Future Students

Sociology

The Area of Study

Sociology is the study of the modern social world. It reflects the habitual practice of modern society to subject its own identity and practices to critical scrutiny and reflection.

Sociology usually focuses on modern industrial and post-industrial societies. It is concerned with understanding topics such as power and inequality in society, the dynamics of social change, the contributions of social movements to social change, aesthetics and values, shared and contested values, the social features of our individual lives and the experience of particular groups. Sociology concerns itself with such issues as governing society in civil democracy, the effects of globalisation, the role of media and the arts, the changing nature of work and the relationship between our social and personal lives.

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Degree Program Information

Degree UAI 2008 CSP Course Duration
Bachelor of Arts 76.00 3 years full-time /equivalent part-time
Bachelor of Social Science 76.10 3 years full-time /equivalent part-time
Bachelor of Arts with Bachelor of Laws 95.45 5 years full-time
Bachelor of Social Science with Bachelor of Laws 96.35 5 years full-time

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What You Will Study

You must complete a program of study (major) in one of the following:

  • Sociology
  • Sociology of Media

Your program of study may include units from the subject areas listed below:

  • sociological theory
  • substantive areas in sociology
  • culture and society
  • applied social research
  • financial management

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Recommended Prior Knowledge

First-year sociology units do not require any assumed knowledge, prerequisites or recommended studies. Other units taken as part of a degree may require assumed knowledge, prerequisites or recommended studies and you should refer to the Macquarie University Handbook of Undergraduate Studies for full degree requirements.

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Career Options

  • administering government and public policy
  • developing social policy
  • social work
  • social planning
  • social impact analysis
  • industrial relations
  • management
  • human resource management
  • unions and non-government organisations

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Some Major Employers

  • governments (federal, state and local)
  • non-government welfare and advocacy organisations
  • private consultancy firms
  • international agencies such as the World Bank or OECD
  • political parties
  • human resources departments
  • lobby groups
  • business corporations
  • human rights organisations
  • international aid organisations
  • environmental organisations

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Further Information

Department of Sociology
Macquarie University NSW 2109
Telephone: (02) 9850 8078
Fax: (02) 9850 9355
Email: sociology@mq.edu.au
Web: www.soc.mq.edu.au

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