Social Science Courses & Degrees | Study at RMIT Australia
Source: https://www.rmit.edu.au/study-with-us/social-science
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:17
Social Science Courses & Degrees | Study at RMIT Australia
Social and community
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Social and community
Leave a positive impact on people and communities by studying languages, community services, social work, urban design and more at a university that is globally recognised for its commitment to reducing inequality*.
Study with us
/
Social and community
Explore our social and community courses and disciplines
Community services
International studies
Languages, translating and interpreting
Psychology
Public policy
Social work
Urban design
Why study social and community at RMIT?
Committed to change
RMIT is ranked in the top 5 globally for our efforts to reduce inequalities and take action against discrimination.*
Study at a top-ranked university
More than 50 years’ experience teaching social work and ranked among the top 15 universities in Australia for sustainability impact.*
Real-world experience
Undertake placements where you’ll get hands-on and learn with RMIT industry partners, like the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Oxfam Australia.
*Times Higher Education World University Impact Rankings 2025
Discover social and community
Be a force for positive change
The opportunities are boundless - learn to support vulnerable communities through studies in
community services
and
social work
, or bridge cultural and linguistic divides by studying
languages, translating and interpreting
.
Perhaps find solutions that address systemic global problems through
international studies
and
public policy
, or address the complex and evolving needs of urban populations and enhance the overall quality of urban life by taking up
urban design
.
You can even contribute to a healthier and more compassionate society by understanding the complexities of human behaviour with
psychology
.
Whatever your passion, embark on a transformative journey with our social science courses and learn from dedicated and engaged educators who actively work towards a fairer world for all.
Featured social and community courses
Bachelor of International Studies
If you’re passionate about international affairs and cultural diversity, this course will help you build a strong understanding of intercultural, social and political issues and how to address them.
Learn more
Master of Urban Planning and Environment
Combining studies in urban planning and built environment within social, economic and political contexts, this degree equips you to shape efficient, practical, healthy and sustainable cities.
Learn more
Certificate IV in Disability Support
Learn to provide support in a manner that empowers people with disabilities to achieve greater levels of independence, self-reliance, community participation and wellbeing.
Learn more
Make meaningful change in the lives of individuals and families
Want to work in a specialist family violence role that provides direct services to victim survivors or people using violence? This postgraduate course meets the mandatory minimum qualifications you'll need.
Graduate Certificate in Domestic and Family Violence
Make meaningful change in the lives of individuals and families
Want to work in a specialist family violence role that provides direct services to victim survivors or people using violence? This postgraduate course meets the mandatory minimum qualifications you'll need.
Graduate Certificate in Domestic and Family Violence
Career outcomes
A rewarding career
Social science spans multiple fields and gives you the opportunity to make a profound and positive difference in society. As a graduate of an RMIT social and community course, you’ll be ready to be a catalyst for a brighter future for all.
Here are just a few of the career outcomes for undergraduate and vocational graduates:
criminologist
family support worker
foreign service officer
humanitarian aid worker
intelligence analyst
international relations specialist
interpreter
legislative analyst
psychologist
social worker
sustainability consultant
translator
urban planner
youth worker
How to become a support worker
Empower individuals by enhancing daily independence and providing compassionate care across diverse settings.
How to become a psychologist
Build a career exploring human behaviour, promoting mental health, and providing therapeutic support.
What can I do with a degree in psychology?
There’s a world of options for people interested in the life of the mind.
How to become a criminologist
Make a positive difference in society through crime prevention.
What can I do with a degree in criminology?
Drive meaningful change in a society with a degree in criminology by tackling real-world challenges in law enforcement, policy development, and community support.
Make an impact with social science
Discover the drive to create an equitable future for everyone with RMIT’s social and community study options and all the experiences that come with them.
Get a flying start to your social work career at RMIT
Find out why Master of Social Work student Ned returned to study, and how his placement at Sacred Heart Mission gave him a head start on a new career.
Make an impact with social science
Discover the drive to create an equitable future for everyone with RMIT's social and community study options and all the experiences that come with them.
The world is changing at a rate that’s lightning fast. Globalisation has brought us closer together and opened us up. In this age of smart phones and e-commerce, our shared humanity is our community, in every community there’s work to be done. We need strong voices advocating for positive change, to strive for a world where displacement, poverty and injustice are a thing of the past. A world where our youth feel confident, connected, and safe. Social science is unpicking the common human ties that bind us together and making them stronger. It’s negotiating, interpreting, and redefining. It’s assisting and empowering. It’s changing lives and even the smallest of changes, when multiplied by millions can help transform the world. So be the change you want to see and lead what’s next at RMIT.
Meet Ned
A placement at Sacred Heart Mission in Ned’s Master of Social Work gave him a head start into an exciting new career.
