Social Policy

Social Policy is offered by the Department of Sociology and Social Policy which is part of the School of Social and Political Sciences (SSPS).

Program structure and content
Social Policy is the study of a range of policies which affect the social and economic welfare of individuals, families and broader social groupings. The study of social policy enables students to develop and understanding of the arrangements and principles underpinning the provision and administration of social policies and can lead to careers in both government and non-government organisations. Policy areas studied can include: income support, work and unemployment, health, housing, family and children's services, youth, policies for the aged, health policies, policies for women, indigenous and multicultural policies, urban and regional development.

Studies in Social Policy at the University of Sydney are concerned with the history and contemporary institutions and practices of Australian social policies; comparative studies of policies in other countries; and the principles of social policy. Units of study combine studies of theory, research and application of policies to real world issues.

Requirements for a major
36 senior credit points in Sociology or Social Policy, including SCPL2601 Australian Social Policy, SCPL2602 The Principles of Social Policy, SCLG2611 Welfare States: A Comparative Analysis, SCLG2601 Sociological Theory, either SCLG2602 Social Inquiry: Research Methods or SCLG3603 Quantitative Methods for Social Science. This is in addition to the first year requirements of SCLG1001 Introduction to Sociology 1 and SCLG1002 Introduction to Sociology 2, and the other junior and senior units required for your degree.

Double major in Sociology and Social Policy
Many students undertake majors in both Sociology and Social Policy, allowing for the study of social issues both historically and comparatively in breadth and depth. Students intending to complete a double major in Sociology and Social Policy will need to complete SCLG2601 Sociological Theory, either SCLG2602 Social Inquiry: Research Methods or SCLG3603 Quantitative Methods for Social Science, SCPL260 Australian Social Policy, SCPL2602 The Principles of Social Policy, SCLG2611 Welfare States: A Comparative Analysis and an additional 42 credit points of senior level Sociology or Social Policy. This is in addition to the first year requirements of SCLG1001 Introduction to Sociology 1 and SCLG1002 Introduction to Sociology 2, and the other junior and senior units required for your degree.

Cross-listing
Up to 12 credit points of units from the approved cross-list may be counted towards the major in Social Policy.

Honours (see chapter 5 for further information)
The Department of Sociology and Social Policy does not currently offer a specific honours year in Social Policy. However, many Sociology honours students undertake research for their thesis in the field of Social Policy.

Contact/further information
Department website: sydney.edu.au/arts/sociology_social_policy
Chair of Department: Dr Catriona Elder
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