Sociologist (VIC)

State/Territory Specific Information

Education and Training:

To become a sociologist you usually have to complete an arts, humanities or social science degree at university with a major in sociology. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your VCE. Applicants may be required to attend an interview. Most universities in Australia offer degrees in arts, humanities or social sciences with a major in sociology. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact Open Universities Australia or the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

  1. Diploma of Liberal Studies
  2. Diploma of Social Science
  3. Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering / Bachelor of Arts
  4. Bachelor of Arts *
  5. Bachelor of Arts (Griffith)
  6. Bachelor of Arts (Macquarie)
  7. Bachelor of Arts - Global
  8. Bachelor of Arts - Global / Bachelor of Science
  9. Bachelor of Arts - Humanities and Social Sciences *
  10. Bachelor of Arts - Legal Studies
  11. Bachelor of Arts - Psychology *
  12. Bachelor of Arts - Security, Terrorism and Counter-terrorism
  13. Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
  14. Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Accounting
  15. Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Arts Education
  16. Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Business - Accounting
  17. Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Business - Banking and Finance
  18. Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Business - Management
  19. Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Business - Marketing
  20. Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Commerce *
  21. Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Economics *
  22. Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Education - Primary
  23. Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Education - Secondary
  24. Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Global Studies
  25. Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Health Sciences
  26. Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Laws *
  27. Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Management
  28. Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Music
  29. Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science *
  30. Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Theology
  31. Bachelor of Arts / Diploma of Liberal Arts
  32. Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences
  33. Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences / Bachelor of Business and Commerce
  34. Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences / Bachelor of Community Welfare and Counselling
  35. Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences / Bachelor of Visual and Media Arts
  36. Bachelor of Behavioural Studies
  37. Bachelor of Behavioural Studies - Psychology
  38. Bachelor of Business - Advertising
  39. Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Social Science
  40. Bachelor of Communication / Bachelor of Social Science
  41. Bachelor of Criminology
  42. Bachelor of Engineering / Bachelor of Arts
  43. Bachelor of Environmental Engineering / Bachelor of Arts
  44. Bachelor of Environmental Science / Bachelor of Social Science - Environment
  45. Bachelor of Health Sciences / Bachelor of Arts
  46. Bachelor of International Development
  47. Bachelor of International Relations
  48. Bachelor of International Studies *
  49. Bachelor of International Studies / Bachelor of Business
  50. Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Arts *
  51. Bachelor of Liberal Studies
  52. Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering / Bachelor of Arts
  53. Bachelor of Psychological Studies
  54. Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Psychological Studies
  55. Bachelor of Social Science *
  56. Bachelor of Social Science - Environment
  57. Bachelor of Social Science - Media Studies
  58. Bachelor of Social Science - Politics and Public Policy
  59. Bachelor of Social Science - Psychology *
  60. Bachelor of Social Science - Sociology
  61. Bachelor of Social Sciences
  62. Bachelor of Teaching - Secondary / Bachelor of Arts

Employment Opportunities:

Sociologists are usually employed as academics and consultants. They may also work as independent authors of both academic and mainstream articles and books. Sociology graduates find employment in a number of related fields of social research, planning and policy development and evaluation. Private enterprise is increasingly employing sociologists in the areas of survey research, consultancy, equal opportunity and human resources.

Sociology is relevant to a career in social work, ethnic and social justice affairs, health sciences and correctional and other community services.

Students who wish to pursue an academic career should aim to achieve good results in an honours degree, followed by a higher degree by research.

Social problems such as unemployment and juvenile crime create demand for sociologists' skills. Demand is also affected by government funding in the public service, education and scientific research areas.

For Further Information:

The Australian Sociological Association (TASA)

(03) 9214 5283

Information for other states and territories: