Study area

Humanities and Social Sciences

By studying Humanities and Social Sciences, you’ll gain a critical understanding of how society shapes, and is shaped by, culture, politics, geography, economics, media, history, language, the environment and more. You will develop the knowledge and skills to define complex problems, and identify and design solutions, while being supported in your passion to drive and implement change.


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With our collaborations across industry, government and community, you’ll apply knowledge and expertise to respond to major societal opportunities, challenges and injustices, such as achieving sustainable development, addressing climate change, eliminating poverty, strengthening global communications and improving the mental health of communities. 

Within the humanities, through the study of culture, language, literature, history and philosophy, you'll examine the human experience and gain a deep understanding of the connections that tie us all together.

Within the social sciences, which bridges the social, physical and environmental sciences, you'll use a scientific approach to define and understand the development and operations of contemporary and past societies and their influence on the world. 

modern languages - student learning  

Top five reasons to study Humanities and Social Sciences at UWA

1. Be part of our vibrant student community by joining one of our many Humanities and Social Sciences student clubs including the Arts Union of UWA, Archaeological Society of UWA, UWA French Club, UWA Undergraduate Philosophy Society and more

2. Get practical training through internships, hands-on learning with industry and business partners, and overseas study opportunities.

3. 86% for teaching quality and 86% for learning resources satisfaction rate for undergraduate Humanities and Social Sciences (Good Universities Guide 2024)

4. #1 in WA for Arts and Humanities, English Language and Literature, Modern Languages, Psychology, and Social Sciences and Management (QS WUR by Subject 2024)

5. WA’s largest language hub with four European languages, four Asian languages and two Classical languages taught

 

Where our graduates go

"At UWA, I was exposed to diverse ideas, cultures, and ways of thinking, which sparked a curiosity and passion that led me to live in a number of different countries over the last decade and helped me throw myself into new environments with ease. The friendships I made and the perspectives I gained were instrumental in developing the adaptability and open-mindedness that have been crucial in my professional journey as I moved from marketing, to consulting, and now product design. UWA provided a foundation not just for learning, but for growth as a global citizen."
Jared Hill
Jared Hill
Bachelor of Arts AND
Bachelor of commerce '13
Product Designer, CANVA
 
Patrick Morrison
Bachelor of Science '18, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) ’19 (Archaeology)
Assistant Curator, Western Australian Museum
"I thoroughly enjoyed my time at UWA and have especially fond memories of travelling for both archaeological field trips and debating competitions. My second major became archaeology after a very interesting first-year class with Sven Ouzman, where I ended up sourcing and firing my own clay tablet for an assignment. I was lucky enough to get a job at the Museum straight after graduation. I have remained connected to UWA since then, especially as I finish publishing work that I completed during my honours year."

Bachelor of Human Rights

UWA's Bachelor of Human Rights is a unique, interdisciplinary program of study that equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage with real-world issues in human rights, and related areas such as social justice. 

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Preparing you for a successful career

Connecting you with industry

Gain a critical edge with our global research collaborations and strong links with industry leaders.  
 
Our established network of connections spans the creative and public sectors, including Perth Fashion Festival, Perth Institute of Contemporary Art, City of Perth, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Department of Commerce.  
 
Our corporate supporters ensure you stay at the forefront of industry trends by providing guest lectures, case studies, mentoring and a suite of scholarships and prizes to help you achieve at the highest level. 

 
 

Skills for the future 

Graduates are now required to hold a bank of transferable skills. These skills can never be automated or replicated by artificial intelligence, ensuring you’re well equipped for the jobs of the future.  

Emerging skills: 

  • Creativity, originality and initiative 
  •  Analytical thinking
  • Complex problem-solving 
  • Critical thinking and analysis 
  • Leadership and social influence 
  • Emotional intelligence 

Source: Australian Government, Department of Jobs and Small Business, Australian Jobs 2019 

 

Industry snapshot

Study in this area will provide you with a range of skills you can use in different careers locally, nationally and internationally. You could apply your expertise to sectors and industries such as government, nongovernment, higher education, media and communications organisations, advertising or arts and cultural organisations.

Potential jobs

  • Arts administrator/manager
  • Business administration manager 
  • Communications adviser
  • Editor or journalist
  • Foreign affairs and trade officer
  • Historian
  • Intelligence analyst 
  • Media producer 
  • Parliamentarian 
  • Policy manager/adviser 
  • Public relations manager 
  • Translator or interpreter 

Image of a graph displaying the medium-term full-term employment outcomes for studying humanities, culture and social sciences with 89.6% allocated to undergraduate, 91.1% allocated to postgraduate coursework and 91.4% allocated to postgraduate research

Source: 2022 Graduate Outcomes Survey – Longitudinal

Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability

The Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability provides a unique blend of social sciences, humanities, environmental studies, and policy. You'll delve into the latest research and best practices in sustainability, hear from community and industry leaders and gain hands-on experience in tackling complex social and environmental challenges.

Undergraduate courses

To find out more about our range of undergraduate courses, visit Our courses explained.

Postgraduate courses

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