Skip to content

School of Humanities

Humanities disciplines provide the knowledge and skills that the world needs right now and will rely on into the future: analytical and critical thinking, complex problem-solving, creativity, persuasiveness and communication, and continual and meaningful learning.

Students and academics in the Humanities examine and illuminate complex phenomena from diverse perspectives. They make and share discoveries about our history, influence and drive the contemporary cultural and social debates that lead to positive change and have the knowledge and creativity to envision better futures

Welcome to School of Humanities


Welcome, YouTube video

Our disciplines

English

English at the University of Tasmania brings together literary studies and creative writing. English dreams of a better world through reading, writing and critique. Novels, poems, plays, and screen texts tell us who we are and allow us to imagine what we could be. Discover the many ways to read, write, and imagine, while developing the skills and ideas that will allow you to become the best thinker, writer and critic you can be.

Global Cultures & Languages

The University of Tasmania offers dynamic programs in five modern languages. Languages are central to truly appreciating the perspectives, histories and cultures of the places where they are spoken. Cross-cultural communication fosters a more tolerant and plural society and contributes to an outlook that is open to the wider world and welcoming of differences.

History & Classics

History and Classics at the University of Tasmania encompasses ancient and modern histories and cultures. Our researchers and students are like detectives: studying evidence from the past to find new answers. The work of History and Classics will never be complete, as old questions will return for future generations. Experience the joy of discovering the unexpected and unknown while sharpening your research and reasoning skills.

Philosophy & Gender Studies

Philosophy and Gender Studies at the University of Tasmania includes analytic, continental and non-Western traditions. Philosophy empowers us to Understand ourselves and our intersectional location in a diverse world. Take on the critical ethic, social, environmental and political problems facing the world today.

What careers relate to Humanities?

Humanities graduates benefit from an education in the broadest possible sense. They are equipped with the cultural understanding, knowledge of social dynamics, and language proficiency to lead individuals, communities, organisations and nations to a brighter future.

They are capable of governing their own thinking and actions, and engaging effectively with the world around them. They appreciate the ways our differences have shaped history, and contribute to the creativity and adaptability of any workforce.

That's why our graduates are pursuing the most exciting diversity of careers imaginable.

Bridget Hickey, YouTube video

You could say Bridget Hickey didn’t take a traditional path at university. Instead, she studied across disciplines, including Asian Studies and English, picking subjects that she loved.

Read about Bridget's journey

Senator Lisa Singh, YouTube video

Lisa Singh believes studies that allow you to understand who we are as a people such as Philosophy is integral to finding solutions to important social issues.

Find out more about our Philosophy program

Our research in the Humanities

Our critical and creative research reframes and advances key human problems from the ancient world until today. Our researchers are leaders in the environmental humanities, history and heritage studies, book history and culture, social inclusion, and the scholarship of learning and teaching. Much of our research connects to Tasmania’s rich natural and cultural heritage, including its Wilderness World Heritage- and UNESCO-listed heritage sites, its innovative cultural institutions, its unique indigenous culture, and its role as an Antarctic Gateway. The mission of the Humanities at UTAS is to use our research to build strong partnerships and develop resilient communities for and from Tasmania.

Read more about our research

Researcher profile

Dr Hannah Stark with guest

Honouring the extinct, one thylacine at a time

Dr Hannah Stark is one of two chief investigators on the Australian Research Council Discovery Project called Beyond Extinction: Reconstructing the Global Thylacine (Tasmanian Tiger) Archive. She describes the thylacine’s extinction as a story of “Tasmania in the world”.

Read the full article
Read more about Hannah
Browse our academic staff profiles