What can I do with a Degree in Life and Social Science

What can I do with a
Degree in Life and
Social Science?
Bachelor of Social Science (N056) (L05010) (N0516
Students Commencing in 2010)
Bachelor of Social Science (Sociology) (N0516SOC) (L050SOC
Students Commencing in 2010)
Bachelor of Social Science (Community Health) (N0516COM
Students Commencing in 2010)
Bachelor of Arts (Sociology) (N0515SOC Students
Commencing in 2010)

Edition 3

January 2010

For entry and admission requirements: http://courses.swinburne.edu.au/courses

What can I do with this degree?
The Bachelor of Social Science is run at both the Hawthorn and Lilydale campuses and involves several major areas of
study including:
Sociology
Politics
Psychology
Media and Communications
Community Health

Sociology – Sociology focuses on the study of human behaviour and social interaction to understand how societies are
organised, develop and change. Graduates in sociology develop skills and knowledge applicable to a wide variety of
jobs. These skills and knowledge include:
an understanding of social and cultural issues
high-quality written and oral communication skills
research skills and a capacity for detailed observation
the ability to work independently and in groups.
Graduates also develop more specialised skills and knowledge that are needed for the following types of employment:
Work involving social groups and social processes: such as minority and ethnic groups, crime and substance
abuse, youth issues, family matters, industrial relations, poverty, globalisation...
Social research: devising surveys, collecting data, and conducting interviews and fieldwork; including the
analysis, interpretation and presentation of the information collected
Social policy and planning: community development, cultural resource management, social justice issues,
social aspects of health care, migration etc.
Politics - The study of Politics develops specific skills and knowledge which provide an advantage for a wide range of
employment opportunities. It also enhances 'generalist' job-related skills (such as skills in research, information
processing, analysis, evaluation, organisation, oral and written communication, and contextual knowledge of Australia
and the world) which are vital and flexible assets in today's dynamic job market.
Many Politics graduates enter such fields as public administration, the public service, public-sector research, policy
analysis and advice, management, foreign affairs, intel igence, journalism, consulting, human services and voluntary-
sector administration, project evaluation, health and welfare delivery, social and economic analysis, teaching (across a
range of high school subjects in the social sciences), public relations, business and commerce.
Bachelor of Social Science, Bachelor of Social Science (Sociology), Bachelor of Social Science (Community
Health), Bachelor of Arts (Sociology)
© Careers and Employment, Swinburne University of Technology, 2010
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Some are employed as politicians, as Ministerial advisers, as party officers, as Parliamentary research officers, as
electoral administrative officers, as diplomats, as lobbyists or as advocates for pressure groups.
Psychology - As psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour and experience, career opportunities for
psychology graduates are wide-ranging. These can include health-care settings such as hospitals and community
agencies, private practice, rehabilitation centres, patients' homes, schools, long-term care facilities, sports venues,
aged care centres, occupational health practices, dental clinics, fitness centres and educational institutions,
organisations, human resources, counselling, and behavioural research.

In order to be eligible for registration as a probationary psychologist in the State of Victoria (which is the first step to
becoming a psychologist) it is necessary to complete four years of approved study in psychology. This normally
comprises a bachelor's degree with a three-year accredited major in psychology, followed by an accredited fourth year
course in psychology.

Students learn to apply their knowledge to practical problems and this, together with their mastery of generic skills,
makes them valuable to employers. Swinburne graduates are well equipped to find work in:
Policy analysis and development
Research
Community development
Administration
Public relations
Market research
And, with further study
Psychology - See What Can I do With a Degree in Social Science (Psychology) (N063)
Technical communication
Social work
Librarianship
Teaching
Media and Communications - Media Studies at Swinburne offers a broad range of units which are essentially
analytical and critical in their approach. During the later stage of the major, students can acquire hands on skills in
publishing and production procedures.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Social Science with a major in Media and Communications have been employed in many
related fields: commercial and public relations, television, print journalism, radio production, publishing, research, public
relations, advertising and communications research and marketing. Many graduates have found that, although not
directly employed in a media industry, the knowledge and communications skills acquired in the course have many
useful applications in their work and life.
Community Health - The Bachelor of Social Science (Community Health) offers students the opportunity to combine
different disciplinary approaches to health and the environment. Students will be able to choose from a range of units
that include core units in public and community health, health ethics, policy, law and sociology. These units all focus on
understanding or improving the health status of individuals and communities in different social settings. The program
encapsulates the principles of public and environmental health, including an understanding of the risk management
aspects of maintaining good health and environment. It also familiarises students with a social model of health service
provision and builds skills in social research design, statistics and research methods, policy, ethics and law. Graduates
are employable across a range of vocational areas such as community and public health promotion and planning,
policy development, social and market research, risk management and health education.




