Our programs are of world-class quality and scholarship, and our academics encourage critical inquiry, creativity, and a questioning of ideas and theories.
If you're interested in learning more about studying at the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences (GSHSS), we invite you to attend one of our upcoming information sessions.
Ranked in the world's top 25 universities for Social Sciences, the University of Melbourne is at the forefront of knowledge. Download a course guide and explore your opportunities.
The University of Melbourne is among the top performing academic institutions for competitive research funding, PhD completions and publication of research material in the world.
Research collaborations with industry partners help us to develop innovative approaches to real world challenges, and to develop applied research that produces cross-sector improvements as well as economic, social and cultural benefits.
Proud of its research efforts, the Faculty of Arts is no exception. In 2011, we received an Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) ranking of 5 across 7 areas of study, and a further ranking of 4 across 15 areas of study. The scores, determined by the Australian Research Council, are well above the world average.
To carry out our research, we align with the following research schools and centres. Browse the links below to see the range of research projects we are currently working on.
The Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences works closely with an extensive network of partners across the corporate, government and not-for-profit sectors to provide industry-based opportunities for our graduate students.
Our industry partnerships span collaborative research, internships and professional development opportunities, scholarships and prizes as well as a rich calendar of workshops and networking events.
The Perspectives Career Development Series is designed to facilitate graduate student engagement and networking opportunities with prominent alumni from a diverse range of sectors, who are invited to speak from their own experience about career development and emerging roles and transformations in a broad range of corporate, government and not for profit settings.
Our Social Entrepreneurship Event Presenters
From left: Grace McQuilten, Founder of the Social Studio, Danya Sterling, Manager at renowned social enterprise The Big Issue and Alexie Seller, National Manager Business Development and Operations, Pollinate Energy.
We are proud to say our graduates become dynamic and global thinkers, scholars and leaders. Benefits that students can enjoy undertaking study with us include unparalleled knowledge and expertise, and an experience that extends beyond graduation to our acclaimed alumni network.
Welcome from the Dean
The Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences is a place where scholarship and innovation meet and where ideas and practice are brought together. We aim to develop ethical leaders with the knowledge, skills and passion to make a positive contribution to the world.
Our programs foster social, political and cultural understanding, critical and creative thinking, and the ability to apply your skills and knowledge to real world situations. You’ll develop advanced knowledge in your discipline area and acquire professional skills for a rewarding and meaningful career.
Our academic staff bring substantial industry experience and expertise to teaching roles, ensuring you remain attuned to the latest developments in their field. Our academics are not only nationally and internationally renowned researchers and leading practitioners in their fields of expertise, but also committed teachers who encourage intellectual excellence and critical enquiry.
—Professor Mark Considine, Dean, Faculty of Arts
Message from the Director
The Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences is the largest and most dynamic school of its kind in Australia. We offer 12 graduate programs – from the world‐leading Executive Master of Arts to the Master of Art Curatorship – and each year we teach and supervise over 1,600 of the world’s brightest graduate students.
Our Graduate School aims to integrate the arts and humanities into the leadership of contemporary society. We achieve this objective through the School’s innovative teaching and award‐winning research.
Our programs will enhance your skill set and hone your intellectual capacities, ready to make a difference in the world. Our graduates go on to find success in a range of careers – from the private sector and government to the social economy, media and communications.
Our brand new, specialised facilities in the heritage‐listed Old Arts Building include wireless internet, hi‐tech collaborative learning spaces and video conference facilities, as well as our graduate lounges and informal learning spaces. The School offers a remarkable space – both physical and intellectual – which we invite you to fill.
—Associate Professor Timothy J. Lynch, Director, Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences
