Are you fascinated by human history, intrigued by international relations, or a people person looking for a role where you can make a difference? If so, you will love Social Science. Here we will look at everything you need to know about social science and why it just might be the right fit for you.

What is Social Science?

Social Science is the study of human society, including the culture, languages, behaviour, and relationships of those that live within it. The social sciences field of study can also include economics, crime, and psychology right through to linguistics, geography, and gender studies, along with the ways in which these vital elements have evolved throughout human history.

The following disciplines are all considered to be part of Social Sciences:

  • Anthropology
  • International Relations
  • History
  • Women’s Studies
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Political Science
  • Economics

Social Science in Australia

Australia’s Social Sciences industry employs approximately 12,500 professionals, 35% of who work full-time and 59.7% of which are women. Jobs are available in both the Public and Private sectors and most involve working regular business hours in a typical office setting, although evening and weekend work is also sometimes necessary.

The rate of pay for Australia’s Social Science professionals varies according to the role and your level of experience; however, the national average income currently sits at around $67,000 P/A. While jobs are available right across the country, the vast majority are based in Victoria (37.2%), New South Wales (22.8%), and Queensland (10.8%).

Getting trained up

The right training for you will depend upon the role you’d like to play, but regardless, you will find a course to suit your wants, needs, and lifestyle here at training.com.au.

If you are looking for a well-rounded introduction to the field of Social Sciences, certificate level programs are a fantastic choice, as not only do they cover all of the core fundamentals but they provide a great stepping stone towards higher level learning. Certificate programs are also a great choice for those currently working in roles that involve dealing with people – such as HR or marketing – and most certificates can be completed in just 6-12 months.

For those ready to focus in on an area of interest, studying a diploma is a savvy move, as they cover everything from communication and policy-making to documentation and procedure, not to mention that they provide a great way to show your commitment to the industry. Diploma level programs typically involve 1-2 years of full-time study; they include a wide range of in-class and online social science courses, and graduates will emerge with qualifications that are widely recognised.

Most dedicated Humanities and Social Science careers (such as Social Worker, Criminologist, and Sociologist) will require bachelor level credentials, which usually involves 3-4 years of full-time study. Here you will polish your problem-solving skills, deepen your understanding of human behaviour, and get up to speed on the latest techniques, laws, and regulations. You can choose to study your bachelor of social sciences online or in-class and most programs will include a work placement component where you will gain vital skills, knowledge, and industry contacts.

At training.com.au we can connect you with everything from beginner social studies courses in your local area to in-depth social science courses online, every one of which is designed and taught by fully qualified professionals. Best of all, whether you study certificates, diplomas, or bachelor of social science courses, your social studies course qualification will be recognised Australia-wide.

Examples of social science courses include the following:

  • Certificate III in Children’s Services
  • Certificate IV in Youth Work
  • Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
  • Diploma of Community Services
  • Bachelor of Social Science (Criminology)
  • Bachelor of International Studies

Future prospects in Social Science

The study of human society and behaviour is certainly nothing new and you can rest assured that it isn’t going anywhere; in fact, according to the latest Australian Federal Government data, as many as 1,600 new positions for Social Professionals will open up by the year 2022.

Furthermore, roughly half of all Social Science professionals are currently aged 45 years or older and thousands are tipped to leave their roles over the next 5 years, which means there will be no shortage of opportunities for skilled and qualified graduates.

Is a career in Social Science right for you?

If the following skills, knowledge, and abilities sound like you, you’ll do well in Social Science:

  • Active listener
  • Compassionate
  • Clear communicator
  • Socially perceptive
  • Logical thinker
  • Computer literate

Social Science Careers

Some career areas that you may get into after completion of a Social Science qualification are:

Think you are ready to dive into the world of Social Science? If so, there has never been a better time to do so. Simply compare your many great options, find your course, take the next step in your personal and professional journey and study Social Science today!