About 27 I thought what's practical, what's something I'm good at, what I care about, and I sort of came to a Master of Social Work.
As part of a Master of Social Work or any social work degree, you have to do 1000 hours of placement. So that's something that the Work Integrated Learning Program really assists you with, it creates the online forum where you can apply for that and easily and see what's going to be suited for you. And it's all about just setting you up to join the workforce. My placement was at Sacred Heart Mission and it was fantastic. I remember just feeling so welcome in my first week there.
If we look at the students who come to Sacred Heart Mission from RMIT, the biggest impression that they leave is, they're just amazing. They come to us job-ready.
I felt welcome and towards the end of it, they asked me to come in for a job interview. Two weeks later, they offered me the job, and I've been there for 10 months.
Industry connections
Gain the real-world edge through practical experience
Social and community courses at RMIT work closely with industry partners to provide real-world learning experiences through field education and the close involvement of our partners in teaching and research.
Many of our social science courses offer internships or placements, so you'll be able to apply your new knowledge with almost immediate effect. Students have secured placements with global organisations, from the United Nations to CSIRO.
Close industry links and Program Advisory Committee member organisations for social science include the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC), Salvation Army Crisis Services, Oxfam Australia, Centrelink, and more.
Facilities and locations
Study online and on campus in the heart of Melbourne
At RMIT you’ll experience study in inspiring learning spaces when you are on campus and enjoy a blended learning experience with digital learning resources when you study from home..
At our bustling and vibrant City campus, you’ll have a wide range of facilities at your fingertips. From award-winning buildings to collaborative students' hubs, you’ll love RMIT’s state-of-the-art spaces.
Take a virtual tour
“Since graduation, I’ve pursued a career focused on international development, which has taken me to more than 20 countries in Africa, Asia, the Pacific and South America."
– Sam Durland,
Master of Social Science (International Development)
Experience social and community at RMIT
Shape what’s next in community service
RMIT’s Graduate Certificate in Domestic and Family Violence gives you the tools to make a positive impact, and it can be undertaken in as little as six months.
Learn more about community service at RMIT
Courses that’ll help you get a job helping people
Are you looking for a job helping people? Use your career to have a positive impact as an aged care worker, a disability carer or a youth worker to help make a difference in the lives of others.
Discover the courses that’ll help you make a difference
You may also be interested in...
Communication
Write your own future with an industry-connected communication course. Gain transferable skills in advertising, journalism, creative writing and communication design.
Education
Be inspired by experienced specialists in career education, health and physical education, teacher education, and training and assessment to shape future generations and make a lasting impact.
Health
RMIT’s health degrees, certificates and diplomas target the theoretical and practical skills you need to provide expert care in mental health, nursing, medical science, allied health and more.
Other ways to study
Study online
RMIT Online courses are global in focus and practical in application – and the best part is, you don't need to put your life on hold while you study with us.
Short courses and microcredentials
Futureproof your career and build new skills with RMIT short courses and microcredentials, standalone courses you can study online or in person.
Events
Chat to us
Contact Study@RMIT
Ready to apply?
Contact Study@RMIT
Ready to apply?
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures
News
Events
Library
Maps
Careers
Contacts
Study with Us
Levels of study
Online courses and degrees
Single courses
Applying to RMIT
International students
Parents
Careers advisers
Life at RMIT
Study experience
Student life
Support for students
Global opportunities
Industry connections
Research
Our research
Centres and collaborations
Partnerships
Research degrees
Find researchers
Research contacts
Partner
Workforce development
Staff development and training
Research partnerships
Facilities and equipment services
Giving
About
Our strategy
Governance and management
Values
Sustainability
Schools and colleges
Our locations and facilities
Copyright © 2026 RMIT University
|
Terms
|
Privacy
|
Accessibility
|
Website feedback
|
Complaints
|
ABN 49 781 030 034
|
CRICOS provider number: 00122A
|
TEQSA provider number: PRV12145
|
RTO Code: 3046
|
Open Universities Australia
|
RMIT Training Pty Ltd, trading as RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP), CRICOS Provider Code: 01912G
Social and community
SKIP TO CONTENT
Search field
Search
Search
RMIT Australia
RMIT Europe
RMIT Global
RMIT Vietnam
RMIT UP
RMIT Online
Students
Alumni
Staff
Library
RMIT Online
Courses
Courses by study area
Undergraduate courses
Postgraduate courses
Vocational studies
Pre-university studies
Online courses and degrees
Entry pathways
Single courses
Short courses and microcredentials
Courses for international students
Contact Study@RMIT
Study with us
How to apply
Fees
Scholarships
School leaver information
Student services
Student experience
Key dates
Indigenous students
Parents
Career advisers
Contact Study@RMIT
Frequently asked questions
Life at RMIT
Study experience
Student life
Support for students
Global opportunities
Industry connections
Contact Study@RMIT
About
News
Events
Maps
Careers
Contact us
Our strategy
Governance & management
Schools & colleges
Respect for Australian Indigenous cultures
Our locations and facilities
Our heritage
Regenerative Futures
Research
Our research
Impact
Research degrees
Facilities
Partnerships
Find researchers
Centres and collaborations
Contact
Partner
Recruit students and graduates
Workforce development
Collaborate with RMIT
Research partnerships
Facilities, equipment and services
Contact Industry Engagement
Giving to RMIT
International
Study in Australia
Apply to RMIT as an international student
Courses for international students
Contact Study@RMIT
Fees and scholarships for international students
International student services
Key dates and intake information for international students
Frequently asked questions
Social and community
Leave a positive impact on people and communities by studying languages, community services, social work, urban design and more at a university that is globally recognised for its commitment to reducing inequality*.
