The department of Sociology and Social Policy, which began in 1991, is relatively new in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

Postgraduate studies in Sociology and Social Policy will enhance your understanding of contemporary society, emerging social issues, and national and international developments in social policy.

Sociology is the study of human behaviour and patterns of social interaction in their institutional, organisational and cultural settings. Sociological research at the University of Sydney emphasises both an historical and comparative approach to understanding the modern world and contemporary social issues.

Staff in the department of Sociology and Social Policy have expertise in a large number of research areas and are currently working on a range of specific research projects, commissioned consultancies and publications. For more background on current research see the staff profiles page on the departmental website.

The department encourages a culture of research and debate, and fosters research through individual and collaborative research development amongst staff, and through the development of a strong postgraduate research degree program. The department has an annual program of research seminars which include University of Sydney staff and visiting scholars from other Australian and international universities.

For information about current postgraduate research topics, go to this page.