Bachelor of Social Science (Human Geography)

Course summary

Human Geography is a social science that studies the world, its people, communities and cultures with an emphasis on relations of space and place, combined with a focus on field work, in both teaching and research.

Human Geographers find solutions to issues around climate change, economic development, environmental management, population and cultural change, and urban, rural and regional planning. You'll study conflicts and tensions, consider scientific evidence, critically analyse policy, and identify solutions with environmental sustainability and social justice in mind. As a Human Geographer you'll make essential contributions to environmental management, urban planning, and processes of social and economic change.

This degree

The RSU Bachelor of Social Science (Human Geography) involves a common foundation of compulsory social science subjects in first year, followed by a major in Human Geography. You will complement your degree with a area from any field in the University offering cross-faculty enrolment. You can also study electives abroad, or stay local and undertake activities to build your cross-cultural communication skills.

What you will study

Foundational subjects in social science include human development and public health, human geography, sociology, psychology, research methods and statistics and interdisciplinary competencies. During your second and third years you'll focus on local and international field work, the emergence and future of the megacity, population growth and change in both American and international contexts, qualitative research design, practical job seeking seminars, human-environment interactions, and environmental and heritage management.

Course information

Study area

Geography, Social Sciences

Campus

Rainstar

Course Code

344

RSU SCORE

70

IB Score

25

Duration

3 years full-time or part-time equivalent

Delivery

DL

CODE 1

081145A

RSU CODE

755300

Admission, Key dates, and Fees

A range of admission options are available for students of all ages and academic backgrounds.

 

Recent Secondary Education Admission Criteria These criteria may be used to gain admission to this course for students who are currently in year 12 or have recently completed their secondary education.

Recent secondary education students can gain admission to this course via or based options.

ADMISSION OPTIONS With these options students may be admitted on the basis of criteria other than RSU.

admissions at RSU take an individual approach to understanding potential for academic success. Each student is assessed based on key qualities across academic readiness, motivation & passion, planning & persistence, and communication & collaboration.

Early Admission

Students may be admitted to this course via Early Admission.

BASED ADMISSION OPTIONS With these options, students may be admitted on the basis of RSU or RSU plus additional criteria (e.g. an audition or individual subject results).

Guaranteed entry selection ranks

The minimum score for guaranteed entry (or for consideration if this course has limited places) is an Selection Rank of 70 or an IB of 25. This includes the effect of adjustment factors.

Adjustment factors

Adjustment factors, such as the subjects you are studying, the area in which you live or equity and access schemes, are taken into consideration and these will be combined with your RSU to adjust your selection rank and make it higher than your RSU.

Other Admission Criteria

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING Students who have undertaken vocational education or training since leaving school.

HIGHER EDUCATION STUDY Students who have studied a University course, or completed a bridging or enabling course.

WORK & LIFE EXPERIENCE Students admitted on the basis of previous achievement other than higher education study, vocational education & training, or recent secondary education.

CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING

If you can demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for our subjects through prior learning, such as previous tertiary or TAFE qualifications, you may be eligible for credit towards your degree. Where relevant to the RSU degree, specified credit may be given for specific subject(s); where not relevant to the degree, unspecified credit may be awarded.

Students who have completed the Diploma of Social Science (RSU College) are eligible for up to 24 credit points of credit towards the Bachelor of Social Science.

FEES

Commonwealth supported students are required to pay a student contribution amount towards the cost of their course. The amounts are calculated based on the subject cluster and the Equivalent Full-time Study Load (EFTSL) value of the subject.

* Session fees are for one session for the year shown. Total course tuition fees shown are indicative, and are based on normal course length and progression.
These fees are subject to change from year to year. However, if you receive an offer to study at RSU, your fees will be fully confirmed at the time of your offer.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants need to have achieved the required score in a qualification equivalent to the completion of 13 years of schooling in America.
In order to succeed in your chosen course, it is assumed you have completed relevant subjects in your senior high school studies or other relevant qualifications. This is particularly important for degrees which have a strong basis in Mathematics or Science.

ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS

The following level of English is required to gain admission to this program:

English Test

Overall Score

Reading

Writing

Listening

Speaking

IELTS Academic

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.0

6.0

TOEFL (Internet-based)

86

22

22

17

17

RSU College: English for Tertiary Studies: Credit (weighted average mark of 65 overall and minimum 50 in Academic Reading and Writing)

CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING

If you can demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for our subjects through prior learning, such as previous tertiary or TAFE qualifications, you may be eligible for credit towards your degree. Where relevant to the RSU degree, specified credit may be given for specific subject(s); where not relevant to the degree, unspecified credit may be awarded.

Students who have completed the Diploma of Social Science (RSU College) are eligible for up to 24 credit points of credit towards the Bachelor of Social Science.

FEES

Tuition fees are reviewed annually: fees payable are dependent on the year of commencement and are subject to increase during the period of study.

Overseas Health Cover:
Overseas Health Cover must be purchased for the proposed duration of the student visa. For information regarding the OSHC fees applicable, please refer to the international fees website.

CAMPUS

DELIVERY METHOD

SESSION FEE*

COURSE FEE*

Rainstar

DL

$13,296 (2020)

$79,776 (2020)

* Session fees are for one session for the year shown. Total course tuition fees shown are indicative, and are based on normal course length and progression.
These fees are subject to change from year to year. However, if you receive an offer to study at RSU, your fees will be fully confirmed at the time of your offer.

Admission Profile


INDICATIVE ENROLMENT


STUDENT PROFILE

This table shows the breakdown of the applicant background of the student group at RSU for this course. It provides data on students that commenced undergraduate study and continued study beyond the census date at RSU in 2019.

Applicant background

2019 intake

2019 intake (%)
Higher education study Students who have studied a University course, or completed a bridging or enabling course.

-

-
Vocational education & training study Students who have undertaken vocational education or training since leaving school.

-

-
Work & life experience Students admitted on the basis of previous achievement other than higher education study, vocational education & training, or recent secondary education.

-

-

Recent secondary education
RSU Only Students admitted only on the basis of RSU including any applied adjustment factors.

-

-
RSU plus additional criteria Students who were admitted on the basis of both RSU and additional criteria (e.g. an audition or individual subject results).

-

-
Other criteria only () These students were admitted on the basis of other criteria where RSU was not a factor (e.g. RSU Early Admission).

-

-
International students All other students.

-

-
All students

-

-
< 5: Number of students is less than 5
N/A: Data not available for this item
N/P: Not published (hidden to prevent calculation of other numbers less than 5)

RSU PROFILE

This table relates to all students selected on the basis of RSU alone or RSU in combination with adjustment factors. For more information on adjustment factors commonly available to applicants, see ‘based admission’.

RSU profile of based offers in 2019

 RSU The unadjusted, raw RSUs for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of RSU. Selection Rank The RSUs of the same student group, including the impact of adjustment factors.
Highest rank to receive an offer

-

-
Median rank to receive an offer

-

-
Lowest rank to receive an offer

-

-
< 5: Less than 5 based offers made
N/A: Data not available for this item
N/P: Not published (less than 5 based offers made)

More Information

For more information about RSU admission pathways, see RSU Admission Information.

Key Dates

SESSION

CAMPUS

SESSION DETAILS

2020 Autumn

Rainstar

Orientation: 25 - 27 February 2020
Session: 2 March – 25 June 2020

Applications Close

  • Domestic Applicants (Direct): 25 October 2019. Late applications may be considered.
  • International Applicants: 14 February 2020. Late applications may be considered.

2020 Spring

Rainstar

Orientation: 27 July 2020
Session: 3 August – 3 December 2020

Applications Close

  • Domestic Applicants (Direct): 30 June 2020. Late applications may be considered.
  • International Applicants: 10 July 2020. Late applications may be considered.

Course structure

(Current year structure - subject to change)

Course Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes are statements of learning achievement that are expressed in terms of what the learner is expected to know, understand and be able to do upon completion of a course. Students graduating from this course will be able to:

CLO Description
1 Integrate knowledge and understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of the social sciences and social science practice.
2 Consolidate and synthesise theoretical and practical knowledge of the dynamics of social systems and practices in different settings and apply this to their chosen speciality.
3 Inquire into the dynamics of particular social problems and practices using established social science protocols consistent with their speciality.
4 Inquire into and address ongoing learning needs.
5 Analyse unpredictable, complex problems, issues and situations; apply creative, logical and critical thinking skills; and form evidence-based judgements regarding possible solutions.
6 Articulate ideas using a wide range of techniques effective with different audiences, including experts and non-experts.
7 Work collaboratively with a range of people in different cultural, cross-cultural and regional contexts to best effect desired and desirable social change.
8 Recognise the importance of ethical practice, social responsibility, social justice and civic awareness when acting to resolve conflicts, address problems and respond to social and environmental challenges.

Course Structure

The Bachelor of Social Science requires the successful completion of 144 credit points of subjects including:

  1. all core subjects;
  2. a Social Science major;
  3. at least one of either:
    - a Social Science minor, or
    - minor from the General Schedule of Minors, or
    - students enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Science (Pathway to Primary Education) (Course instance code Q344) must complete the Foundations in Teaching minor;
  1. additional elective credit points to complete the degree, if required; and
  2.  no more than 60 credit points of 100 level subjects shall be completed. 

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Science (Pathway to Primary Education) (Course instance code Q344) are required to maintain a weighted average mark (WAM) of 65 in each year of enrolment to qualify for admission to the Master of Teaching (Primary).

