginal Studies |
| 10 units |
| ECON1002 | Macroeconomics in the Global Economy |
| 10 units |
| ENVS1003 | Environmental Values and Ethics |
| 10 units |
| GEOG1030 | Global Poverty and Development |
| 10 units |
| SOCA1010 | Society and Culture: an Introduction to Sociology |
| 10 units |
| SOCS1100 | Professional Skills & 38 Key Debates in Social Sciences |
| 10 units |
| GEOG2130 | Geographies of Development |
| 10 units |
| SOCS2200 | Social Analysis: Theorising Social Problems |
| 10 units |
| SOCS2300 | Ethics for the Social Sciences |
| 10 units |
| SOCS2400 | Surveying the Social: Applied Quantitative Research |
| 10 units |
| GEOG3300 | Rethinking Development |
| 10 units |
| SOCS3100 | Policy Development, Program Management and Evaluation |
| 10 units |
| SOCS3200 | Qualitative Social Inquiry: Applied Research Project |
| 10 units |
1000 Level Development Studies Course List
Complete 10 units from the following Development Studies course list. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| ABOR1370 | Working with Aboriginal Communities |
| 10 units |
| ECON1001 | Microeconomics for Business Decisions |
| 10 units |
| ENVS1004 | Social Development and the Environment |
| 10 units |
| GEOG1020 | Introduction to Human Geography |
| 10 units |
| POLI1020 | Introduction to Politics |
| 10 units |
| SOCA1020 | What is Anthropology |
| 10 units |
2000/3000 Level Dev Studies Course List
Complete 10 units from the following Development Studies course list. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| ABOR2244 | Reconciling Australia's Colonial Past and Present |
| 10 units |
| ENVS2002 | Environmental Legislation and Planning |
| 10 units |
| ENVS2008 | The Sustainable Society |
| 10 units |
| GEOG2080 | Cities and Regions |
| 10 units |
| POLI2001 | Ideas in Political Science | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| POLI2200 | The Global Politics of Indigenous People |
| 10 units |
| POLI2203 | International Political Economy and Global Development |
| 10 units |
| SOCA2400 | Future Societies: Beyond Capitalist Globalization |
| 10 units |
Career-ready Placement Course List
Complete 10 units from the following course list. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| ENVS3008 | Work Integrated Learning in the Environmental and Development Sectors |
| 10 units |
| SOCS3300 | Bachelor of Social Science Placement |
| 10 units |
Social Science Majors
Criminology
| Compulsory | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| CRIM1010 | Introduction to Criminology |
| 10 units |
| CRIM2001 | Criminal Justice in Practice |
| 10 units |
| CRIM2030 | Criminology in the Legal Context |
| 10 units |
| CRIM3002 | Criminal Justice Placement |
| 20 units |
| CRIM3020 | Crime, Power and the State |
| 10 units |
| Course List | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Choose 20 units with 10 units at 1000 level and 10 units at 3000 level. | |||
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| CRIM1020 | Victimology |
| 10 units |
| PSYC1010 | Psychology Introduction 1 |
| 10 units |
| SOCA1050 | Youth, Gender and Crime |
| 10 units |
| CRIM3040 | Forensic Evidence |
| 10 units |
| HIST3006 | The History of Violence | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| SOCA3220 | Youth Culture and Risk |
| 10 units |
History
Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations
| Compulsory | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| IRHR1002 | Dynamics of People and Work in Organisations |
| 10 units |
| IRHR2010 | Introduction to Industrial Relations |
| 10 units |
| IRHR2270 | Introduction to Human Resource Management |
| 10 units |
| IRHR3000 | Applied Human Resource Management and Employment Relations |
| 10 units |
| Course List | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Choose 40 units from the course list with a minimum of 30 units at 3000 level. | |||
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| LEGL1001 | Foundations of Law |
| 10 units |
| IRHR3035 | Managing Diversity |
| 10 units |
| IRHR3040 | Negotiation and Advocacy |
| 10 units |
| IRHR3510 | Human Resource Development |
| 10 units |
| IRHR3540 | International Human Resource Management |
| 10 units |
| LEGL3111 | Employment Law |
| 10 units |
Human Services
| Compulsory | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| HUSE1001 | Introduction to Human Services |
| 10 units |
| HUSE2001 | Shaping Human Services: Social Policy and the Political Process |
| 10 units |
| HUSE3001 | Person-centered practice and casework skills |
| 10 units |
| HUSE3008 | Human Services from the user perspective |
| 10 units |
| Course List | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Choose 40 units with a maximum of 20 units at 1000 level and a minimum of 20 units at 3000 level. | |||
