Sociology
Why study Sociology?
If you are an undergraduate student with a strong academic record, Honours in Sociology gives you the opportunity to pursue a year long program of study (two years part-time) which combines coursework and research in a specialised area of knowledge. You can also elect to undertake a combined Honours year and gain expertise in two areas of study for a broad-ranging qualification. Complete the Honours program with a high overall grade to qualify for entry into the Masters by Research program, or, in cases of high achievement, direct entry into the PhD program.
Career opportunities
Teaching, social research, market research, community development, human resource management, immigration and work with youth.
Course information
Local students
Structure
Coursework
Three coursework subjects including an elective or internship. Core subjects Key Issues and Social Theory and Research and Problems and Paradigms must be taken.A thesis (12 000 – 15 000 words)
The writing of a thesis, carried out under the guidance of a supervisor. The thesis is designed to test your potential to conduct individual academic research, and conceive and carry out a research plan, to analyse and interpret data, to construct arguments, and produce a substantial piece of work.Entry requirements
To apply for entry to honours following completion of the degree, you are expected to have completed at least 130 credit points of Sociology subjects with a B Average or better. Students must complete all Sociology Major core subjects at undergraduate level and are recommended to take additional Sociology or Anthropology units beyond this minimum requirement.How to apply
If you are interested in undertaking an honours year in Sociology you should:- Discuss ideas for a thesis topic with your lecturers and tutors
- Secure the agreement of a supervisor
- Apply in writing for admission by the first Monday in November in the year prior to starting Honours. Your letter should include:
-
- Write a 200-300 word abstract of your thesis research topic (this is not binding)
- Statement of results
- Subjects you intend to study at Honours level
- If you wish to complete the course part-time or full-time
International students
Structure
Coursework
Three coursework subjects including an elective or internship. Core subjects Key Issues and Social Theory and Research and Problems and Paradigms must be taken.A thesis (12 000 – 15 000 words)
The writing of a thesis, carried out under the guidance of a supervisor. The thesis is designed to test your potential to conduct individual academic research, and conceive and carry out a research plan, to analyse and interpret data, to construct arguments, and produce a substantial piece of work.Entry requirements
To apply for entry to honours following completion of the degree, you are expected to have completed at least 130 credit points of Sociology subjects with a B Average or better. Students must complete all Sociology Major core subjects at undergraduate level and are recommended to take additional Sociology or Anthropology units beyond this minimum requirement.How to apply
If you are interested in undertaking an honours year in Sociology you should:- Discuss ideas for a thesis topic with your lecturers and tutors
- Secure the agreement of a supervisor
- Apply in writing for admission by the first Monday in November in the year prior to starting Honours. Your letter should include:
-
- Write a 200-300 word abstract of your thesis research topic (this is not binding)
- Statement of results
- Subjects you intend to study at Honours level
- If you wish to complete the course part-time or full-time
Related study options
Didn't find a suitable course? You could also try these study options:
Your study experience
Student and graduate profiles
Students of the Faculty talk about their experience at La Trobe.
About the academic staff
You'll get to meet a large number of academics during your course, from tutors through to lecturers. You can view all the staff from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences or focus on staff in Sociology.