Bachelor of Social Science, Bachelor of Social Science (Sociology), Bachelor of Social Science
(Community Health), Bachelor of Arts (Sociology)
© Careers and Employment, Swinburne University of Technology, 2010
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What industry sectors do Humanities graduates work in?
Private
64.3%
Government 14.2%
Education 10.6%
Other
9.2%
Health
1.7%
Source: www.gradsonline.com.au

Examples of where you may find employment:
Advertising
Recreation & Leisure Management
Federal, State and Local Government
Disability Organisations
Administration
Hospitals
Government Policy Research and Assessment
Education Sector
Business Management and Administration
Community Services
Marketing/Media
Training Industry
Administration
Rehabilitation Agencies (e.g., physical, emotional,
Public Relations
substance abuse)
Human Resources
Consumer Research
Industrial Relations
Welfare Agencies
Market Research
Weight Loss Industry
Media
Stop Smoking Organisations
Protective Services Personnel
Police Departments
Administration & Research
Road Traffic Authorities
Research Departments
Defence Forces
Relationship Guidance Organisations
Family Court
Occupations
Activities Coordinator
Policy Officer
Administrative Officer
Project Officer/Coordinator
Alcohol/drugs Counsellor
Public Affairs Officer
Careers Counsellor
Public Relations Officer
Case Manager
Recreation Assistant
Community Worker
Rehabilitation Counsellor
Communications Officer
Research Academic (requires post graduate
Counsellor
study in Sociology)
Customer Service Officer
Research Assistant Officer
Electorate Officer
Research Ethics Officer
Employment Officer
Student Advisors and Support officers
Events Manager
Support Worker
Equity Projects Officer
Team Leader
Family Caseworker
Telephone Interviewer
Housing Officer
Training Officer
Market research analyst
Web Developer
Media Officer
Welfare Officer
Multicultural Affairs Officer
Youth Health Worker
Youth Officer


Job Prospects for Bachelor of Social Science Graduates will depend on the majors that they have completed.
For specific information regarding employment prospects for alternate roles within this occupational field
please see http://joboutlook.gov.au/Careers


Bachelor of Social Science, Bachelor of Social Science (Sociology), Bachelor of Social Science
(Community Health), Bachelor of Arts (Sociology)
© Careers and Employment, Swinburne University of Technology, 2010
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Job Prospects for Social Science Professionals
• Job prospects for Social Professionals are average.
• Employment for Social Professionals to 2012-13 is expected to fall slightly. Employment in this small
occupation (9300 in August 2008) rose very strongly in the past five years, and rose slightly in the long-term
(ten years), but with small occupations employment estimates can fluctuate.
• Social Professionals have a relatively low proportion of full-time jobs (46 per cent). For Social Professionals
working full-time, average weekly hours are 38.5 (compared to 41.8 for all occupations) and earnings are high
- in the tenth decile. Unemployment for Social Professionals is high.
• Social Professionals are employed across several industries including: Professional, Scientific and Technical
Services; Education and Training; Public Administration and Safety; and Manufacturing.
• The vacancy level for Social Professionals is very high. Vacancies arising from job changing (Social
Professionals changing employers) are expected to provide 77.7 per cent of vacancies, compared with 22.3
per cent from job openings (Social Professionals leaving the occupation).
• The mix of industries employing Social Professionals is very favourable for employment growth prospects.
Source: Australian Government job search http://joboutlook.gov.au/Careers
Social Science Professionals Earnings (full time and before tax)

The graph shows weekly earnings - for full-time
work and before tax - for workers of all ages for this
occupation, compared with al occupations. These
figures cannot be used in determining a particular
wage rate or as an indication of what a particular
person will earn in that job.


