School of Social Sciences

Understanding human experience and exploring how and why society works

UWA’s School of Social Sciences bridges social, physical and environmental sciences and brings a scientific approach to understanding the development and operations of societies and their influence the world. The School is home to three departments: Department of Archaeology, Forensics, Geography and Anthropology; Department of International Relations, Asian Studies and Politics; and the Department of Communication, Media and Linguistics. It is also a hub for engagement in regional Western Australia through the Centre for Regional Development and Centre for Rock Art Research and Management. 

The School collaborates across government, community and industry to develop responses to major societal opportunities, challenges and injustices. 
As a student, you can use your education to benefit communities around the world, applying your expertise to one sector or industry such as government, planning, finance or media, or choose to explore broad topics such as social change or relationships between citizens, community and state.

Through innovative research, industry placements and transformative education, our students forge critical understandings of local, regional and global issues.

Our disciplines and departments

Anthropology

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

Find out more

Archaeology

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

Find out more

Asian Studies

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

Find out more

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.

Find out more

Media and Communication

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

Find out more

Political Science and International Relations

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

Find out more
park Created with Sketch.

Geography and Planning

Cutting-edge research balancing human development with the natural environment

Find out more

Welcome from Head of School Professor Amanda Davies 

Become a bilingual citizen of the world at the largest language hub in WA

With four European, four Asian and two Classical languages on offer, UWA is the leading institution in WA for language learning.
Immerse yourself in another language. Learn to see the world in a new way. Move between cultures with ease.

Access UWA Language Hub

News

Our notable alumni

Andrew Wong

Patrick Morrison

Amy Bowdrey

Aaron D'Cruz

Jessie Gordon

Our courses 

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.

Contact

man-user copy Created with Sketch.

Access

School Operations, ARTS:G.41 weekdays 8.00am to 4.00pm

Map