Bachelor of Sociology

Use your voice to empower society

What divides us? What causes inequalities? How does the media influence our lives?

Sociology is the study of human activity in societies. It’s concerned with group interactions and their consequences. It’s about questioning the social world and how it fits together.

Sociologists research human experience and offer new perspectives. They explore diverse topics—from race and gender, to religion, love and war.

What will you do?

Our Bachelor of Sociology challenges you to think critically, promote positive social change and empower those in need. You will:

  • identify societal trends and power structures
  • debate and problem-solve around social issues
  • study influential thinkers throughout history
  • develop high-level research and analysis skills
  • investigate areas of interest such as crime prevention, social control, globalisation, cultures and subcultures.

Where could it take you?

You’ll graduate ready to make an informed and constructive difference. You might end up working as an advocate for at-risk youth. You could push to connect vulnerable groups with health and support services. Perhaps you’ll advise on human rights policy or run for government yourself.


Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
This degree gives you the opportunity to be part of our new The Academy by Deloitte. You’ll be part of a supportive student cohort that learns from one another and industry leaders. Formal and informal experiences will allow you to build relationships within the Deloitte network.


  • Ranked globally in top 200 for sociology*
  • Become a social justice champion
  • Choose from a range of specialisations

*QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2022

Entry Requirements

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I am a:

Before applying make sure you understand the eligibility and entry requirements for your chosen degree.

Look out for any prerequisites or assumed knowledge subjects. Some degrees also have additional entry requirements like interviews and auditions.

Domestic applicants

Admissions information

SATAC Code 334011
2024 CSP ATAR 65
2024 CSP IB 24
Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR 70
Guaranteed Entry Score - IB 25.5
Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake February and July
Selection Criteria
Recent Secondary Education Applicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, however if you completed your secondary education more than two years ago, you may still be able to be considered on the basis of your secondary schooling. You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors). Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
Higher Education Study You must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the University of Adelaide, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
Vocational Education and Training (VET) study You must have completed an AQF Certificate IV or above from a Registered Training Organisation. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
Work and life experience To be eligible to sit the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as as pathway for entry, you must be 18 years or over before 1 February 2025. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2025 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2024 or 2023), you must not have accumulated more than a TOTAL of 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) higher education study (ie. including any study prior to 2023). If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
Other Entry Pathways

2024 Admissions Data for school leavers
ATAR
(raw ATAR, excluding any applicable adjustment factors)
Lowest ATAR to receive an offer 66.6
Median ATAR to receive an offer 74.15
Highest ATAR to receive an offer 81.6
Selection Rank
(ATAR plus any adjustment factors)
Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer 69.3
Median Selection Rank to receive an offer 79.58
Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer 93.2
Minimum eligibility score 65
Additional criteria considered Selection rank only
  • Admissions Transparency Data
    Student Profile
    Applicant background Semester one/Full year intake 2024
    Number of students Percentage of all students
    (A) Higher Education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    <5 N/A
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study <5 N/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    N/A N/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    5 50.0%
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    N/A N/A
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
      (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    N/A N/A
    International students <5 N/A
    All students 10 100.0%

Ready to Apply?

Find out more about the application process and start your studies at the University of Adelaide.

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Fees and Scholarships

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Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Commonwealth-supported place: $15,345

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

More information on Student Contribution Amounts.

Scholarships

Scholarships are not only for high achievers—they are also available to provide students with an equal opportunity to study at university, no matter where they live or what their financial situation might be.

Scholarships are available to both new and continuing students. We encourage students to apply for any scholarships for which they may be eligible.

To browse scholarships offered by the University, visit: University Scholarships

To explore scholarships offered by organisations external to the University, visit: External Scholarships

Careers

Career Readiness

Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
Students who as part of their studies take part in The Academy by Deloitte experience will have the benefit of undertaking a paid internship with Deloitte. This internship is designed to shape their business readiness through significant real-world client exposure, access to multiple networking opportunities and relevant professional training.


Many organisations and businesses employ sociologists to evaluate programs, diagnose problems and design solutions to influence outcomes on a range of issues that impact on society and humanity.

The Bachelor of Sociology is a qualification that opens up opportunities to work in policy development, project planning, legal submissions or strategic organisational management. Our graduates are sought after by government agencies both locally and nationally, the media industry, social and health research bodies, and business.

Careers include:

  • Advocacy
  • Charitable trusts
  • Communications
  • Community development
  • Government agencies
  • Media Industries
  • Migrant/multi-cultural affairs
  • Policy development, analysis and research
  • Politics and political advisor
  • Public relations officer
  • Project management
  • Social marketing
  • Youth development
  • NGOs - housing, health service providers, disability advocacy and support and youth development

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Potential careers

Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

Humanitarian / Aid Worker;  Market Researcher;  Ministerial Adviser;  Communications Officer;  Data Analyst;  Policy Adviser;  Political Adviser;  Public Servant;  Government or Corporate Policy Adviser;  Human Resource Manager ...

Degree Structure

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

Areas of Specialisation

Students can take a major or minor in:
  • International Development
  • Management (minor only)
  • Politics
  • Psychology (minor only)

Related Degrees

Testimonial

My time at university has been an enriching experience of exchanging ideas, developing critical thinking skills, and expanding my horizons.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Thursday, 12 Sep 2024