School of Humanities & Social Sciences

Discover your place in the world.

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The School of Humanities & Social Sciences provides an understanding of how we navigate the world, what we can learn from our past and how we can make a difference going forward.

At the UNSW Canberra School of Humanities & Social Sciences, we help develop the minds that shape Australia, the region and the international community. When you study Humanities & Social Sciences, you’ll learn from an internationally recognised team of academics and develop critical thinking skills that will prove invaluable in your chosen career. Our research is internationally recognised and explores complex global issues, including issues directly relevant to Defence and Australia’s national security.

  • Unique
    Our unique capabilities span defence and security ecosystems

    From AI to ethics; the Indo-Pacific to international politics; and much more.

  • Game-changing
    Excellence in undergraduate, PG and professional education teaching

    Highest national staff to student ratio.

  • Real world
    Interdisciplinary and collaborative research

    Emphasis and expertise in defence, security and government.

Our research 

Our interdisciplinary research provides thought leadership and new insights on key challenges in the areas of Asia-Pacific Development & Security, Conflict & Society, Environment & Governance, Future Operations, International Ethics and Maritime Security.  

Study with us

You'll develop unique career-ready skills in a variety of disciplines. Through creative and critical thinking, we can create real-world solutions. 

We’ll challenge you to think about people, places and cultures in a new way. Your uniqueness will be celebrated and encouraged in an open, supportive and inclusive community.

Our impact

By educating the minds that shape Australia, our region and the global community, UNSW Canberra School of Humanities & Social Sciences shapes a better world.

Security & Defence PLuS 

Security & Defence PLuS is an academic research and educational collaboration aimed at advancing the AUKUS agreement between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

This new initiative provides independent, original knowledge and understanding of national and global security issues and serves as a keystone in the PLuS Alliance, a partnership between Arizona State University (ASU), King’s College London (King’s), and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney aimed at solving pressing educational and societal challenges.

 

Our podcast series

Navigating Uncertainty podcast

Navigating Uncertainty draws on the expertise of UNSW Canberra academics to understand this unusual time of upheaval, turmoil and contradiction.

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Australian Naval History podcast

The Australian Naval History podcast discusses notable events in the history of the Royal Australian Navy. It draws on the expertise of UNSW Canberra academics and former naval officers.

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