UTS course code: C10100
UAC code: 608020
Testamur title: Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Abbreviation: BA
Course fee: HECS (local); $7,450 per semester (international)
Total credit points: 144

Overview
Course aims
Advanced standing
Course duration
Course structure
Typical program

Overview

Social Inquiry at UTS gives students access to diverse skills and knowledge which equip them for understanding and solving problems in a complex world. From the big political institutions to everyday urban life, and from the big issues to interpersonal relationships, students explore cross-cultural, international and local perspectives. Social Inquiry is where social theory, research and communication converge. It offers a flexible, rigorous and professionally focused program for students interested in social issues and in developing the skills to participate effectively in social change. Students use social, cultural and communication theory and practice to raise questions, develop and interpret investigations, and communicate outcomes.

Course aims

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Social Inquiry):

• have a broad range of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in social inquiry, research and advocacy
• are able to research and analyse wider social and public issues as well as apply critical analytical perspectives to daily and personal life
• have a critical cross-disciplinary knowledge of Australian societal, political, historical, anthropological and cultural traditions and institutions
• are aware of, and have the knowledge to critically analyse social, political and cultural phenomena across time and space in local, national, regional and global contexts
• are sensitive to the multiple dimensions of social difference and inequality especially in terms of race and ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic class, sexuality, disability and age
• possess a critical understanding of, and an ability to engage with, the political and public policy processes, advocacy and social change
• are able to use communication techniques and strategies effectively to communicate social research to a wide variety of audiences
• have both general and specialised skills in the communication of social inquiry and research (e.g. media strategies, new media, electronic media, public communication, media production, etc.)
• seek opportunities to use their professional skills in researching, reporting, advocacy and change management to achieve a socially just and equal society
• have the knowledge and critical awareness of industries, practices and processes relevant to their professional interests
• are committed to ethical behaviour and practice, and
• are prepared for lifelong learning and are open to new perspectives on social, political and cultural life.

Advanced standing

Students who have completed tertiary studies at another institution can apply for exemption from specific subjects or from electives.

The Faculty has established an Advanced Standing Package with the following institutions for the courses listed below:

TAFE NSW
Diploma in Community Services (Welfare)
Associate Diploma in Social Science (Community Welfare)

College of Higher Vocational Studies, City University of Hong Kong
Associate of Social Science in Public Administration and Management
Associate of Social Science in Community Services Management or in Social Work

Course duration

This course is offered on a three-year, full-time basis.

Course structure

The course consists of compulsory subjects, subjects selected from a particular Disciplinary or Professional Strand, and Elective Studies subjects.

The Disciplinary Strand is Social, Political and Historical Studies and the Professional Strand is Social Inquiry.

A total of 144 credit points is allocated to the course: 68 credit points for Disciplinary Strand subjects, 44 credit points for Professional Strand subjects and 32 credit points for Elective Studies subjects.

50109 Power and Change in Australia 6cp
50111 Colonialism and Modernity 6cp
50105 Communication and Information
Environments 6cp
50106 Media, Information and Society 6cp
50107 Contemporary Cultures 1 6cp
50108 Contemporary Cultures 2 6cp

Two subjects at 200 level (16 credit points):

50142 Social Theory 8cp
and
5xxxx One other subject at 200 level from the Social, Political and Historical Studies Disciplinary Strand 8cp

One subject at 300 level from the Social, Political and Historical Studies Disciplinary Strand (8 credit points)

One subject at 200 or 300 level from any of the three Disciplinary Strands (8 credit points)

Two subjects at 100 level (12 credit points):

50120 Introduction to Social Inquiry 6cp
50121 Theory and Method 6cp

Two subjects at 200 level (16 credit points):

50164 Research Methods 1 8cp
and
5xxxx One other subject at 200 level from the Social Inquiry Professional Strand 8cp

Two subjects at 300 level (16 credit points), one from Group A and one from Group B

Electives may be selected from within the Faculty, from other faculties, or from other universities.

Typical program

Spring semester
D 50106 Media, Information and Society 6cp
D 50108 Contemporary Cultures 2 6cp
D 50111 Colonialism and Modernity 6cp
P 50121 Theory and Method 6cp

Spring semester
D 5xxxx One subject at 200 level from the Social, Political and Historical Studies Disciplinary Strand 8cp
P 5xxxx One subject at 200 level from the Social Inquiry Professional Strand 8cp
E xxxxx Elective subject 8cp

Spring semester
D 5xxxx One subject at 200 or 300 level from any Disciplinary Strand 8cp
P 5xxxx One subject at 300 level from Group B in the Social Inquiry
Professional Strand 8cp
E xxxxx Elective subject 8cp

D = Disciplinary Studies subject
P = Professional Studies subject
E = Elective Studies subject

Note: The semester in which Group A and Group B subjects are completed may be varied in accordance with the timetabling of subjects.