Sociology at Murdoch

Sociology is about people and how we live together in social groups. Its subject matter ranges from the study of close interpersonal interactions to transformations in global economic, political and social systems. Most importantly, sociology helps us to grasp the crucial connections between the interpersonal and the global levels. By engaging with sociological theory, social research methods and social policy we are better able to grasp how technological developments and changing values affect us individually and as a society. In an era of widespread social and economic dislocation, sociological skills are becoming increasingly important in a wide range of professions and occupations. Furthermore, by enhancing our understanding of social relations, sociology helps to empower us in many areas of our lives beyond and within the workplace.

A Sociology major and a Sociology minor are offered at both the South Street and Rockingham campuses and externally. In addition to the required theory, methods and policy oriented units electives are available in areas such as the Sociology of health and Medicine; Sociology of law; Sociology of Leisure and Tourism; Sociology of work; Social Values and Public Welfare; Sociology and Anthropology of Communities; Family Policy and the Australian State. In addition Sociology staff have recently set up the Community Development major and minor on the Rockingham campus and this provides access to units such as Approaches to Community Development, Community Development Settings and a Community Development Placement.

A minor in Criminology is also available in which students combine units from Sociology and Law.

Murdoch University's undergraduate degree structure facilitates double major enrolment. For example, Legal Studies and Community Development, Psychology and Sociology, Tourism and Sociology, Community Development and Sociology and so on. In addition where a double major is not desired the Sociology minor can often be customised to provide a useful complement to a wide range of majors. For example a Commerce student might well benefit from addition of a Sociology minor that included the Sociology of Work whereas a Psychology student might well benefit from a Sociology minor that included the Sociology of Health and Medicine

Students who complete the Sociology major might expect to find employment in a range of fields to which the BA normally leads, eg. in administration, public service, personnel management, teaching, journalism, etc. Sociology graduates, however, are especially suited to work in the areas of social research, policy-making and project evaluation. This would usually mean a career within local, state and federal public service; welfare and community organisations; commercial or political organisations.