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Faculties and schools_

School of Social and Political Sciences

Confronting the enduring and emerging challenges of our time
Concentrating on five research themes: health, markets, governance, inequality and environment, our work interprets and makes sense of societies, nation states and people.

The School of Social and Political Sciences is a leading centre of excellence, uniting disciplines such as Criminology, Sociology, Political Economy, Government and International Relations and  Anthropology. Our diverse range of single,  undergraduate, joint and post graduate programmes are ranked highly both nationally and internationally.  We excel in research with global relevance, addressing real-world challenges and employing innovative teaching methods in the social sciences.

Focusing on five core research themes: health, markets, governance, inequality and environment, we analyse societies, geo-political conflicts, social injustice, nation-states, and individual experiences.

Through extensive multidisciplinary networks and research centres, our academics maintain strong international connections, enriching public policy debates.

Notable initiatives like the Ted Wheelwright Lecture draw over 600 participants, while Social Sciences Week hosts uniting researchers, activists and policymakers in the pursuit of equity and accountable governance.

These efforts showcase our commitment to advancing knowledge in the field, making the complex issues of our time more accessible and engaging.

Our disciplines

Our study offerings

We offer three research degrees across all disciplines. You will need to have a substantial background in your preferred discipline to be eligible to enrol. 

Placements

Our placement program offers students the opportunity to consolidate their academic studies and become job-ready in a rapidly evolving market through work-integrated learning and skills-development. Students can engage in specialised placement projects with some of the most highly sought after government and private sector organisations, local and global NGOs, think tanks and research companies across Australia and overseas. Learn more about our internships and placements.

Study Social Justice at Sydney - Uncle Jimmy's walking tour of the University of Sydney

Master of Social Justice

 

The Master of Social Justice equips students to address some of the globe’s most challenging social, political, and environmental issues. It does this through vibrant coursework, deeply committed teachers, and a grounding in three critical approaches to social justice: development, peace and conflict, and human rights.

Scholarships

A $12,500 postgraduate scholarship to support the research of the role of women in societies from the Paleolithic to the Bronze Age. Learn more

A $45,000 per annum postgraduate scholarship to support research students to undertake research in the field of anthropology. Learn more

A $10,000 postgraduate coursework scholarship to support full time students commencing the Master of Social Justice at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Learn more 

An honours and postgraduate research scholarship funding up to $20,000 to assist students who are undertaking a research project in anthropology to conduct fieldwork. Learn more

Research expertise

Our people

School Operations

Teaching and Curriculumssps.tcc@sydney.edu.au

  • Cait McCarthy, Teaching and Curriculum Coordinator
  • Eva Karolyova, School Administration Officer - Teaching and Curriculum
  • Terri Drage, School Administration Assistant - Teaching and Curriculum

Student Placementsssps.studentplacements@sydney.edu.au

  • Kashmira Aspar, Student Placement Officer

Communications and Events: ssps.communications@sydney.edu.aussps.events@sydney.edu.au

  • Janet Bunn, Communications and Events Officer
  • Catherine Hines, School Administration Assistant - Communications and Events

Research Supportssps.researchsupport@sydney.edu.au

  • Imogen Kavanagh, Research Support Officer

Head of School

Upcoming events

Visit the school's event webpage
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School of Social and Political Sciences

Phone
  • +61 2 9351 2650
Email

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