Study with us
/
Social and community
Explore our social and community courses and disciplines
Community services
International studies
Languages, translating and interpreting
Psychology
Public policy
Social work
Urban design
Why study social and community at RMIT?
Committed to change
RMIT is ranked in the top 5 globally for our efforts to reduce inequalities and take action against discrimination.*
Study at a top-ranked university
More than 50 years’ experience teaching social work and ranked among the top 15 universities in Australia for sustainability impact.*
Real-world experience
Undertake placements where you’ll get hands-on and learn with RMIT industry partners, like the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Oxfam Australia.
*Times Higher Education World University Impact Rankings 2025
Discover social and community
Be a force for positive change
The opportunities are boundless - learn to support vulnerable communities through studies in
community services
and
social work
, or bridge cultural and linguistic divides by studying
languages, translating and interpreting
.
Perhaps find solutions that address systemic global problems through
international studies
and
public policy
, or address the complex and evolving needs of urban populations and enhance the overall quality of urban life by taking up
urban design
.
You can even contribute to a healthier and more compassionate society by understanding the complexities of human behaviour with
psychology
.
Whatever your passion, embark on a transformative journey with our social science courses and learn from dedicated and engaged educators who actively work towards a fairer world for all.
Featured social and community courses
Bachelor of International Studies
If you’re passionate about international affairs and cultural diversity, this course will help you build a strong understanding of intercultural, social and political issues and how to address them.
Learn more
Master of Urban Planning and Environment
Combining studies in urban planning and built environment within social, economic and political contexts, this degree equips you to shape efficient, practical, healthy and sustainable cities.
Learn more
Certificate IV in Disability Support
Learn to provide support in a manner that empowers people with disabilities to achieve greater levels of independence, self-reliance, community participation and wellbeing.
Learn more
Make meaningful change in the lives of individuals and families
Want to work in a specialist family violence role that provides direct services to victim survivors or people using violence? This postgraduate course meets the mandatory minimum qualifications you'll need.
Graduate Certificate in Domestic and Family Violence
Make meaningful change in the lives of individuals and families
Want to work in a specialist family violence role that provides direct services to victim survivors or people using violence? This postgraduate course meets the mandatory minimum qualifications you'll need.
Graduate Certificate in Domestic and Family Violence
Career outcomes
A rewarding career
Social science spans multiple fields and gives you the opportunity to make a profound and positive difference in society. As a graduate of an RMIT social and community course, you’ll be ready to be a catalyst for a brighter future for all.
Here are just a few of the career outcomes for undergraduate and vocational graduates:
criminologist
family support worker
foreign service officer
humanitarian aid worker
intelligence analyst
international relations specialist
interpreter
legislative analyst
psychologist
social worker
sustainability consultant
translator
urban planner
youth worker
How to become a support worker
Empower individuals by enhancing daily independence and providing compassionate care across diverse settings.
How to become a psychologist
Build a career exploring human behaviour, promoting mental health, and providing therapeutic support.
What can I do with a degree in psychology?
There’s a world of options for people interested in the life of the mind.
How to become a criminologist
Make a positive difference in society through crime prevention.
What can I do with a degree in criminology?
Drive meaningful change in a society with a degree in criminology by tackling real-world challenges in law enforcement, policy development, and community support.
Make an impact with social science
Discover the drive to create an equitable future for everyone with RMIT’s social and community study options and all the experiences that come with them.
Get a flying start to your social work career at RMIT
Find out why Master of Social Work student Ned returned to study, and how his placement at Sacred Heart Mission gave him a head start on a new career.
Make an impact with social science
Discover the drive to create an equitable future for everyone with RMIT's social and community study options and all the experiences that come with them.
