Social Research unit (HGA280)

Hobart, Online

Introduction

This unit introduces students to the world of social research. It answers questions about how to understand, interpret, and collect data, and explores the research methods used to investigate and solve social problems. The unit covers a wide range of social research approaches, and illustrates how these can be used to address specific, real-world problems. The unit includes an introduction to how to establish a research question, select appropriate methods for investigation, collect and analyse data, draw conclusions from research findings, and present results. The unit will allow students to discuss approaches to conducting research across different fields of study and real-world contexts. These include health, education, business, sociology, criminology, social work, government, police studies, media, geography and psychology. The unit will provide a foundation for studying further research approaches in different disciplines, developing basic skills for undertaking research in the workplace, and for higher level studies in research.

Summary

Unit name	Social Research
Unit code	HGA280
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Arts and Society Humanities and Social Sciences
Discipline	Sociology and Criminology
Coordinator	Associate Professor Peta Cook
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Intermediate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 2
Online	Semester 2

Note

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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	5/7/2026	27/7/2026	30/8/2026	24/10/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Explain the social research process.
• Differentiate between social research approaches and methods.
• Apply social research method/s to a range of complex social problems and issues.
• Communicate research and research findings clearly for academic and non-academic audiences.

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
099999	$2,174.00	$1,020.00	not applicable	$2,562.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

HGA303 AND HGA203 |XBR212

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	On Campus: Weekly (recorded) lectures or equivalent (1.5 hours) and weekly face-to-face tutorial (2 hours). Online: Weekly (recorded) lectures or equivalent (1.5 hours) and weekly online tutorials and/or participation in discussion boards (2 hours).
Assessment	Quiz (20%)|Interview (30%)|Plan (50%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Walter, M. (ed) (2019) Social research methods. 4th edition. South Melbourne: Oxford. Other required reading materials will be released through the UTAS Library Reading List service. Refer to the Unit Schedule and MyLO for further information.
Recommended	Recommended readings will be released through the UTAS Library Reading List service. Refer to the Unit Schedule and MyLO for further information.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.