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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.

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Study arts and social sciences

Realise your ambitions. Join our vibrant faculty.

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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Semester 2 information

This information is correct as of Friday 3 July

The second semester for 2020 will commence on 24 August. While we are pausing a number of units of study in response to COVID-19 related declines in student enrolment, over 1,000 units of study will still be offered.

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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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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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Schools

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

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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.

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COVID-19 updates

Supporting our community

Facts & figures

#22 in the world for Arts and Humanities (2020 QS World University Rankings)
#25 in the world for Social Sciences (2020 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

International travel guides of the ancient Greeks

International travel in the ancient world didn't include too many buffet breakfasts. Yet some ancient travellers still had the urge to write travel guides, and Daniel Hanigan couldn't be happier.

Bachelor of Arts student, Emma Peake, at home

Industry and Community Project unit leads to internship with Randstad

The opportunity to work on a real-world problem alongside the HR giant via our Industry and Community Project unit (ICPU) turned into an official internship for Bachelor of Arts student, Emma Peake, and some serious professional development.

From the Dean

2020 feels like it has already run longer than a year and we are only halfway through. The impacts of COVID-19 are being felt globally but also unevenly with some countries, some demographics, some sectors, even some suburbs hit much harder than others. I hope that you are weathering this immensely trying period as well as can be expected.

China on the march?

The 2020 CISS Global Forum ‘The COVID Crisis: Lessons Learned, What Next?’ turned its attention to China’s domestic politics and international relations during the chaos of COVID-19.

University of Sydney's Vice-Chancellor Dr Michael Spence

Learning languages opens our minds

Vice-Chancellor and Principal at the University of Sydney, Dr Michael Spence, recently graduated with a Diploma of Languages (Korean Studies) at the very university he leads.

Bachelor of Arts student, Mary Ali, studying at home

Student spotlight: On working with Bauer and studying Education

Mary recently completed an Industry and Community Project unit (ICPU) and got to work with Bauer Media Group. She shares her experiences, answers questions about online learning and tells us about what the University of Sydney is like.

Alumni achievements in Indigenous art, free media, and public policy

An iconic Indigenous artist, a Malaysian free media campaigner, and a policy shaper in Pakistan are among the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences’ 2020 Alumni Award winners.

Why empowering parents and children is a society-wide effort

The pandemic has presented difficulties for parents and social workers alike, says Parenting Research Centre director of policy and practice, Annette Michaux. But the profession is built to thrive in challenging times like these.

New early offers for talented students in music and visual arts

The new Creative Arts Special Admissions Scheme offers talented Year 12 students a chance to enter music and visual arts degrees based on audition and portfolio prior to getting their ATAR.

Meet our 2020 Westpac Future Leaders Scholar

Master of Human Rights student Brianna Kerr is a 2020 recipient of the Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship, awarded to outstanding postgraduate students focused on finding innovative ways to create a better Australia.

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