Welcome to the website of the School of Sociology and Social Work. We are one of the largest and most successful schools in the Faculty of Arts, with over 30 full-time permanent staff and one of the most popular first year programs. Our research focuses on contemporary social issues such as social responses to the environment; crime and deviance; developing sustainable housing and urban communities; professional practice and human services; risk; and living in a diverse, globalised world. Our staff are primarily based on the Hobart and Launceston campuses, but we also teach on the Cradle Coast campus. We have three main disciplines: Sociology, Social Work and Criminology.
Staff in Sociology, Criminology and Social Work are typically passionate about what they do. We share a commitment to understanding the social and cultural factors that shape the way our society is organised and responds to its citizens as well as the way individuals behave. Staff have a range of different theoretical approaches and specialise in different topics of research and teaching. A respectful and creative engagement with this diversity is one of the strengths of the School.
The discipline of Sociology at the University of Tasmania is among the top 5 in Australia, with our research ranked '4 - above world standard' in the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) results. The first year units Sociology A and Sociology B are the foundation of all three programs in Sociology, Criminology and Social Work. Honours is available to Sociology, Social Work and Criminology students providing opportunity for advanced study and project work, additional career options and pathways into higher research studies at UTAS.
Social Work has been growing rapidly in the last few years with programs at both the Bachelor and Master level and strong links to the social work profession. The Social Work degrees teach students knowledge and practical skills required to work in the social work profession and the human and community services sectors, with students finding careers around Australia and internationally.
The School has recently introduced a Criminology major and honours program with a strong applied and skills-based orientation. We are gradually introducing new units to this program such as Working with Offenders and Case Management. Staff in Criminology have strong links with various community and government organisations, and our graduates often find jobs in these organisations.
If you have any questions about the School, please feel free to contact us. We have a range of brochures and other information about the specific programs and units offered by the School.
I wish you well with your studies and your time at the University of Tasmania.
Sandra Taylor
Head of School