Two students having a discussion in a graffiti alleyway

Social & Cultural Studies

Help re-think the future for people and communities

Actively engage with world issues to re-imagine solutions for young people, Indigenous communities, people living with disabilities, and individuals facing issues of homelessness or unemployment – in Australia and abroad. You could be following in the footsteps of some of our free thinkers that have investigated and authored books about prisoners of war, been involved in disaster recovery efforts and even become mayor.

Where could a social and cultural studies degree take you?

With technology developing faster than ever, the skills required by industry are rapidly changing. But business and government will always have a need for critical and creative thinkers, as well as researchers and skilled writers. Studying social and cultural studies at Murdoch will give you the skills, insights and knowledge to think deeply and create change in a meaningful way. It will help you to understand the past to re-think the future.
With a degree in social and cultural studies, pursue a career that looks after others. And you.

You could be:

Working overseas as a translator, teacher, diplomat, journalist or in the tourism industry
Advocating for human rights as a community worker or policy advisor
Taking action on important issues as a human service officer, overseas aid worker, or refugee and migrant support specialist, or
Giving issues a voice as a historian, journalist, foreign correspondent or by working in politics

Explore our social and cultural studies degrees

Why study social and cultural studies at Murdoch?

Learn by doing, so you can do better

At Murdoch, you'll get hands on experience so you can put your free thinking into practice. That's why you'll complete placements in not-for-profit agencies, the community development sector and in government. And, if you want to expand your thinking and see problems through a variety of lenses, you can complete a double major.

Take your thinking global

Complement your theoretical learning with hands-on industry placements and global internship opportunities. And, take advantage of our strong links to Asia through our Asia Research Centre, an international leader in the study of East and Southeast Asia. Travel to Indonesia for a semester as part of the Study Indonesia program, or complete a semester in Japan at one of our 10 partner universities, where you can expand your thinking by completing a relevant unit.

Surround yourself with great thinking from great minds

You'll have the opportunity to gain knowledge from more than 150 research students who are investigating exciting and important issues that affect Australia and the world. So if you plan to pursue research in this area, you'll be research-ready.

Learn from our free-thinking academics

Dave Palmer

Dr Dave Palmer is a true free thinker and free spirit. He has travelled around Australia and Western Australia to lead community-based projects and work with Aboriginal Australians and young people. He'll teach you how to work with the community to affect real change.

View Dave's profile.

Ian Cook

Dr Ian Cook is our expert on Australian politics, media politics and political philosophy. He's written a number of books about his thoughts on politics, online gaming and education. And, he hosts a weekly radio show on ABC Local on the latest in international politics.

View Ian's profile.

Arjun Subrahmanyan

Dr Arjun Subrahmanyan explores how democracy, social change, intellectual history and modern life have impacted Thailand. He'll get you thinking about how decisions of the past are impacting and informing the future in Southeast Asia.

View Arjun's profile.