Undergraduate level study in Social Science involves multidisciplinary perspectives on social issues and the application of social science knowledge, skills and sensitivities to contemporary social problems, policy analysis and social research. Students undertaking a major in Development as part of their Bachelor of Social Science investigate causes of, and approaches to, international and community level inequality and critically evaluate strategies to enhance development and respond to the varied effects of economic growth on the social and physical environment. The main aims of an Honours year specialising in Development are:

• to enable students with an adequate background in Development to extend their studies in more depth than is possible with a pass degree
• to enhance students capacity for independent research and to extend research skills appropriate to the field of Development, and;
• to train to a standard sufficient for a specialist career or enrolment in postgraduate research degrees. Achievement of first class or IIA Honours allows direct entry to a PhD program.

Students undertaking a Bachelor of Social Science Honours (Development) are able to extend their depth of knowledge and enhance their analytical skills in this specialised area through an original research project and complementary coursework.