About

Welcome to the School of Social Science, and to our disciplines of anthropology, archaeology, criminology and sociology. We hope you will become part of our learning community.

The School was established as a Department of Anthropology and Sociology in 1966 and has grown to become one of the leading social science schools in Australia. We are known internationally for our strong research focus and for producing undergraduate and postgraduate students with the analytical and critical-thinking skills demanded by employers.

Staff members - drawn from throughout the world – are leading figures in their disciplines, and the School has strong and extensive international links. The lecturing staff bring to the classroom enthusiasm for their disciplines, together with their considerable research expertise. This combination ensures that the latest ideas and insights of the disciplines are immediately available to students, providing a refreshingly creative environment for interaction and learning.

Over the last few years, academic staff have won a variety of prestigious teaching and research awards, along with millions of dollars in research grants from national and international funding agencies. Funding has allowed staff and postgraduate students to pursue their research interests in locations as diverse as Chile, Norway, Turkey, Papua New Guinea, India, Laos, and the Pacific Islands. Much important social-science research is carried out within Australia in both urban and rural settings. This includes leading research with Indigenous communities. Staff are engaged in both purely academic and rigorously applied studies that have practical outcomes for clients including community organisations, government and industry groups. The UQ Cultural Heritage Unit within the school manages extensive consulting activities in Anthropology and Archaeology.

The school has close working links to the Institute of Social Science Research, particularly in the areas of Criminology and Sociology. The Archaeology Labs contain excellent facilities, and the Anthropology Museum within the school holds world class collections from Aboriginal Australia and the Pacific region.

As you will see from our various disciplinary offerings, we provide a comprehensive range of courses, with students being able to move seamlessly from undergraduate to honours to masters or doctoral studies. We feel sure you will be able to progress your academic future in the School of Social Science!

With over 30 academic and adjunct staff and 70 research higher degree students, the School provides an atmosphere of encouragement and support for research activity and intellectual growth of its members.

Welcome to our website. Welcome to our community.