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| ABOR1370 | Working with Aboriginal Communities |
| 10 units |
| SOCA1050 | Youth, Gender and Crime |
| 10 units |
| CRIM2030 | Criminology in the Legal Context |
| 10 units |
| HUSE2002 | Child Protection Work |
| 10 units |
| HUSE2003 | Youth Justice | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| HUSE2005 | Gendered Violence |
| 10 units |
| SOCA2400 | Future Societies: Beyond Capitalist Globalization |
| 10 units |
| HUSE3003 | Human Rights, Social Justice and Real Lives | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| HUSE3005 | Working with Groups and Communities |
| 10 units |
| HUSE3006 | Social Policy and Planning in Regional Contexts |
| 10 units |
| HUSE3007 | Disability and Aged Care | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| SOCA3220 | Youth Culture and Risk |
| 10 units |
Linguistics
| Compulsory | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| LING1111 | How Languages Work: Linguistics and the Structure of Language |
| 10 units |
| LING2001 | Indigenous languages of Australia and the Pacific |
| 10 units |
| LING3310 | Language and Meaning |
| 10 units |
| Course List | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Choose 50 units with a max of 10 units at 1000 level and a minimum of 30 units at 3000 level. | |||
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| LING1112 | Languages in the World |
| 10 units |
| LING2006 | Phonetics |
| 10 units |
| LING2140 | Language Testing and Evaluation | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LING2501 | Cross-cultural Communication |
| 10 units |
| LING2502 | Issues of Bilingualism and Bilingual Education |
| 10 units |
| LING3002 | Syntax | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LING3008 | Introduction to Phonology and Morphology |
| 10 units |
| LING3110 | Language and Cognition |
| 10 units |
| LING3120 | 2nd Language Acquisition | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LING3350 | Structure of English |
| 10 units |
Psychology Studies
| Compulsory | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Complete the following compulsory courses to fulfil the requirements of this major. | |||
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| PSYC1010 | Psychology Introduction 1 |
| 10 units |
| PSYC1020 | Psychology Introduction 2 |
| 10 units |
| PSYC2500 | Introduction to Mental Health and Mental Disorders |
| 10 units |
| PSYC3500 | Advanced Health Psychology |
| 10 units |
| PSYC3700 | Advanced Developmental Psychology and Developmental Psychopathology |
| 10 units |
| Course List | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Choose 30 units from the list to fulfil the requirements for this major (a minimum of 20 units at 3000 level). | |||
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| PSYC2300 | Cognitive Psychology |
| 10 units |
| PSYC2400 | Biological Psychology |
| 10 units |
| PSYC2505 | Foundations of Psychology and Sociology for Health Professionals |
| 10 units |
| PSYC2800 | Special Topics in Psychology |
| 10 units |
| PSYC2900 | Social Psychology |
| 10 units |
| STAT2000 | Applied Statistics and Research Methods |
| 10 units |
| PSYC3000 | Advanced Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology |
| 10 units |
| PSYC3006 | Individual Differences and Assessment |
| 10 units |
| PSYC3300 | Advanced Cognitive Psychology: Theory & Applications |
| 10 units |
| PSYC3301 | Advanced Perception and Learning in Psychology |
| 10 units |
| PSYC3400 | Advanced Biological Psychology | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| PSYC3600 | Advanced Social and Organisational Psychology | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| PSYC3800 | Advanced Special Topics in Psychology 2 |
| 10 units |
Tourism and Event Management
| Compulsory | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| LEIS1000 | Leisure and Tourism Behaviour |
| 10 units |
| TOUR2003 | Tourism and Sustainability |
| 10 units |
| LEIS3003 | Event Strategy and Leadership |
| 10 units |
| TOUR3003 | Destination Management and Marketing |
| 10 units |
| Course List | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Choose 40 units with a minimum of 20 units at 3000 level. | |||
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| LEIS2001 | Experience Design and Management |
| 10 units |
| TOUR2001 | Tourism and Cultural Heritage |
| 10 units |
| LEIS3100 | Volunteer Management |
| 10 units |
| TOUR3004 | Strategic Management for Tourism |
| 10 units |
Development Studies Majors
Cultures and Citizenship
| Compulsory | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Complete the following compulsory course. | |||
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| ABOR3024 | Aboriginal Community Development and Advocacy |
| 10 units |
