The sociology undergraduate program centres around the following theme areas:
Sociology: Sociology literally means ‘the study of society'. In particular, it explores people's choices, and the structures that constrain and enable their chances in life. Sociology seeks to understand how society works by focusing on groups of people. It can be used to explain many different phenomena, but no matter what the focus, the key to a sociological approach lies in looking beyond what any individual may believe or do, to identifying and trying to explain patterns in society. Many sociologists are motivated by a desire to improve people's lives by exposing exploitation, injustice, and oppression, and advocating for more equity and diversity.
Sociology of the environment: This area of sociology is particularly relevant to Tasmania because of its ‘clean green' image. Topics include the sociology of nature; the environment, crime and social regulation; and environmental protests and other social movements.
Community and change: Sociology is central to understanding the rapid pace of change in modern society. The work of our Housing and Community Research Unit informs this theme's teaching program. Topics include urban sociology, health, and social problems.
Many students opt for a generalist degree in sociology due to their interest in a diversity of subjects such as media in contemporary societies; gender and power; youth health; love, families and sexuality; self and identity; or social inequalities.
You can study sociology straight after completion of your TCE or you can enter as a mature-aged student. One-third of our first-year students are mature-aged students (over 21 years old).
The full program is offered in both Launceston and Hobart, and the first-year course is also available at the Cradle Coast campus in Burnie. Distance Education also offers many units from the Launceston and Hobart campuses, and it is possible to undertake a major in sociology entirely through Distance Education.
Sociology is primarily studied as part of a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Social Science degree. The Bachelor of Social Work, which is a two-year end-on degree program, has minimum requirements regarding sociology units or their equivalent. Sociology also complements the study of other disciplines such as education, law, medicine, nursing, commerce, police studies and the sciences. Students in these disciplines should check the rules of their degree and consult with their home Faculty as restrictions may apply.
All campuses – contact Faculty of Arts