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 that affect the social and economic welfare of individuals, families and broader social groupings. The study of social policy enables students to develop an 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
For a major in Social Policy, students must complete the following:

1. 12 credit points of compulsory junior units in Sociology
2. 30 credit points of compulsory senior units in Sociology selected from the units offered
3. At least 1 senior elective unit of study (6 credit points) selected from the units offered.

Requirements for a double major
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.

For a double major in Sociology and Social Policy, students must complete the following units of study:

1. 12 credit points of compulsory junior units in Sociology
2. 12 credit points of compulsory senior units in Sociology
3. At least 7 units of study (42 credit points) of senior elective units of study selected from the units offered.

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

Honours
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
Undergraduate Coordinator: Dr Amanda Elliot
Email: