Master of Social Science

School of Social Sciences

Course Details

Course Code SS53
Level Postgraduate
QTAC Code Direct Entry to CHC
Duration 1F/2P
Assumed Knowledge 4-year degree in Social Work, Occupational Therapy or related field OR Graduate Diploma in Social Science, Human Services or related field
Mode On Campus, External Studies
Credit Points 80
Starting Semesters 1
Overseas Students Available
CRICOS Code 076209K

Contact Details

For contact details, please refer to the Contact page.

General Information

The emphasis of the Master of Social Science is on critical reflection upon the nature of social science theory and application, which is informed both by contemporary scholarship and by Christian perspectives. The program is intended for graduates who are seeking a professionally recognised award in the applied social sciences. It is designed for graduates already working in the human or community services fields, especially chaplains, counsellors, community development workers, human services workers and youth workers who wish to develop further critical knowledge and skills related to their discipline or to a new field of application.

Entry to the Master of Social Science is dependent not only on previous academic studies but also on personal suitability as assessed through an interview, a personal statement and referee reports.

Please note that certain units can be completed oncampus only, in either Internal or Intensive modes (as offered). Please contact the School of Social Sciences Administration Office for further details.

Career Outcomes

  • Chaplain
  • Counsellor
  • Community Development Worker
  • Human Services Worker
  • Youth Worker

Professional Recognition

  • CHC's Bachelor of Social Science (Counselling) and Master of Counselling are accredited by PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia)
  • CHC's Bachelor of Social Science with majors in Human Services or Youth Work are recognised by AIWCW (Australian Institute of Welfare and Community Workers)
  • CHC courses are accredited by the Qld Minister for Education
  • CHC is approved under the Higher Education Support Act 2003
  • All courses are approved for FEE-HELP
  • All undergraduate courses are approved for Youth Allowance/Abstudy and Austudy
  • Courses available for overseas students are listed on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions & Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS)

Course Structure

MASTER OF SOCIAL SCIENCE (SS53)

CHC provides sample unit outlines for each unit offered in this course. Should you wish to view the latest version of a unit outline, please contact the Course Coordinator via the School Administration Office at socsciadmin@chc.edu.au.

Students in the Master of Social Science undertake a program of Core units and then have the option to take either a research track or an internship track, as follows:

Course Structure
Core units - 40 credit points
Option 1: Research track - 40 credit points OR
Option 2: Internship track - 40 credit points
Total - 80 credit points

Core Units

Where all units have a 10CP value and SO590 has a 20CP value.

Unit SummarySample Unit Outline
RM511 Introduction to Research MethodsDownload
SO501 Sociology and Christian WorldviewDownload
SO560 Practice Frameworks: Integration and CritiqueDownload

Optional Tracks

Students are to undertake 40CP from one of the following tracks:

Option 1: Research

Where all units have a 10CP value and SO596 has a 30CP value.

Unit SummarySample Unit Outline
RM514 Research proposalDownload
SO596 Extended Self-Directed Study in the Social SciencesDownload

Option 2: Internship

Where all units have a 10CP value and SO515 has a 30CP value.

Unit SummarySample Unit Outline
SO515 Social Science InternshipDownload
SO566 Social Science Reflective PracticeDownload

Units