Humanities and Social Sciences

With our collaborations across industry, government and community, you’ll apply knowledge and expertise to respond to major societal opportunities, challenges and injustices, such as achieving sustainable development, addressing climate change, eliminating poverty, strengthening global communications and improving the mental health of communities. 

Within the humanities, through the study of culture, language, literature, history and philosophy, you will examine the human experience and gain a deep understanding of the connections that tie us all together. 

Within the social sciences, which bridges the social, physical and environmental sciences, you will use a scientific approach to understanding the development and operations of societies and their influence on the world.

• 1st in WA for full-time employment 
  for undergraduates in Communication, Media and Journalism (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020). 
• Get practical training 
  through internships, hands-on learning with industry and business partners, and overseas study opportunities. 
• 83.6% for skills development, 87.9% for teaching quality 
  satisfaction rate for Undergraduate Humanities and Social Sciences (Good Universities Guide). 
• #1 in WA 
  for Arts and Humanities, Psychology, and Social Sciences and Management (QS WUR by Subject 2020). 
• WA’s largest language hub 
  with four European languages, four Asian languages and two Classical languages taught. 

Bachelor of International Relations

Challenge yourself with WA’s only Bachelor of International Relations. Develop the knowledge and real-world experience to tackle our most pressing global challenges.

Jump to Courses

Connecting you with industry

Gain a critical edge with our global research collaborations and strong links with industry leaders.  
 
Our established network of connections spans the creative and public sectors, including Perth Fashion Festival, Perth Institute of Contemporary Art, City of Perth, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Department of Commerce.  
 
Our corporate supporters ensure you stay at the forefront of industry trends by providing guest lectures, case studies, mentoring and a suite of scholarships and prizes to help you achieve at the highest level. 

Skills for the future 

Graduates are now required to hold a bank of transferable skills. These skills can never be automated or replicated by artificial intelligence, ensuring you’re well equipped for the jobs of the future.  

Emerging skills: 

• Creativity, originality and initiative 
•  Analytical thinking
• Complex problem-solving 
• Critical thinking and analysis 
• Leadership and social influence 
• Emotional intelligence 

Source: Australian Government, Department of Jobs and Small Business, Australian Jobs 2019 

World-class facilities

The Archaeology Lab is a research and analysis facility used by UWA undergraduates, postgraduates, student volunteers, honours students, staff and visiting researchers. It is an essential working space to examine artefacts, botanical and faunal specimens and other material brought back from excavations. The lab is used to analyse materials such as seeds, animal bones, shells, eggshells, stone artefacts and charcoal collected during fieldwork. 

Articles you might like

• New courses to help you make a global impact
• Get practical with an arts degree
• Why you should take a language as your second major or minor
• What is the difference between urban design and regional planning and environmental planning?
• Changing the world through international relations
• A day in the life of a strategic communications student – Katrina