School of Social Sciences

Understanding human experience and exploring how and why society works

The study of social sciences helps us understand the social world. The School of Social Sciences at UWA bridges social, physical and environmental sciences, with a range of different disciplines, all engaged in understanding the human condition.

From political science and communication to archaeology and linguistics, we collaborate across government, community and industry to develop responses to major societal opportunities, challenges and injustices.
As a student, you can apply your education to benefit communities around the world, applying your expertise to one sector or industry such as government, finance or media, or you can choose to explore broad topics such as social change or relationships between citizens, community and state.

Our school is a hub for engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. Through innovative research and transformative education, our students forge critical understandings of local, regional and global issues.

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Our disciplines

Anthropology and Sociology

This area seeks to better understand people and the societies in which they live and work.

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Archaeology

Archaeology is the study of human life, thoughts and actions through materials left behind.

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Asian Studies

Asian Studies critiques and interrogates Western theories of social, economic, political and cultural development.

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Linguistics

Language is at the core of what it means to be human and is central to how we interact with others in our lives.

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Media and Communication

Media and communication tools are transforming the way we think about our identities, relationships and communities.

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Political Science and International Relations

Our research and teaching explores the politics and governance of our complex, dynamic and globalised world.

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News

NEWS

Western Australia's reliance on China in a trade war

UWA Professor Benjamin Reilly said the state's economic dependence on China left it more at risk than others from the rising tensions.

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News

Could a new electoral system make politics more moderate?

In order to encourage positive change to Malaysian politics, academics and activists have long suggested reforming the country’s electoral system.

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News

The Pressure to Be Beautiful in South Korea

Lips plumped up during the lunch break, implants for a rounder head: Cosmetic surgery is extremely common in South Korea, even among men. The pressure to look good in the country is immense.

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News

2019 Museums & Galleries National Award Winner

Professor Alistair Paterson and the ARC Linkage Project team has won the 2019 Museums & Galleries National Award for the entry Shipwrecks of the Roaring Forties

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News

Australian High Commissioner to Mauritius visits UWA

AfREC and UWA staff met with Australian High Commissioner to Mauritius Jenny Dee and DFAT WA State Director Kate Longhurst

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Our research strengths

We pride ourselves on our supportive and collaborative research environment, pooling our expertise to work for the greater good. This is reflected in our cross-disciplinary research strengths, which bring together researchers from across the school at all stages of their career.

Australian identities across time and space

Australian Identities Across Time and Space explores what it means to be Australian now, in the past, and what it may mean in the future.

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Social and Political Development

This Social Sciences research explores how societies, communities, politics and systems of governance generate and respond to change.

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Social equity and justice

Social equity and justice explores underlying issues that create injustice within and among societies in the global order. This research promotes an awareness of how more just institutions can be achieved within the wider society and global context.

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Media

Analysing the uses and effects of media to communicate, manipulate, challenge and engage. From the exploration of the theory and practice of the internet, to video production, gaming, analyses of public communication, reality TV and representations of beauty online, we are interested in how media impacts our lives.

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Migration and Mobilities

People travel for migration or tourism, moving permanently or temporarily, individually or with families, by choice or through force. Mobility is something that defines humankind, crucial to our biological and social evolution.

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Events

Event

Prepare for a global career

Interested in a career that could take you around the world? Explore a range of postgraduate courses that will equip you with the skills and knowledge for an international career

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EVENT

Leap into your future

Come along to one of these information sessions to find out more about our Master of Teaching courses.

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EVENT

Life as a research student in the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Education

Get answers to all your questions about doing a PhD (or other Higher Degree by Research) within UWA’s Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Education at this information session.

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EVENTS

School of Social Sciences events

To view more upcoming School of Social Sciences events

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Affiliated centres

 

Contact

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Access

Arts and Law Student Office, open weekdays 8.30am to 4.30pm

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