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.

Jump to Courses

Apply now

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.

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

"UWA equipped me with the skills and experiences that have shaped my chosen career path in the family and domestic violence sector and, more recently, the not-for-profit education sector. While studying, I was able to complete an exchange, giving me the opportunity to learn from an entirely different perspective. UWA allowed me to develop international employability skills that have allowed me to take my career outside Australia. I hope I can continue to use my skills to empower people with lived experiences of injustice and inequality to develop their voice."

**Amy Bowdrey**
Bachelor of Arts '19
Education worker, and mentoring and enrichment coordinator, INTOUNIVERSITY

**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.

Jump to Courses

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, non-government, 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

Job growth in this industry

Sources: Australian Government, Department of Jobs and Small Business, Australian Jobs 2019; National Skills Commission

Full-time employment outcomes of graduates who studied Humanities, culture and social sciences:

89.6% – Undergraduate
91.1% – Postgraduate coursework
91.4% – 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.

Majors

Minors

Bachelor's degrees

Combined bachelor’s degrees

Integrated honours

Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)

Honours

Postgraduate courses

Graduate certificates

Graduate diplomas

Master's degrees

Research degrees

Articles you might like

Have a question? Get in touch with us

Group of smiling students wearing UWA shirts

askUWA: View FAQs or ask your own question

Domestic students: Online enquiry
131 UWA (131 892)
8.30am–5.00pm (AWST), Monday to Friday
International students: Online enquiry
+61 8 6488 1000
8.30am–5.00pm (AWST), Monday to Friday
Online consultation: Book a virtual consultation