Fast Facts
Location
Commencing
- Townsville: February
- Cairns: February
Fees
$32,960.00+
+estimated annual tuition fee for a full-time study load
Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
Scholarships and financial aid available if eligible
Duration
1.5 years full-time
Entry Requirements
AQF level 7 bachelor degree in social sciences with GPA 5.0 or AQF level 8 qualification, both completed within 5 years of application
CRICOS Code
072634C
Course detail
During this 1.5 year full-time (or part-time equivalent) master’s course, JCU postgraduate social science students study a combination of core subjects and specialist electives, deepening their knowledge in their selected major. All major streams include a research thesis.
The Master of Social Science focusses on equipping students with the knowledge and practical skills to work towards solving complex contemporary issues of social policy, governance, cultural heritage, and resource management. JCU students benefit from a unique learning environment, dedicated to the advancement of Asia-Pacific and Tropical societies.
View the handbook for a detailed overview of available subjects
Majors
The JCU Master of Social Science offers two major streams.
Asia-Pacific Governance and Development
Gain knowledge and practical skills while learning about issues that are highly relevant to today's social, governance and policy-development challenges. As part of this major, students design and execute a substantial social science research-based project on a topic negotiated with their supervisor.
This major provides students with advanced knowledge of social theory, practice and professional ethics. JCU postgraduates are ready and equipped to make a difference in communities around the world.
Environment and Heritage
Students develop highly sought after knowledge and skills associated with natural and cultural heritage and resource management. This major stream is undertaken by coursework and builds on undergraduate learning by developing an in-depth understanding of cultural heritage management, environmental impact assessment, and regional environmental history.
Students undertake a research project completing a thesis on a topic as negotiated by their supervisor.
A JCU Master of Social Science equips students with the knowledge, skills and strategies that provide the key proficiencies for a broad range of occupations. Postgraduate students have the advanced capability to identify complex problems and pose creative solutions to social and environmental challenges facing societies around the world.
The skills gained from a JCU Master of Social Science are sought by organisations such as government agencies, the education sector, industry and commerce, and indigenous organisations.
Job opportunities include:
- Public health services policy analysis and development
- Research roles that involve analysis and critical evaluation of social systems, institutions, structures and practices
- Advocacy for diverse social sciences-related programs
Course Structure
CORE SUBJECTS
SS5103:06 Post-Graduate Research Methods for the Social Sciences
SS5012:12 Social Science Coursework Masters Thesis
PLUS
Select a major from the Table A
TABLE A (MAJORS)
Type of major | Mandatory, Single |
Credit points in major | 18 credit points |
Notes | Majors may be available for mid-year entry. Approval will need to be sought from the course coordinator. |
MAJOR | AVAILABLE AT | NOTES |
JCU Cairns JCU Townsville | ||
JCU Cairns JCU Townsville |
Location
COURSE AVAILABLE AT | NOTES |
JCU Cairns | |
JCU Townsville |
Candidature
Expected time to complete | 1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
Maximum time to complete | 5 years |
Maximum leave of absence | 1 year |
Progression
Course progression requisites | Nil |
Course includes mandatory professional placement(s) | No |
Special assessment requirements | Nil |
Professional accreditation requirements | Nil |
Maximum allowed Pass Conceded (PC) grade | Nil |
Supplementary exam for final subject | A student who has failed the final subject towards the award and who gained 40% or more of the marks for that subject may be granted a supplementary examination in that subject. However if that subject is required for accreditation, then the criteria specified by that accreditation will apply. |
Credit
Eligibility | Students may apply for a credit transfer for previous tertiary study or informal and non-formal learning in accordance with the Credit Transfer Procedure |
Maximum allowed | 18 credit points Up to 12 credit points of credit will be granted for an AQF Level 8 Bachelor Honours Degree or Graduate Diploma in a cognate* discipline for SS5103:06 and up to 6 credit points for optional subjects from the major * Anthropology, Archaeology, Criminology, Economics, Environmental Studies, Geography, History, Human Services, Indigenous Studies, Political science, Sociology. |
Currency | Credit will be granted only for studies completed in the 5 years prior to the commencement of this course |
Expiry | Credit gained for any subject shall be cancelled 10 years after the date of the examination upon which the credit is based if, by then, the student has not completed this course |
Other restrictions | Not applicable |
Award Details
Award title | MASTER OF SOCIAL SCIENCE |
Approved abbreviation | MSocSc |
Inclusion of majors on testamur | The major studied shall appear on the testamur |
Exit with lesser award | Students who exit the course prior to completion, and have completed the relevant number of credit points of appropriate subjects, may be eligible for the award of Graduate Diploma of Social Science |
Course articulation | Not applicable |
Estimated annual tuition fee: $AUD32,960.00
Course fees are charged per year of full-time study. International course fees are reviewed annually and subject to change.
A Student Services and Amenities Fee is payable per subject up to a maximum amount per year.
Student Visa holders must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their Student Visa (except Norwegian, Swedish and Belgian citizens). Costs depend on the length of study and the number of dependents accompanying the student. For more information see Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Scholarships and financial aid are also available for international students.
Consult the admission requirements section in the Handbook for prerequisites and pathways into this course.
Gather the documents you need to apply and submit an application via JCU's online application portal.
Real stories
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Student
Maani Moosa Manik
Master of Social Science, majoring in Asia-Pacific Governance and Development
I chose the Master of Social Science because I wanted to extend my knowledge on the underlying workings of a society, and how it can be used for the advancement and sustainable development of communities. We connect theories to real-world cases, which allows me to transfer the knowledge and skills I gain into practice.
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Alumni
Duc Chien Huynh
Master of Social Science
It was an amazing opportunity for me to study at JCU. I had the opportunity to gain more knowledge, improve professional skills in the international environment and learn about life in Australia. My lecturers and classmates left me with a deep impression on the friendliness and professionalism that JCU offers.
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Lecturer
Dr Mark Chong
Course Coordinator, Master of Social Sciences
The Master of Social Science course seeks to produce graduates who will have a well-rounded understanding of the political, environmental and cultural climate of this geo-political area. This provides our graduates with an ideal platform upon which to secure employment within the Asia-Pacific region.
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Employer
Sally Watson
Executive Officer, Shelter Housing Action Cairns (SHAC)
Our JCU Master of Social Science graduate brings a rare combination of commendable attributes to our workplace. She has the practice skills we need, is highly professional in her approach and makes great use of theory and evidence to guide her practice.