Source: Australian Government job search http://joboutlook.gov.au/Careers

The skills and attributes required by Bachelor of Social Science graduates
A graduate of the Bachelor of Social Science should have the ability to:
Formulate and investigate sociologically informed questions.
Use major theoretical perspectives and concepts and their application to social life.
Analyse, assess and communicate empirical sociological information.
Recognise the relevance of sociological knowledge to social, public and civic policy.
Use statistical and other quantitative techniques and information retrieval skills in relation to primary and
secondary sources of information.
Apply multiple perspectives to psychological issues involving a range of research methods, theories, evidence
and applications.
Develop sensitivity to the importance of enhancing co-operation to maximise the effectiveness of individual
skills as shown in group work and team building.
Identify and evaluate general patterns in behaviour, psychological functioning and experience, generating and
exploring hypotheses and research questions, undertaking empirical studies, data analysis skills and applying
evidence-based reasoning.

Swinburne Graduate Attributes
Entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace, or community.
Capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas.
Able to operate effectively in work and community situations.
Adaptable and manage change.
Aware of environments in which they will be contributing
Bachelor of Social Science, Bachelor of Social Science (Sociology), Bachelor of Social Science
(Community Health), Bachelor of Arts (Sociology)
© Careers and Employment, Swinburne University of Technology, 2010
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What do Humanities graduates do after finishing their courses?
Working
74.1%
Searching
25.9%
Studying
35.4%
Source: www.gradsonline.com.au
(Please note: these figures include combinations of activities ie graduates who are searching for employment
whilst also undertaking postgraduate studies)


Examples of employers who have recently employment Swinburne Bachelor of Social Science graduates
BHP Billiton (Personal Assistant) www.bhpbilliton.com
Department of Human Services (Case Support Officer) www.dhs.vic.gov.au
Department of Justice (Project Officer) www.justice.vic.gov.au
Department of the Attorney General (Personnel Officer) www.ag.gov.au
Monash University (HR Coordinator) www.monash.edu.au
Precision Consultancy (Research Consultant) www.precisionconsultancy.com.au
Southern Autistic School (Teachers Assistant) www.autismvictoria.org.au
Swinburne University of Technology (Research Assistant) www.swin.edu.au
The Baker Medical Research Institute (HR Advisor) www.bakeridi.edu.au
Ticketmaster (Event Services Coordinator) www.ticketmaster.com.au
Wall Street Institute (English Teacher) www.wallstreetinstitute.com
Wallis Group (Interviewer) www.wallisgroup.com.au
Workplace Authority (Infoline Advisor) www.workplaceauthority.gov.au


Potential Employers
ANZ www.anz.com
Australian Industry Group www.aigroup.asn.au
Department of Sustainability and Environment www.dse.vic.gov.au
Department of the Attorney General www.ag.gov.au
Doutta Galla Community Health Service www.dgchs.org.au
Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority www.esta.vic.gov.au
Jesuit Social Services www.jss.org.au
Knox City Council www.knox.vic.gov.au
Lifeline Melbourne www.lifeline.org.au
OMYA Australia www.omya.com.au
Manningham YMCA www.manningham.ymca.org.au
Melbourne City Mission www.melbournecitymission.org.au
Red Cross www.redcross.org.au
Southern Health www.southernhealth.org.au
Swinburne University www.swinburne.edu.au
Uniting Aged Care www.unitingagedcare.org.au
Victoria Police Force www.police.vic.gov.au
Victoria YMCA www.victoria.ymca.org.au
Villa Maria www.villamaria.com.au
Vision Australia www.visionaustralia.org.au
Wallara Australia www.wal ara.com.au
World Vision www.worldvision.com.au
YMCA Victoria http://victoria.ymca.org.au





Bachelor of Social Science, Bachelor of Social Science (Sociology), Bachelor of Social Science
(Community Health), Bachelor of Arts (Sociology)
© Careers and Employment, Swinburne University of Technology, 2010
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Specialist Recruitment Agencies
Psychology/Sociology/
Sheelagh McKenzie Recruitment www.sheelaghmckenzie.com
Hahn Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Recruitment www.hahnhealthcare.com.au
Adecco - www.adecco.com.au
Australian National Recruitment – www.anr8.com.au
Chandler Macleod - www.chandlermacleod.com
DFP Recruitment Services - www.dfp.com.au
Hoban Recruitment Melbourne – www.hoban.com.au
Hudson Global resources - http://au.hudson.com
Manpower Recruitment Services - www.manpower.com.au
McArthur Management Services - www.mcarthur.com.au
Michael Page International - www.michaelpage.com.au
Morgan Consulting Group - www.morgangroup.com.au
Ranstad Recruitment - http://www.randstad.com.au/

