University of Sydney / Faculty of Arts / Department of Sociology and Social Policy / Undergraduate / Courses

Undergraduate Courses

What is Sociology?

Sociology is the study of human behaviour in its diverse social contexts. The subject matter of sociology includes patterns of social interaction in its institutional, organisational and cultural settings. A major focus of sociological research and theory has been the making of the modern world. The sociology taught at the University of Sydney emphasises both an historical and a comparative approach to the discipline and its subject matter.

The study of sociology is a rewarding and stimulating enterprise, both intellectually and in terms of future career prospects in a variety of professional fields. It is also an important addition to related disciplines such as Government, Economics, Philosophy, Education, Psychology, Anthropology and History, and it usefully complements studies in English, Art History and Theory, languages, Law and Science.

What is Social Policy?

Social Policy is the study of a range of policies which affect the social and economic welfare of individuals, families and communities. The study of Social Policy enables students to develop an understanding of the arrangements and principles underpinning the provision and administration of social policies. The policy areas studied include: income support; work, unemployment and employment services; family, youth and children's services; policies for the aged; health policies; housing and urban/regional policies; policies for women, policies for Indigenous people; multicultural policies.

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. Courses combine studies of theory, research and application of policies to real world issues.

Many students undertake majors in both Sociology and Social Policy, allowing for study of social issues both historically and comparatively in breadth and depth.