Bachelor of Arts (Major: Social Justice)
School of Arts & Sciences
Do you want to facilitate positive change for our most vulnerable in a sometimes inequitable world? The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Bachelor of Arts with a Social Justice Major and Minor draws upon politics and international relations, sociology, behavioural science, peace and conflict studies, and development and environmental studies to prepare you for a variety of challenging but rewarding careers. Get in touch today.
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Why study this major?
If you want to facilitate positive change, social justice provides a lens through which to see the world. Studying social justice will give you an understanding of how society operates, sometimes to exclude and oppress and sometimes to support and enable its members. You will develop a critical understanding of key social justice concepts, including universal human rights—this Major links social theory with strategies for social action and change.
No matter what area of work you are in or are planning to be in, studying social justice will open your eyes to ways to make a more just, equitable and sustainable world that values the dignity of all people. For this reason, the Social Justice Major or Minor is frequently taken by students completing double degrees such as Law/Arts, Education/Arts, and Commerce/Arts. Students studying Communications and Media degrees often combine a Major in Journalism with a Major or Minor in Social Justice.
Students studying a Major in Politics and International Relations routinely combine this Major with a Major or Minor in Social Justice to help them make sense of the world and to see alternative ways to function as people sharing the planet.
Amongst our graduates are government policy writers, development workers, CEOs of non-government organisations, activists, support workers, lawyers, teachers, journalists, and business owners who operate in their professions with a commitment to social justice. So, no matter where you are headed in your chosen career, social justice gives you the skills, knowledge, and awareness to do so with active compassion.
Social Justice is available as a Major and Minor in the following programs, including double degree variations:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Arts (Architecture) (Minor only)
- Bachelor of Communications and Media (second Major and Minor)
- Bachelor of Science (Minor only)
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Program summary
To complete a Bachelor of Arts with a Social Justice Major, you will study 24 courses, eight of which will form the Major. Normally you will take at least one course from your Major in each semester. Most Majors build sequentially in content, theme and skills and work towards the acquisition of advanced skills and knowledge by the completion of your third year of study.
You may also choose to use eight elective courses to study a Second Major in another discipline or six elective courses to study a Minor in another discipline. Then you’ll have four or six more electives that you can select from any courses in the School of Arts & Sciences, providing you meet the pre-requisites that may apply.
The Social Justice Major includes these requirements:
Core Curriculum
- CORE I: Foundations of Wisdom
- CORE II: Elective
- Electives in philosophy and\or theology
- Professional embedded electives that integrate studies in a profession with philosophy and\or theology
- An option to undertake a pilgrimage embedded in the study of the philosophy and theology of pilgrimage, e.g., World Youth Day
- An option to undertake a course that integrates philosophy & theology with community service and charity work
- An option to undertake an elective in philosophy, theology, and the liberal arts contained within an international experience
Details of the program requirements for the Bachelor of Arts are contained in the Program Requirements.
Please note: the availability of these courses is indicative only and may be subject to change.
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Entry requirements
Entry requirements WA
Academic requirements for this program are outlined below. In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency. We also consider your application more broadly – your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program. See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.
Applicants with recent Secondary Education
- Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank* of 70
OR
- International Baccalaureate (IB) score of 25
*Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.
Applicants with Higher Education
- Successful completion of 4 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*
OR
- Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP
* Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).
Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study
- Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
Applicants with Work and Life Experience
Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:
- Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required*.
OR
- Completion of STAT with scores of at least 135 in the Multiple Choice section and 140 in the Written English section*.
OR
- Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.
*STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).
Experience Based Entry
If you are currently in Year 12 and completing the ATAR, General, VET, or Enabling pathway, you may be eligible to secure a place at Notre Dame University through experience based entry. Mature age applicants can apply by combining their academic background with relevant work experience. See Experience Based Entry for further details.
Entry requirements NSW
Academic requirements for this program are outlined below. In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency. We also consider your application more broadly – your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program. See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.
Applicants with recent Secondary Education
- Prescribed ATAR/Selection Rank*
OR
- Equivalent International Baccalaureate (IB) score
*Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.
Applicants with Higher Education
- Successful completion of 4 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*
OR
- Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP
*Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).
Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study
- Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
Applicants with Work and Life Experience
Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:
- Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required*.
OR
- Completion of STAT with scores of at least 150 in the Multiple Choice section and 150 in the Written English section*.
OR
- Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.
*STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).
