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Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

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Facts & figures

#1 in Australia and #4 in the world for graduate employability*
#20 in the world for Education*
#22 in the world for Arts and Humanities*
*2020 QS World University Rankings

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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.

We offer one of the most comprehensive ranges of arts and social sciences subjects in Australia. With more than 20 undergraduate degrees, over 40 postgraduate coursework degrees and a suite of research degrees, there are many ways we can help you meet your study and career needs.

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Undergraduate courses

We’re all about ideas. Whether in the classroom, on an industry placement or overseas exchange, you will bring your intellectual curiosity to bear on some of the most complex issues and questions of the 21st century.

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Postgraduate courses

Our coursework degrees offer far more than knowledge. Study with us and gain the skills and professional connections that give you a competitive edge in your chosen field.

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Postgraduate research

Undertake in-depth research in an area you're passionate about with the guidance of some of the world’s brightest and most accomplished academics.

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Continuing professional development

As a leading provider of professional learning for the education and social work sectors, we offer a wide range of purpose-designed and industry-accredited workshops, short courses and conferences in a variety of settings.

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Student experience

There’s more to University than lecture theatres and tutorials. Enrich your student experience and enjoy access to hundreds of clubs and societies, overseas study, mentoring, support services and internships.

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Scholarships

We offer scholarships and prizes across our undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees. These are available to you as a new student about to enrol, as a current student and as a graduate.

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FAQs: Our degrees explained

We get it - there's a lot to take in when deciding what to study at uni. But we're here to help. We've tackled some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) for our main degrees to make your decision a little easier.

Why study arts and social sciences at Sydney?

Our rankings

Our graduates have been named the most employable in Australia and in the top 5 globally, according to the 2020 QS Graduate Employability Rankings.

We are ranked 22 in the world for studies in the arts and humanities, 25 for social sciences and many of our subject areas are also ranked highly,* including:

Anthropology: 23rd in the world
Education: 20th in the world
Development Studies: 26th in the world
English Language and Literature: 20th in the world
History: 28th in the world
Modern Languages: 30th in the world
Politics and International Studies: 24th in the world
Social Policy: 29th in the world

* QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2020

International experience

We encourage you to experience the world while studying in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

Many of our students are eligible to enjoy an amazing international experience – add to your skills and broaden your perspective, all while studying through our semester-long or short-term exchange programs. The University has more than 270 exchange partners in 42 countries including Canada, China, France, India, Japan, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The first of its kind in Australia, our Sciences Po Dual Degree programs give you the chance to travel abroad, immerse yourself in French culture, learn a new language and graduate with two degrees. The Dalyell Scholars and International and Global Studies streams within the combined Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Advanced Studies degree both have compulsory exchange study as part of the degrees.

Links to industry

We have collaborated with some of the most reputable organisations in Australia to offer you exclusive placement and internship opportunities while you study, and many of these can be counted towards your degree.

If you choose to study education or social work, professional placements will be a key feature of your studies.

As a media and communications student, you’ll have the chance to gain practical experience as an intern at organisations such as Fairfax, the ABC, SBS, publishing houses and in-house communications teams.

Our ArtSS Career-Ready program offers exclusive, competitive placements just for arts and social sciences students with many leading organisations including Accenture, Edelmans, Sydney Opera House, Westpac and KPMG.

Outstanding facilities

Our recently completed Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences building on the Camperdown Campus draws on the latest technologies and design principles for 21st century interactive teaching, learning and research.

It houses our School of Economics and School of Social and Political Sciences, as well as the Sydney Social Sciences and Humanities Advanced Research Centre (SSSHARC), which turns great ideas into landmark outcomes for both theory and practice.

Our gallery at Sydney College of the Arts provides our students and graduates with a space to showcase their work to the public. Our expert Gallery and Events Manager can help you with exhibition curation and installation.

We also have one of the leading fine arts libraries in Australia, and fully equipped media production facilities, with television and radio studios.

Undergraduate courses

Discover your options

Postgraduate degrees

Enhance your employability

Postgraduate timetable

View our timetable for postgraduate study

10 ways an arts degree can change the world

Passion, new perspectives, and an understanding of the past and the future are some of the best ways to make a difference to our world, writes Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Duncan Ivison.

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