School of Social Sciences
In the School of Social Sciences we are passionate about creating a better world by exploring today's big questions and supporting the social and economic development of the human race.
Our staff and students are curious about society and how it influences the world around us; they're passionate, community-minded people who are great problem solvers and critical thinkers. Our students benefit from our close relationships with government and industry organisations by gaining real-world experiences to complement their theoretical studies. We prepare our students with the skills that employers want, so they can make a global impact.
If you want to make a real difference in the world, then come and join us!
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Our study areas
Politics and International Relations
Investigate the major ideas that drive the modern world; democracy, liberty, justice and authority, international security, human rights, terrorism and counterterrorism, the political economy, Australian politics and diplomacy.
Sociology and Criminology
Environmental crime, violence against women, indigenous and juvenile justice, animal welfare, espionage and global disorder – will you be the change for a better world? Investigate the worlds of consumption, rituals such as Dark MOFO, consumerism, drugs and alcohol, housing, health, poverty, prisons and tourism from award winning teachers and researchers.
Policing and Emergency Management
Make a difference in your community and learn how to respond in times of crisis. Whether you wish to work in policing, forensics, intelligence, disaster resilience, risk analysis or correctional services, Policing and Emergency Management provides you with the knowledge, critical understanding and skills to apply to real-world, real-life scenarios.
Wide range of careers
Study in social science prepares our graduates for diverse careers in both government and non-government sectors, including the professional career fields of social work and policing.
Nikayla Roach completed our Introduction to Policing unit. She has since successfully completed the Bachelor of Social Sciences (Police Studies) and police training and is now a serving member of the Tasmania Police.
Dr Ruby Grant completed her undergraduate degree and postgraduate studies at the University of Tasmania. She is now an early career researcher focusing on queer identity politics, sexual citizenship, gender equity and diversity, and their implications for education and healthcare access.
Research
The School of Social Sciences is a leading international centre of excellence in interdisciplinary and applied social research.
Our research intersects with the University of Tasmania’s research themes of Creativity Culture, and Society; Better Health; Data, Knowledge and Decision Making; and Environment, Resources and Sustainability.
Research in the School is broadly focused on the application of social science theories, methods and concepts to social and policy issues. Research strengths include crime and justice, housing and community, the environment, risk, social inclusions, migration and ethnicity, health and medicine, sport, tourism, leisure, gender and masculinities and global and national governance.
Researcher profile
Criminality and Climate Change
Criminologist Professor Rob White is pioneering the field of green criminology internationally. He has published seven books on the topic. His research examines three interconnected justice-related approaches to environmental harm.
While the obvious impact of climate change is the increased temperature, rising sea-level and an impact to the ecology, there is also the issue of increased criminality.
Read more about Rob's research
Read more about Rob
Browse our academic staff profiles
Social Work
Social Workers aim to enhance individual and community wellbeing by addressing structural challenges that are harmful to people, such as discrimination, inequality, violence and other forms of oppression—focusing on social justice and human rights.
Social Work