| Course List | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Complete 70 units including a minimum of 30 units at 3000 level. | |||
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| ABOR1370 | Working with Aboriginal Communities |
| 10 units |
| SOCA1020 | What is Anthropology |
| 10 units |
| ABOR2241 | Aboriginal Political Protest | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| ABOR2244 | Reconciling Australia's Colonial Past and Present |
| 10 units |
| ABOR2440 | Aboriginal Health Past and Present |
| 10 units |
| POLI2200 | The Global Politics of Indigenous People |
| 10 units |
| SOCA2325 | Cultural Worlds of Health and Illness | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| SOCS2300 | Ethics for the Social Sciences |
| 10 units |
| SOCS2400 | Surveying the Social: Applied Quantitative Research |
| 10 units |
| ABOR3021 | Australian Indigenous Language and Cultural Issues Today | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| ABOR3251 | International Indigenous Comparative Studies |
| 10 units |
| ABOR3380 | Human Rights and the World's Indigenous Communities |
| 10 units |
| ABOR3440 | Indigenous Health Around the World |
| 10 units |
| GEOG3090 | Society and Space |
| 10 units |
| POLI3203 | Democracy in the 21st Century: Local Power, Policy and Participatory Politics |
| 10 units |
| SCIE3600 | International Study Experience |
| 10 units |
| SOCA3220 | Youth Culture and Risk |
| 10 units |
| SOCA3230 | Identity and Culture | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| SOCA3315 | Bodies in Cultural Perspective |
| 10 units |
| SOCA3666 | Consumption, Technology and Everyday Life |
| 10 units |
| SOCA3790 | Migration, Society and the Media | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| SOCA3850 | Rage Against the Machine: Indigenous Activism, Ways of Life and the Future |
| 10 units |
| SOCA3902 | Religion and Politics in Contemporary Society |
| 10 units |
Environmental Sustainability
| Compulsory | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Complete the following compulsory course. | |||
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| ENVS3006 | Surviving the Anthropocene: Sustainability in the 21st Century |
| 10 units |
| Course List | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Complete 70 units including a minimum of 30 units at 3000 level. | |||
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| ENVS1004 | Social Development and the Environment |
| 10 units |
| ABOR2243 | Indigenous People, Global Warming and the Environment |
| 10 units |
| ABOR2245 | Aboriginal People and Law |
| 10 units |
| ENVS2002 | Environmental Legislation and Planning |
| 10 units |
| ENVS2008 | The Sustainable Society |
| 10 units |
| GEOG2080 | Cities and Regions |
| 10 units |
| HIST2065 | A Sunburnt Country: Australian Environmental History | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| SOCA2065 | Environment and Society |
| 10 units |
| ABOR3024 | Aboriginal Community Development and Advocacy |
| 10 units |
| ECON3006 | Environmental Economics |
| 10 units |
| ENVS3001 | Integrated Impact Assessment |
| 10 units |
| GEOG3090 | Society and Space |
| 10 units |
| SCIE3600 | International Study Experience |
| 10 units |
| SOCA3790 | Migration, Society and the Media | Not currently offered | 10 units |
Globalisation and Economic Development
| Compulsory | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Complete the following compulsory course. | |||
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| ECON1001 | Microeconomics for Business Decisions |
| 10 units |
| Course List | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Complete 70 units including a minimum of 40 units at 3000 level, including either ECON3008 or POLI3203, and at least 20 units of ECON courses above 1000 level. Students wishing to complete ECON3008 must complete ECON2002 prior to enrolment in ECON3008. | |||
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| ECON2002 | Intermediate Macroeconomics |
| 10 units |
| GEOG2080 | Cities and Regions |
| 10 units |
| POLI2200 | The Global Politics of Indigenous People |
| 10 units |
| POLI2203 | International Political Economy and Global Development |
| 10 units |
| SOCA2400 | Future Societies: Beyond Capitalist Globalization |
| 10 units |
| ABOR3251 | International Indigenous Comparative Studies |
| 10 units |
| ABOR3380 | Human Rights and the World's Indigenous Communities |
| 10 units |
| ABOR3440 | Indigenous Health Around the World |
| 10 units |
| ECON3003 | Global Trade and Finance |
| 10 units |
| ECON3006 | Environmental Economics |
| 10 units |
| ECON3008 | International Macroeconomics |
| 10 units |
| ECON3009 | Urban Property Economics |
| 10 units |
| POLI3002 | Power and the State |
| 10 units |
