Social Sciences Major - Bachelor of Arts at Auckland University of Technology

About

Understanding how society works at an individual, family, community and government level is important if you want to participate in or influence the way decisions are made that impact on our society.

Develop a sound understanding of the interplay between social forces, economics and politics. You explore power dynamics, influences on decision making, demographic and behavioural trends, and the challenges caused by economic, political and social disadvantage.

You’ll also develop critical analysis and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for the public service, social sector and community organisations; all areas where many of our graduates start their successful careers.

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Requirements

Entry Requirements

Standard

Tertiary requirements

One year of successful study at bachelor level at a recognised institute, or equivalent, or

Successful completion of an Associate degree at a recognised institute, or

Successful completion of a Diploma at a recognised college of technology, or

Successful completion of a junior Health Diploma at a recognised institute, or

Successful completion of a higher technical institute Diploma at a recognised institute

English Program Requirements

Interpreting and NZ Sign Language - English Interpreting majors: IELTS (Academic) 7.0 overall with 7.0 in Writing and Speaking, and 6.5 in Reading and Listening; or equivalent.

All other majors: IELTS (Academic) 6.0 overall with all bands 5.5 or higher; or equivalent.

Career

Learn to explain and analyse the characteristics of human society, social change, and human development and behaviour. You analyse cultural diversity and economic systems, and examine concepts of ethnocentrism and the impact of colonisation

You also demonstrate skills in data retrieval, analysis (including a range of statistical techniques) and presentation in relation to sociological, economic, political and psychological research.

Apart from the courses below you also need to complete courses from your second major, your chosen minor(s) or electives.

Core courses

All Bachelor of Arts students need to complete core courses that help you develop transferable skills and support your work in all other courses in the degree.

Academic Communication

Choose one of:

Culture and Society

Complete one course from each of the following clusters. Each cluster aligns with one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Partnerships and Reduced Inequalities

Choose one of:

Peace and Justice, Climate Action and Economic World

Choose one of:

CRIM580 Criminology and Criminal Justice
EVNT500 Introduction to Event Management
HIST500 Introduction to New Zealand History
HIST501 The Holocaust: Its Causes, Character, and Legacy
PSYC580 Introduction to Psychology A
SOSC582 Social Thinking
SOSC583 Social Institutions
SOSC585 Climate Action
TOUR511 Global Issues in Tourism

Sustainability, Health and Wellbeing

Choose one of:

FOOD501 Food and the Senses
CLSY513 Organisation and Human Behaviour Perspectives
HOSP509 Hospitality Social Enterprise
TOUR512 Tourism and Sustainability

Quality Education, Gender Equality and Reduced Poverty

Choose one of:

Knowledge and Inquiry

Choose one of:

Workplace experience

Workplace experience is an important part of your degree, and the Work Integrated Learning course is the final part of your degree. This is a supervised work placement related to your major(s), for an organisation of your choice. It's a great way to get industry experience while still being able to get feedback from AUT lecturers, and for many of our students this workplace experience also leads to a job offer.

Recent placements included:

ASB Bank
CCS Disability Action
Goodman Fielder
Love to Live
NZ Council of Trade Unions

You could also take the Foundations in Research course if you’re considering continuing into postgraduate study.

Want more info about work integrated learning at AUT?

Read more about workplace experience in AUT programmes, how it works and why it’s so beneficial when you start your career.

Workplace experience in AUT programmes

Social sciences courses

If you're majoring in social sciences, this is the main subject area you specialise in. It makes up one third of your degree and consists of eight social sciences-related courses you study throughout your degree.

Year 1 courses

Complete the following courses:

SOSC582 Social Thinking
SOSC583 Social Institutions

Year 2 courses

Complete the following courses:

POLS683 Aotearoa New Zealand Politics and Policy Making
SOSC682 Methods of Social Research
PHIL680 Ethics and Society

Year 3 courses

Choose three of:

POLS781 International Relations
POLS782 Democratic Participation and Social Action
SOSC782 Globalisation, Innovation and Change
SOSC787 Diversity, Power and Discrimination

Ready to enrol in your courses?

Find out how you can enrol in the courses and classes for your programme, whether you’ve just joined AUT as a new student or you’re already studying with us. If you’re looking for a course timetable or more info on a specific course use our course search.

Enrol now

Build your degree

Use our online tool to build your own degree and see what your three years of study could look like.

https://www.aut.ac.nz/courses/bachelor-of-arts/social-sciences-major

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

NZD 35,092

Application Fee

NZD

Social Sciences Major - Bachelor of Arts

Auckland University of Technology

Auckland University of Technology

Key Facts

Start & Deadlines