Experience Based Entry
If you are currently in Year 12 and completing the ATAR, General, VET, or Enabling pathway, you may be eligible to secure a place at Notre Dame University through experience based entry. Mature age applicants can apply by combining their academic background with relevant work experience. See Experience Based Entry for further details.
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Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts graduates will be able to;
- Demonstrate broad theoretical and practical knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts of one or more disciplines or practice areas
- Identify appropriate sources and evaluate information
- Demonstrate an awareness of different conceptual approaches and/or research methods
- Demonstrate the technical skills, professional skills and ethical practice required by one or more disciplines
- Synthesise knowledge and apply skills in order to solve complex problems
- Communicate arguments and/or ideas in a range of forms
- Work independently and, where appropriate, in collaboration with others; and
- Reflect upon personal knowledge, skills and experiences.
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Practical component
When you study the Social Justice Major, you will have the opportunity to complete an internship of approximately 80 hours that will allow you to put the theory into practice in a workplace environment.
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Career opportunities
Graduates of this program can follow diverse career paths in the private and public sectors; many employers will welcome the transferable skills. The following careers are open to graduates of this program: youth justice case manager, community engagement officer, not-for-profit campaign organiser, program manager for community-based not-for-profit organisations, social research officer, human rights worker, and aid worker/humanitarian worker.
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Real-world experience
You will learn from academics who are industry leaders and, through our practicum placements and internship programs, you will gain real professional experience and make valuable contacts with potential employers.
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Honours
An Honours award is available for this program. Further information can be found in the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) regulations, or by contacting the School of Arts & Sciences.
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Opportunities and experiences
At the University of Notre Dame, we believe that gaining a global perspective is an important part of your university education.
Students can immerse themselves in other cultures with Study abroad, through our international exchange programs, study tours, and professional placements. These experiences provide valuable academic and personal growth while earning credit toward your degree.
You can also engage with the world through Global experiences, volunteer opportunities and cross-cultural initiatives designed to develop your global citizenship and broaden your understanding of international communities.
Visit Opportunities and experiences to find out more.
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Scholarships
Scholarships provide financial support to students while they are completing their studies. There are various scholarships available to prospective and current students, across all study levels and campuses.
These can be funded by Notre Dame, industry, individuals and non-profit organisations, to provide financial assistance to students to support costs associated with study. This could include buying food, paying rent, transport, and household bills, raising children as single parents, being a single-income household, becoming unemployed or caring for a sick loved one.
Please visit the Scholarships Finder to see which scholarships are available to Undergraduate students.
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Fees and costs
This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a place at a university where the Australian Government pays part of your fees. This part is a subsidy, not a loan, and you don’t have to pay it back. However, this subsidy does not cover the entire cost of your study. Students must pay the rest, which is called the ‘student contribution amount’.In a Commonwealth Supported Place, your fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your fees will be split into two portions:
The Commonwealth contribution, which is the portion paid by the Australian Government.
The student contribution, which is the portion you pay. You may choose to pay upfront or defer your student contribution with a HECS-HELP Loan. The HECS-HELP loan scheme assists eligible students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your HECS-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.
Eligible students will be offered a CSP – you do not need to apply.
International Full-Fee Paying
Tuition costs depend on an international student’s study load and discipline. Fees are payable each semester at least four weeks prior to the commencement of your program.For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees, costs and scholarships page.
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Student profile data
ATAR and selection rank profile
The University of Notre Dame Australia offers clear and transparent information regarding ATAR and selection rank for domestic students beginning in Semester 1. This data includes the highest, median and lowest ranks required for admission to assist you in making informed study decisions.
Explore our detailed overview of ATAR offers and student profiles to find the ideal degree that matches your interests and aspirations.
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More information
Considering your uni options?
Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process.If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, the Prospective Students Office can help. Book a 1-on-1 advice session with a career advisor or call us on 1800 878 916.
Fremantle and Broome
Email: future@nd.edu.au
Address: 23 High St, Fremantle, WA 6160Sydney and Melbourne
Email: sydney@nd.edu.au
Address: 128-140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008International students
If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, fill out our Make an Enquiry form, and you can book a session with one of our friendly International Student Advisors.Fremantle and Broome International Office
Phone: +61 8 9433 0873
Address: 19 Mouat St, Fremantle, WA 6160
Postal address: PO Box 1225, Fremantle WA 6959Sydney and Melbourne International Office
Phone: +61 2 8204 4229
Address: 140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008
Postal address: PO Box 944, Broadway NSW 2007
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