| POLI3140 | The Politics of Globalisation | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| POLI3150 | Issues in International Relations |
| 10 units |
| POLI3160 | Global Power and World Order |
| 10 units |
| POLI3203 | Democracy in the 21st Century: Local Power, Policy and Participatory Politics |
| 10 units |
| SCIE3600 | International Study Experience |
| 10 units |
| SOCA3790 | Migration, Society and the Media | Not currently offered | 10 units |
Urban and Regional Development
| Compulsory | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Complete the following compulsory course. | |||
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| GEOG3090 | Society and Space |
| 10 units |
| Course List | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Complete 70 units including a minimum of 30 units at 3000 level. | |||
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| GEOG1020 | Introduction to Human Geography |
| 10 units |
| ABOR2244 | Reconciling Australia's Colonial Past and Present |
| 10 units |
| ABOR2245 | Aboriginal People and Law |
| 10 units |
| ENVS2002 | Environmental Legislation and Planning |
| 10 units |
| ENVS2008 | The Sustainable Society |
| 10 units |
| GEOG2080 | Cities and Regions |
| 10 units |
| GEOS2161 | Spatial Science |
| 10 units |
| SOCA2020 | Society, Space and Power | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| SOCA2065 | Environment and Society |
| 10 units |
| SOCS2400 | Surveying the Social: Applied Quantitative Research |
| 10 units |
| ABOR3024 | Aboriginal Community Development and Advocacy |
| 10 units |
| ECON3006 | Environmental Economics |
| 10 units |
| ECON3009 | Urban Property Economics |
| 10 units |
| ENVS3001 | Integrated Impact Assessment |
| 10 units |
| ENVS3006 | Surviving the Anthropocene: Sustainability in the 21st Century |
| 10 units |
| GEOS3250 | Advanced Spatial Science |
| 10 units |
| HUSE3006 | Social Policy and Planning in Regional Contexts |
| 10 units |
| POLI3180 | Politics, Policy and Government |
| 10 units |
| SCIE3600 | International Study Experience |
| 10 units |
Honours
An Honours year is available to students as a separate program in the form of an additional year to those who meet the entry requirements.
For more information about the Bachelor of Development Studies (Honours) please see here.
For more information about the Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) please see here.
Additional information
Through the Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre, students can access a free suite of NUPrep preparation courses as well as Academic Learning Support.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka Institute.
The Psychology major is for students with a general interest in Psychology, and for those who see Psychology as complimentary to their studies in Social Science. It is not accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
International students
All International Students enrolled in the program will be provided with an orientation to familiarise them with the rules, expectations, facilities and services offered by the University. Please visit our International Students website to find out more about the support services available to international students.
Additional support
AccessAbility provides advice and reasonable adjustments to Students with a medical or health condition or disability. If you require adjustments to undertake your program, contact the Student Support Advisors - AccessAbility before semester or early in the semester. They will work with the College or School to ensure that this happens in a timely manner.
Please note: All students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the programs and courses they are undertaking. While reasonable adjustments can be made, these adjustments cannot compromise academic integrity. It is the student's responsibility to check all the requirements of courses, and consider the effects of any medical condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements. More information is available online.
Bachelor of Development Studies / Bachelor of Social Science
UAC Code , Program Code 40095
CRICOS Code , Program Code 40095
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This criteria is based on a full-time international student attending Callaghan campus. Please select your criteria to personalise your study options and your circumstances.
Disclaimer Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website. However, changes to courses and programs may occur. The University accepts no responsibility for any information supplied on this web site or any actions taken on the basis of the information. Users are advised to seek confirmation of the information from the relevant area of the University.
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