UNSW is a progressive university that engages in a practical way with key contemporary social issues, and that ethos is reflected in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. You will study alongside students from a fascinating variety of backgrounds, and you will often be taught by scholars who are leading international researchers in the Humanities and Social Sciences. But you will not spend all your time in lecture theatres and seminar rooms. You are just as likely to find yourself designing Websites in computer labs, learning a foreign language in our state-of-the-art language laboratories, extending your performance talents in music practice rooms or dance studios, or out in schools and workplaces on placements or internships, gathering experience in some of the careers you might pursue. And you can broaden your horizons by studying at one of our many partner universities around the world.

There is an atmosphere of change and progress in the Faculty, as we have been rethinking many of our programs for the twenty-first century and adapting them to your needs and ambitions. The new UNSW Bachelor of Arts still offers an enticing selection of topics and disciplines to choose from, but the degree is now more systematically organised around the knowledge and skills that you will need to succeed in a rapidly changing world of work. It has a solid foundation in the traditional Humanities and Social Science disciplines, but it allows you to test out the application of those disciplines to such pressing topics as global development and the environment. We particularly encourage you to study a foreign language as preparation for life in a globalised world, and a global economy. The Bachelor of Media programs combine creative practice and production with social understanding and critical insight. The Bachelor of International Studies offers a truly global perspective, as well as a required year’s study at a partner institution overseas. We offer high-quality, hands-on training in the social professions of teaching and social work. And there are still the specialist creative courses in Music and Dance, if that is where your interests and talents lie.

With so many options on offer, you will need to make important decisions and choices throughout your time in the Faculty. When you need advice, go to the Student centre on the ground floor of the Morven Brown Building: the staff there are always ready to help you. All our academic staff have consultation hours, when you can seek more specialist academic advice. We also encourage you to take advantage of the whole range of campus activities, from sport to drama to clubs and parties.

We hope that you will take an active role in the affairs of the Faculty and the University. Students are represented on our main decision-making body, the Academic Board, as well as on many Faculty committees. We also invite you to comment regularly on your courses and your overall experience. We are always on the lookout for ways to improve.

The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at UNSW is a vibrant community of scholars and students, buzzing with challenging ideas and focused activity. As part of it, you will discover new ways of thinking about the world, at the same time as you acquire knowledge and skills that will serve you well in your future career. Work hard, have fun and a warm welcome to you.

Professor James Donald
Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

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