Media & Public Relations
Aquent
Searchforce Media
www.aquent.com.au
www.searchforcemedia.com.au
Atomic Recruitment Melbourne
Sage Creative Placements
www.atomicrecruitment.com.au
www.sagerecruit.com.au
Brazil
Sandy Oldham Consulting
www.brazil.net.au
www.soldham.com
CSP Apple
Tenth House www.tenthhouse.com.au
www.cspapple.com
Wallage Recruitment
FBI Consulting www.fbirecruitment.com
www.wallage.com.au
Furst Media www.furstmedia.com.au
Wellington’s Recruitment Pty Ltd
www.wellingtons.net.au

Job Search Websites

www.community.gov.au
www.counsellorjobs.com.au
www.dhs.vic.gov.au/careers/vacancies.htm
www.hacjobs.com.au
www.infoxchange.net.au
www.jobsearch.com.au
www.justhealthjobs.com.au
www.mav.asn.au
www.psychxchange.com.au
www.socialworks.org.au
www.tasa.org.au
www.top20sociology.com
http://vic.bigredsky.com
www.workplace.gov.au



Professional Associations
Additional general employment sites
Public Relations Institute of Australia
Career One www.careerone.com.au
www.pria.com.au
Graduate Opportunities
ASA: The Australian Sociological Association:
www.graduateopportunities.com
www.tasa.org.au
Australian Government job search
Australian Psychological Association
www.jobsearch.com.au
www.psychology.org.au
My Career www.mycareer.com.au
Psychologists Registration Board
Seek www.seek.com.au
www.psychreg.vic.gov.au
UniGrad www.unigrad.com.au
Bachelor of Social Science, Bachelor of Social Science (Sociology), Bachelor of Social Science
(Community Health), Bachelor of Arts (Sociology)
© Careers and Employment, Swinburne University of Technology, 2010
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Australian Institute of Family Studies
My Future www.myfuture.edu.au
www.aihw.gov.au
UniVac http://www.univac.com.au/
Australian and New Zealand Association of
Probono Australia (Skilled
Psychiatry, Psychology and Law
professionals voluntary positions in
www.anzappl.org
not for profit organisations)

www.volunteermatch.com.au


Postgraduate study options:
Postgraduate programs for Life and Social Science students are offered by coursework and by research at Swinburne
University.

Graduate Certificate of Social Science (Community Engagement) (D0046CE)
Career Opportunities: Workers in many disciplines increasingly use community engagement skills in their work.
Examples include local government employees, mining company employees, developers, allied health workers and
community development workers. The graduate Certificate of Social Science (Community Engagement) is a specialist
postgraduate qualification designed to facilitate employment opportunities for all practitioners

Graduate Certificate in Sustainability (H21545VIC)
Career Opportunities: Graduates will be sought after by local, state and federal governments, and by organisations
operating in areas such as: land and water management, energy, design e.g. building, manufacturing, engineering,
sustainable production, plastics and chemicals, change management, environmental sustainability, social sustainability.

Graduate Certificate of Social Science in Housing Management and Policy (N079)
Graduate Diploma of Social Science in Housing Management and Policy (N0807)
Master of Social Science in Housing Management and Policy (N0903)
Career Opportunities: Graduates of the program will have enhanced ability to apply for management-level positions in
the social housing sector, policy formulation and related fields.

Graduate Certificate of Social Science (Human Services – Counselling) (N0705)
Graduate Diploma of Social Science (Human Services – Counselling) (N0805)
Master of Social Science (Human Services – Counselling) (N0915)
Career Opportunities: The program is primarily designed to give people counselling skills to use within the human
services industry in which they may already be employed (e.g. health, education, pastoral care, welfare etc).
Master of Arts (by research) (LSS192)
Doctor of Philosophy (Arts / Humanities / Social Science) (LSS003)
A full listing of all postgraduate courses offered by Swinburne is available at:
http://www.swinburne.edu.au/postgrad/courses/












Bachelor of Social Science, Bachelor of Social Science (Sociology), Bachelor of Social Science
(Community Health), Bachelor of Arts (Sociology)
© Careers and Employment, Swinburne University of Technology, 2010
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What help does Careers and Employment offer?
www.swinburne.edu.au/ /careers
Graduate Opportunities lists major graduate programs. Copies of these are available at the Careers and
Employment Centre or can be viewed online www.graduateopportunities.com.

