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Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

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Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Leading teaching and research in 21st century humanities and social sciences

Driven by academic rigour, intellectual curiosity and social inclusion, we're committed to solving pressing global challenges.

Indonesian Studies grad, Anastasia Pavlovic, presenting at a conference

The leaders of tomorrow are studying arts today

Employees who bring creativity to the workplace, think strategically in their roles, problem-solve effectively on the fly, and communicate with diverse groups of people, are no longer nice-to-haves: They're essential. And they're in-demand.

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Study arts and social sciences

Arts degrees for undergraduates and postgraduates

Whether you’re fresh from high school, wanting to change career or upskill, or looking to delve into research, our reputation for world-class teaching and research makes us a leader for study in the arts and social sciences.

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Our research

From archaeological digs to artificial intelligence and legal ethics to language learning, we bring our love of knowledge and culture of excellence to the world's greatest challenges.

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Schools

The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences is home to some of the world’s most outstanding scholars.

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Industry and community

Connect with us to meet our bright students, experience our lively events and hear from some of the best thinkers in Australia.

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Our people

We are committed to delivering an exceptional curriculum and supporting both our staff and students to maximise their professional and academic potential.

Our research

Applying our expertise to answer the big questions

Arts scholarships

Facts & figures

#23 in the world for Arts and Humanities (2021 QS World University Rankings)
#30 in the world for Social Sciences (2021 QS World University Rankings)
#2 globally, in Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings 2020
Est. 1852 Over 165 years of teaching and research excellence
6 schools Economics; Education and Social Work; Languages and Cultures; Literature, Art and Media; Philosophical and Historical Inquiry; Social and Political Sciences

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Latest news

19 January 2022

Covid and schools: we're heading into a teacher shortage crisis

Associate Professor Rachel Wilson in Education and Dr Giuseppe Carabetta in Business argue for a long-term plan for recruiting and retaining teachers.

23 December 2021

Pedro Berruguete Saint Dominic Presiding over an Auto-da-fe

The effects of the Spanish Inquisition linger to this day

Two hundred years after its abolition, the Spanish Inquisition leaves a stain. The locations in which it was strong have markedly lower levels of economic activity, trust and educational attainment, write Dr Jordi Vidal-Robert and colleagues.

20 December 2021

photo of actor Benedict Cumberbatch in a cowboy costume in a brown mountainous landscape

Eight blockbuster films to see this summer

COVID-19-delayed blockbuster films are now being released over the holiday season. Associate Professor Bruce Isaacs, senior lecturer in Film Studies, gives us his personal recommendations and hot tips for 2022.

20 December 2021

photo of an open book with a pair of glasses and a cup of coffee

26 books you should read this summer

What will you be reading this summer break? Our experts share their favourite reads from 2021. These are the books they couldn't put down, the unexpected comforts during the pandemic, the deep fascinating reads late at night and the much-loved books they reread.

20 December 2021

Hot housing market puts renters off having more kids

Based on data from a nearly 20-year period, University of Sydney research shows Australian renters are less likely to want and have more children when the property market booms. The opposite is true for home owners.

17 December 2021

photo of actors on stage in Death of a Salesman, a man in a 40s suit looks sad

New Death of a Salesman filled with dream-like visions

Dr Huw Griffiths, senior lecturer in English Literature, unpacks the ill-founded hopes of the Loman family in a new production of Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman at Sydney Theatre Company.

16 December 2021

New study on-the-job program for trainee teachers

Thanks to the New South Wales Department of Education, the University will trial a program that allows certain students to start teaching in a classroom within six months of starting their degree.

26 November 2021

photo of two actors in a theatre production of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. One is playing Caesar and is lying on the floor dead and covered in blood. The other is Marc Antony leaning over his dead body, also covered in blood.

New Julius Caesar looks at the consequences of failed politics

Dr Huw Griffiths, senior lecturer in English Literature, reflects on the retelling of history and political stories in a powerful new production of Julius Caesar.

24 November 2021

Minh Bui, CEO and founder of Beta Group Vietnam

From an economics degree to successful start-up leader in Vietnam

Minh Bui is a leading entrepreneur, Harvard MBA graduate, singer, actor and filmmaker in Vietnam – and it all started with a Bachelor of Economics.

24 November 2021

Queen Elizabeth II and Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip Trooping The Colour at Horse Guards Parade, Photo of Queen Elizabeth riding in a carriage on June 13, 2015 in London, England, UK

Queen Elizabeth II: the twilight years of a record-breaking reign

At 95, Queen Elizabeth II is the longest reigning British monarch. But in recent weeks, she has been absent for medical reasons, says Dr Cindy McCreery. Could she step down or will she go on to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee in 2022?

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the country on which the University of Sydney campuses stand and our responsibility to respect and care for country, people and spirit.