Major Undergraduate

Sociology

Major details for:
Murdoch code
MJ-SOCY
Study mode
Part Time or Full Time
What is a Major?
A major is your primary area of focus within a degree. It determines the core subjects you'll study and the skills you'll master.

Major overview

Ever wondered why wellness trends blow up on TikTok or why digital detoxes are trending? Studying sociology can help you decode the world. You’ll learn to develop an understanding of social issues such as the rise of wellness culture, self-improvement and green smoothies. You will also learn to unpack big stuff - social justice, identity and power – and how it all connects to health and society. It’s not just theory; it’s about understanding the world so you can change it. Your brighter future, your way.

3 reasons to study Sociology at Murdoch

  1. Learn to make sense of yourself and the world around you, exploring how your identity, health and wellbeing is shaped by society.
  2. Understand how power, culture, and belief systems influence your life and your community.
  3. Combine this major with up to two others, such as Anthropology, Community Development, or Indigenous Knowledges and Practices, broadening your understanding and expanding your career horizons.

What you'll learn

Your studies will focus on understanding relationships, identities, and social care, exploring;

  • The evolving relationship between religion, belief, and society.
  • How class, gender, race, and culture shape young people’s wellbeing and sense of belonging.
  • The social dimensions of health and illness in our communities.
  • The global and local forces shaping our food systems and consumption.
  • How personal identity is shaped by, and shapes, the wider social world.

Your future career

Whether your future is in policy, education, media, healthcare, advocacy, or research, you’ll graduate ready to take on roles such as:

  • Humanitarian Aid Worker
  • Social Analyst or Researcher
  • Sustainable Development Officer
  • Justice Sector or Criminal Investigations Professional
  • Health Promotion and Wellbeing Coordinator
  • Media and Communications Strategist
  • Youth and Family Services Manager
  • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Consultant
  • Urban and Regional Development Planner
  • Advocacy and Campaigns Manager
  • Social Impact Measurement Analyst
  • Education and Outreach Coordinator
  • Data and Trends Analyst (social and demographic change)
  • Aged Care or Disability Program Manager
  • Community Engagement and Partnerships Lead

Start dates

Starting period Location Face to Face Online Mixed mode
Semester 2, 2026 Murdoch Yes Yes Yes
Semester 2, 2027 Murdoch Yes Yes Yes
Semester 1, 2027 Murdoch Yes Yes Yes

View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.

Starting period Location Face to Face Online Mixed mode
Semester 2, 2026 Murdoch Yes No No
Semester 2, 2027 Murdoch Yes No No
Semester 1, 2027 Murdoch Yes No No

View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.

Major Structure

Visit the Course Handbook - Get detailed information on units, prerequisites, and pathways.

To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.

Unit code Unit name Credit points

How to Apply

Majors are part of a degree and can't be applied on their own. Apply for a related degree first, then choose your major once enrolled.

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