Social Justice

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.

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 Behavioural Science
• Bachelor of Communications and Media (second Major and Minor)
• Bachelor of Science (Minor only)

Learning outcomes

• Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts graduates should 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
• Reflect upon personal knowledge, skills and experiences