School of Social and Political Sciences
Faculty of Arts
It is a pleasure to welcome you to our School which is at the forefront of teaching and research in the social sciences in Australia.
We have a team of dedicated academic and professional staff in the disciplines of Political Science, Criminology, Anthropology and Sociology as well as our allied research centres providing a dynamic and rewarding environment to further your studies.
The School offers a wide range of courses and programs in areas including criminology, development studies, international studies, political science, public and social policy, socio-legal studies, anthropology and sociology. Our courses are concerned with how we make sense of the world in which we live, the current challenges we face and how both Australian and international political, legal and social institutions ought to respond to complex problems which face us in an era of globalisation and rapid social change.
Our students move on to careers in a wide range of areas including local, state and federal government, non-governmental organisations, the media, education, justice, and further academic research. Whatever pathway students want to follow, we hope to provide a conducive environment where you will expand your knowledge and acquire many skills that will enable you to take advantage of your future opportunities.
We hope that you find your studies with the School enjoyable and intellectually rewarding.
Professor Karen Farquharson
Head of School of Social and Political Sciences
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Anthropology and Development Studies
Study the diverse ways that people today interact, organise and find meaning in their lives. Explore the processes of social, economic, political and cultural change that underlie poverty, inequality and insecurity in the contemporary world.
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Criminology
Examine crime and the various social responses to it. Improve your understanding of crime and deviance, and map the social and criminal justice policy implications.
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Gender Studies (Interdisciplinary program)
The Gender studies program at The University of Melbourne offers students the potential to learn about issues such as sexual difference, gender equity, queer politics, and sexuality, from a variety of thought-provoking and provocative perspectives.
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Political Science
Study the main issues, ideas, institutions and actors that dominate local, national and international politics. Expand your knowledge on democratic theory and human rights, public policy, Indigenous and environmental politics, globalisation and international relations.
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Sociology, Social Policy and Social Theory
Investigate the complexity and breadth of living in today's societies. Challenge your understanding and assumptions about what it means to live with others.
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Conflict, Development and Justice
The research cluster advances a framework that investigates the ways in which 'peace' and 'conflict', including contentious politics and other forms of political expression, are able to co-exist.
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Governance, Chaos, Control and Complexity
Complex governance challenges across a range of issues, from transnational crime to the global governance of climate change to domestic health policy, increasingly challenge settled ways of looking at the world.
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On Culture, Power & Practice
Researchers in this cluster are centrally concerned with making visible the ways that culture not only is framed by but also shapes, constrains, inspires, and otherwise motivates individual, social and political action.
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Generations, Place and Temporality
Researchers in the Generations, Place and Temporality cluster seek to understand how the timing and societal organisation of life transitions have significant and long-term consequences for individuals and societies.
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Indigenous Settler Relations Collaboration (ISRC)
The multidisciplinary team of the ISRC research unit explores the challenges that lie at the heart of relations between Indigenous and settler Australians.
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Comparative Network on Refugee Externalisation Policies (CONREP)
CONREP is an international, interdisciplinary six university network which researches the impact and effects of the externalisation of refugee policies in two regions.
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The Policy Lab
The Policy Lab explores public policy decision making, policy design, and how we know what's working.
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Getting Welfare to Work: Research on Employment Services
Getting Welfare to Work is a long-standing research program on welfare and employment services reform at a national and international level.
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Medicinal Psychedelics Research Network (MPRN)
MPRN brings together multidisciplinary researchers, policymakers and regulators to focus on the emerging field of medicinal psychedelics.
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Research publications
Recent books authored or edited by School of Social and Political Sciences researchers.
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Further research projects
The School of Social and Political Sciences has some exciting research projects which do not fall under the research cluster themes.
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Undergraduate
Information for current undergraduate students including essay writing guides and citation styles, cover sheets, minor thesis due dates, policy, and the On Country field trip subject.
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Honours
Information for current Honours students including essays and assignments, extensions, the minor thesis, and policy documents can be found here.
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Graduate coursework
Information for current graduate coursework students including essay writing guides and citation styles, cover sheets, minor thesis due dates, and policy.
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Graduate research
Information for prospective students and those currently enrolled in a PhD or Masters by Research program.
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Work Integrated Learning (Internships)
Information for students interested in applying for the Parliamentary Internship program, Public Affairs Internship program and Master of Development Studies Internship program.
In light of the emerging COVID-19 situation and continuing policy statements from the State and Federal Government, the University is adopting a series of changes to reduce rates of infection in the community. The health and wellbeing of our community is of paramount importance. Therefore, all University events have been postponed or cancelled from midnight, Tuesday 17 March. Thank you for your understanding as we endeavour to keep our community members safe during this uncertain time. More information.
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Thursday 12:00pm - 12:45pmPolicymaking in a Crisis - with Zali Steggall OAM MP
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As Minneapolis burns, Trump’s presidency is sinking deeper into crisis. And yet, he may still be re-elected
Timothy J. Lynch, Associate Professor in American Politics investigates...
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Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship - applications now open
Open to Australian students wishing to undertake graduate coursework or research in the areas of technology and innovation, strengthening Australia-Asia ties or enabling positive social change. Applications close 4 September 2019
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Need a quiet study space to prepare for you exams?
We are excited to announce that the Arts West Gallery will be transformed into a quiet study space for students over the swotvac and exam period (starting Monday 3 June)