About us

Where humanities and social sciences intersect with defence, security and government needs.

ADFA Canberra UNSW students walking towards business school

Welcome from the Head of School

A degree in the Humanities and/or Social Sciences does not prepare you for a job – it prepares you for every job!

Why study and research in the Humanities and/or Social Sciences?

These are the disciplines that deal with human interaction, society and how humans get along in society. These are the programs that provide an understanding of how we navigate the world, what we can learn from our past and how we can make a difference going forward. 

It's these discipline areas – this knowledge – that will place you ahead of the pack, now and into the future. Microsoft executives recently wrote that as computers behave more like humans, the social sciences and humanities will become even more important, as such courses teach critical, philosophical and ethics-based skills that will be instrumental in the development and management of the future world. Moreover, the ability to communicate and get along with people, and do full-strength critical thinking will be increasingly valued and appreciated. 

At UNSW Canberra School of Humanities & Social Sciences, we help develop the minds that shape Australia, the region and the international community, with a particular (but not exclusive) focus on Defence and security issues.

When you study with us, you’ll learn from an internationally recognised team of academics across disciplines as diverse as modern history, international political studies, English and media studies, Southeast Asian social inquiry, and the Indo-Pacific region. 

Our teaching is informed and led by our internationally recognised research, which explores complex global issues, including those directly relevant to Defence and Australia’s national security.

Join us as an undergraduate, postgraduate or research student. You can also enrol in our professional development program and master the ‘soft skills’ of creativity, persuasion, empathy and collaboration which mark our future leaders.

Craig Stockings 
— Head of School of Humanities & Social Sciences

Help shape Australia, our region and the international community

Humanities and Social Sciences provide 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 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 and social sciences at UNSW Canberra you will 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.

Study with us

You’ll receive an outstanding education from leading experts. Whether you’re a future leader of the Australian Defence Force embarking on your undergraduate degree or a budding academic commencing your career in research, discover why our school enjoys exceptional student satisfaction for our teaching and courses.  

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.  

Professional Education

We design and deliver custom-built intensive courses to government and industry organisations, including units within the Department of Defence. 

Meet our people

Meet the key academics, researchers and professional staff in the School of Humanities & Social Sciences. 

Ways to connect