The world is changing at a rate that’s lightning fast. Globalisation has brought us closer together and opened us up. In this age of smart phones and e-commerce, our shared humanity is our community, in every community there’s work to be done. We need strong voices advocating for positive change, to strive for a world where displacement, poverty and injustice are a thing of the past. A world where our youth feel confident, connected, and safe. Social science is unpicking the common human ties that bind us together and making them stronger. It’s negotiating, interpreting, and redefining. It’s assisting and empowering. It’s changing lives and even the smallest of changes, when multiplied by millions can help transform the world. So be the change you want to see and lead what’s next at RMIT.
Meet Ned
A placement at Sacred Heart Mission in Ned’s Master of Social Work gave him a head start into an exciting new career.
About 27 I thought what's practical, what's something I'm good at, what I care about, and I sort of came to a Master of Social Work.
As part of a Master of Social Work or any social work degree, you have to do 1000 hours of placement. So that's something that the Work Integrated Learning Program really assists you with, it creates the online forum where you can apply for that and easily and see what's going to be suited for you. And it's all about just setting you up to join the workforce. My placement was at Sacred Heart Mission and it was fantastic. I remember just feeling so welcome in my first week there.
If we look at the students who come to Sacred Heart Mission from RMIT, the biggest impression that they leave is, they're just amazing. They come to us job-ready.
I felt welcome and towards the end of it, they asked me to come in for a job interview. Two weeks later, they offered me the job, and I've been there for 10 months.
Industry connections
Gain the real-world edge through practical experience
Social and community courses at RMIT work closely with industry partners to provide real-world learning experiences through field education and the close involvement of our partners in teaching and research.
Many of our social science courses offer internships or placements, so you'll be able to apply your new knowledge with almost immediate effect. Students have secured placements with global organisations, from the United Nations to CSIRO.
Close industry links and Program Advisory Committee member organisations for social science include the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC), Salvation Army Crisis Services, Oxfam Australia, Centrelink, and more.
Facilities and locations
Study online and on campus in the heart of Melbourne
At RMIT you’ll experience study in inspiring learning spaces when you are on campus and enjoy a blended learning experience with digital learning resources when you study from home..
At our bustling and vibrant City campus, you’ll have a wide range of facilities at your fingertips. From award-winning buildings to collaborative students' hubs, you’ll love RMIT’s state-of-the-art spaces.
Take a virtual tour
“Since graduation, I’ve pursued a career focused on international development, which has taken me to more than 20 countries in Africa, Asia, the Pacific and South America."
– Sam Durland,
Master of Social Science (International Development)
Experience social and community at RMIT
Shape what’s next in community service
RMIT’s Graduate Certificate in Domestic and Family Violence gives you the tools to make a positive impact, and it can be undertaken in as little as six months.
Learn more about community service at RMIT
Courses that’ll help you get a job helping people
Are you looking for a job helping people? Use your career to have a positive impact as an aged care worker, a disability carer or a youth worker to help make a difference in the lives of others.
Discover the courses that’ll help you make a difference
You may also be interested in...
Communication
Write your own future with an industry-connected communication course. Gain transferable skills in advertising, journalism, creative writing and communication design.
Education
Be inspired by experienced specialists in career education, health and physical education, teacher education, and training and assessment to shape future generations and make a lasting impact.
Health
RMIT’s health degrees, certificates and diplomas target the theoretical and practical skills you need to provide expert care in mental health, nursing, medical science, allied health and more.
Other ways to study
Study online
RMIT Online courses are global in focus and practical in application – and the best part is, you don't need to put your life on hold while you study with us.
Short courses and microcredentials
Futureproof your career and build new skills with RMIT short courses and microcredentials, standalone courses you can study online or in person.
Events
Chat to us
Contact Study@RMIT
Ready to apply?
Contact Study@RMIT
Ready to apply?
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures
News
Events
Library
Maps
Careers
Contacts
Study with Us
Levels of study
Online courses and degrees
Single courses
Applying to RMIT
International students
Parents
Careers advisers
Life at RMIT
Study experience
Student life
Support for students
Global opportunities
Industry connections
Research
Our research
Centres and collaborations
Partnerships
Research degrees
Find researchers
Research contacts
Partner
Workforce development
Staff development and training
Research partnerships
Facilities and equipment services
Giving
About
Our strategy
Governance and management
Values
Sustainability
Schools and colleges
Our locations and facilities
Copyright © 2026 RMIT University
|
Terms
|
Privacy
|
Accessibility
|
Website feedback
|
Complaints
|
ABN 49 781 030 034
|
CRICOS provider number: 00122A
|
TEQSA provider number: PRV12145
|
RTO Code: 3046
|
Open Universities Australia
|
RMIT Training Pty Ltd, trading as RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP), CRICOS Provider Code: 01912G