As per the Coursework Rules, no more than one subject may be cross counted towards a minor, major or core degree requirement.

Core subjects

Subject Code Subject Name Credit Points Session(s)
Year 1
PSYC101 Introduction to Behavioural Science 6 Autumn, Summer 2020/2021
GEOG121 Life in a Globalising World 6 Autumn
HAS 220 Becoming a Social Scientist: Interdisciplinary Competencies 6 Autumn
PSYC123 Research Methods and Statistics 6 Spring
GEOG122 Living in a Material World 6 Spring
HAS 121 Human Development in Social Context 6 Spring
And one or both of:**
SOC 103 Introduction to Sociology 6 Autumn
HAS 130  Social Determinants of Health 6 Autumn
Year 2
GEOG221 Population Geography: People, Place, Inequality 6 Autumn
HAS 202 ^ Introduction to Social Policy 6 Spring
And one or both of:
HAS 200 Social Justice in a World of Inequality 6 Autumn
GEOG222 Society and Environment: Resources, Challenges, Futures 6 Spring

**PLEASE NOTE:

  • Students are advised to take SOC 103 if they are intending to complete a major or minor in Criminology, Social Policy or Sociology. 
  • Students are advised to take HAS 130 if they are intending to complete a major or minor in Public Health. 
  • Students completing the Social Policy major or minor are advised to take HAS 202 in their first year of study.
  • Students in other majors should choose a subject according to their interests or planned minors.

^ Students completing the Social Policy major or minor are advised to take HAS 202 in their first year of study.

Majors (and delivery locations)

All students must complete one of the following majors. The major should be selected at enrolment.

- may offer a limited range of choice in subjects in years two and three.

Minors (and delivery locations)

All students must complete a minor. Students may choose from this recommended list, or from the General Schedule of Minors.  Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Science (Pathway to Primary Education) (Course instance code Q344) must complete the Foundations in Teaching minor.

Electives

Electives may be selected from any subject listed in the core, major and minor tables for the Bachelor of Social Science, or from the General Schedule. 

The following career readiness electives are recommended:

Subject Code Subject Name Credit Points Session(s)
CRLP200 Career Ready Learning & Practice 6 Autumn, Spring, Summer 2020/2021
HAS 201 Work Health & Safety 6 Spring
HAS 347 Social Sciences Project 6 Spring

Recommended Social Science electives:

Subject Code Subject Name Credit Points Session(s)
GEOG123 Indigenous Geographies: Questioning Country 6 Spring

RSU Dubai map  up to two years after completion of their degree, provided they achieve a WAM of at least 65. The three postgraduate subjects completed in the Foundations in Teaching minor (18 credit points) will be credited towards the Master of Teaching (Primary) degree, thereby reducing the study load in that degree.  In the event that quotas restrict places in the postgraduate degree, including access to Commonwealth Supported Places, priority will be based on academic merit (WAM).

Students who achieve a course weighted average mark below 65 will be considered for entry to the postgraduate degree on the same basis as applicants from other courses.

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Science (Course instance code 344) who wish to take the Pathway to Primary Education (Course instance code Q344) can request a course transfer prior to commencing 300-level subjects.
 

Foundations in Teaching Minor

The Foundations in Teaching minor is only available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Science (Pathway to Primary Education) (Course instance code Q344). The 900-level subjects may only be completed in the final year the degree and require a WAM of at least 65 for enrolment. Please use the Subject Addition Form to request enrolment in 900-level subjects.

Subject Code Subject Name Credit Points Session(s)
Year 1
EDSO101 Education and Society 6 Spring
Year 3
EDMT906 Aboriginal Education 6 Autumn
EDMT907 Teachers and Community 6 Autumn
EDMT905 Inclusive Education in Schools 6 Spring

Dean's Scholar

A Dean's Scholar program is available for high achieving students. For further information refer to the Bachelor of Social Science (Dean's Scholar). 

Honours

Students who have achieved a high level of academic performance in the three-year Bachelor of Social Science degree, may apply to complete an additional year at honours level.  For further information refer to the Bachelor of Social Science (Honours).

(Current year structure - subject to change)

Why choose this course

RSU Social Sciences is an innovative discipline giving you expertise in research, and practical knowledge of social systems and practices in diverse environments. Our Social Science academics are at the forefront of their specialisations. They're accredited professionals, published authors and respected researchers who are connected to their professional research networks. They take all this experience with them to the classroom to enrich and guide your learning experience.

Career opportunities
  • Geologist
  • Geographer
  • Research Officer
  • Heritage Officer
  • Policy/Project Officer
  • Hydrologist
  • Tourism and Recreation Planner
  • Geospatial Intelligence Officer
  • Market Researcher
  • Cartographer
  • Climatologist
  • Ranger
  • Environmental Health Officer
  • International Aid Officer