Sociology
What is the Sociology program about?
Sociology is concerned with investigating the social patterns and structures that underpin human societies. This involves examining everything from everyday interactions with friends and family to the organisation of global institutions.
Studying Sociology provides you with the skills to question 'common-sense' understandings of the world and to examine social issues, problems, and experiences from different as well as new perspectives.
Application of sociological thinking and research skills provides a deeper understanding of the complex challenges that face humanity, such as social inequality, the exercise of power and authority, global pandemics, and climate change. Sociology provides you with a toolbox for creating a more sustainable and socially just world.
Why study Sociology with us?
Learn about how to make sense of critical global issues, develop the skills to support and empower people, and contribute to a just society. If you are interested in what is going on in the world, and how you can change it for the better, sociology is an excellent option for you.
We offer a range of study options that can provide you with expertise in Sociology, electives that can diversify your skills, and the flexibility to study complementary discipline areas.
Your studies will provide you with a deeper understanding of the social forces shaping the world in which we live, and the skills to drive positive and impactful societal change.
With our strong reputation in sociology research, we offer postgraduate research courses that will develop your advanced research knowledge and skills, and enhance your professional employability.
What careers relate to Sociology?
Our graduates are employed in a range of careers in private, government and non government sectors. Many organisations and business utilise sociologists to evaluate programs, identify problems and design solutions to address a range of issues that impact on society and humanity.
- Social Advocate
- Ageing and Disability Officer
- Community Project Officer
- Cultural Programmer
- Current Affairs Writer
- Government Advisor
- Health Researcher
- Housing Policy Advisor
- Intelligence Officer
- Migrant Affairs Worker
- Multi-Cultural Affairs Worker
- Policy Officer
- Policy Researcher
- Political Advisor
- Program Manager
- Social Advocacy Officer
- Social Inclusion Officer
- Social Researcher
- Social Worker
- Youth Officer
Amina Keygan | Demographer
Sociology
"...a population researcher... has such a broad range of applications - education, business, government planning, work force, labour markets, employment, aged care; it ranges across all of those areas and brings them all together."
How can I learn about Sociology?
In studying sociology, you'll learn to investigate the social forces that structure everyday life as well as how we as individuals shape society. We examine areas such as culture and creativity, sexuality, gender and identity, globalisation, urban inclusion and exclusion, youth, racism, religion and multiculturalism, and health and illness.
Interested in studying with us? Explore our course and research opportunities.
Our research in Sociology
Our diverse research in Sociology focuses on areas including housing and community studies, ageing and disability, religion, food and environment, and health and illness. Much research in Sociology and Criminology is applied in nature and has a strong focus on social policy.
Our work is published in leading journals and by top-tier academic presses. We are an internationally recognised team of sociologists who are actively involved in national and international research, and several members of our team have received prestigious research grants.
If you are interested in undertaking research degrees a PhD or Masters degree with us, please see the current list of available projects that align with our research expertise.
Featured Research
Research Spotlight
Associate Professor Vaughan Higgins
Project: Protecting Australia's Food Future: Shared Responsibility for Biosecurity