Careers and Employment job search handouts
o Addressing Selection Criteria
o Assessment Centres
Careers & Employment
o Cover Letters or Letters of Application
Swinburne Place
o Curriculum Vitae or Resume
West Building, Ground Floor
o Interviews - How to Plan, Prepare and Perform
Wakefield Street, Hawthorn

o Informational Interviewing
Telephone: 9214 5360
o Job Hunting
Email: careers@swin.edu.au
o Networking: What Is It and How Do You Do It?
http://www.swinburne.edu.au/careers
o Online Applications
o Psychometric Tests
o Self Help Guide to Career, Course & Employment Resources
o Skills and Attributes
o Thinking About Changing Your Course?
o Voluntary Work Experience Program

SwinEmploy offers the following resources:
o All job offers for graduate placements, casual, vacation, part-time and full-time employment
o Links to employer websites
o Enables students to book online for events such as workshops, employer information sessions and
interviews
o Download Careers and Employment job search handouts
►Addressing Selection Criteria
►Assessment Centres
►Cover Letters or Letters of Application
►Curriculum Vitae or Resume
►Interviews – How to Plan, Prepare and Perform
►Informational Interviewing
►Job Hunting
►Networking : What Is It and How Do You Do It?
►Online Applications
►Psychometric Tests
►Self Help Guide to Career, Course and Employment Resources
►Skills and Attributes
►Thinking About Changing Your Course?




This material has been produced from the Swinburne University Graduate Destinations Survey, Graduate Careers
Council of Australia, Graduate Opportunities, Australian Job Search, The Job Guide, Professional Associations and
Careers and Employment research.








Bachelor of Social Science, Bachelor of Social Science (Sociology), Bachelor of Social Science
(Community Health), Bachelor of Arts (Sociology)
© Careers and Employment, Swinburne University of Technology, 2010
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ADVERTISEMENT EXAMPLES
Taken from www.alljobs.com.au (20010)





Cultural Heritage Advisor
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Email: Please click the 'Apply Now' button below.



Bachelor of Social Science, Bachelor of Social Science (Sociology), Bachelor of Social Science
(Community Health), Bachelor of Arts (Sociology)
© Careers and Employment, Swinburne University of Technology, 2010
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LORD MAYOR'S CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
- MELBOURNE

Social Policy Officer

Introduction
The Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation (LMCF) seeks applicants for the full-time position of Social
Policy Officer. Reporting to the Leader –Community Strategy, the position will initially focus on assisting
in the development and implementation of new Community Initiatives being developed by the
Foundation, through research, sector engagement and greater community facilitation.

Background
The Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation is one of Melbourne’s longest serving philanthropic
organisations, having been established by Lord Mayor of the day Sir John Swanson in 1923. In 2009,
LMCF distributed $8.9 million to charities across Melbourne and Victoria.

The mission of LMCF is “To enhance the quality of life of members of the community, particularly the
disadvantaged, through effective raising, stewardship and granting of funds to charities.”

The Role
This dynamic role involves research in a number of social issues, primarily homelessness, ageing and
youth. The successful candidate will have a tertiary qualification in social sciences or a related
discipline, as well as demonstrated ability to conduct research – preferably at an Honours or Masters
Level.
Key objectives of the position include:

Assisting in the ongoing development and implementation of the LMCF Community Initiatives so
as to fulfill the LMCF Mission

To represent LMCF and be a strong public advocate for LMCF Initiatives

To provide research and investigative resources to ensure the LMCF Community Initiatives are
ultimately effective

To facilitate internal and external policy research as required

To promote research based decision-making in LMCF

To obtain a position description and selection criteria please contact Shane Austin, Leader – Community
Strategy, Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation at shane.austin@lmcf.org.au

Applications close Monday 11th January 2010


COMMUNITY EDUCATION/HEALTH PROMOTION

Gambler’s Help City

Integrated Health Promotion
and
Community Education Worker

Do you have a passion for Health Promotion and Community Education? Would you like to work in a
highly professional, energetic and supportive team? Would you like to be a part of a genuinely world
leading service network?

If so, we invite you to apply for the position of Integrated Health Promotion & Community Education
Worker.

Bachelor of Social Science, Bachelor of Social Science (Sociology), Bachelor of Social Science
(Community Health), Bachelor of Arts (Sociology)
© Careers and Employment, Swinburne University of Technology, 2010
Page 10

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