CASE Postgraduate Study and Research Postgraduate Study in Arts and Social Sciences

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Postgraduate Study in Arts and Social Sciences

The College of Arts, Society and Education postgraduate research supports James Cook University’s commitment to delivering research that makes a difference. Our programs produce graduates with strong analytical skills and critical and creative thinking. Our research focuses on issues of relevance to people and places in the tropics.

Humanities and Creative Arts

Creative Arts and Media staff members are engaged in critical, analytic, studio-based and theory-based research. The research work of the College traverses the spectrum of creative enquiry, industry studies, interpretative discussion, analytical scholarship, and innovative artefacts and designs. Philosophical, social scientific, art-critical, cultural, reflexive, object-led, and ethnographical methods are all used in the field of arts-related research.

Each of these methods illuminates the meaning of artworks, genres, practices, techniques, and industries. They help us to understand the various worlds, facets and phenomena that art, the arts, and aesthetics generate.

Social Sciences

The Social Sciences academic group is broad and varied, conducting research and teaching in the areas of Anthropology, Archaeology, Criminology, International Relations, Political Science, and Sociology. We also further study through our Honours program, Master of Social Science, as well as higher degree research programs if you are seeking a professional career as an anthropologist, archaeologist, criminologist, political scientist or sociologist.

Cultural transformations - We conduct research concerning cultural and linguistic transformations, with particular strength in the fields of Archaeology, Anthropology and Sociology.

Influencing policy - We consider critical issues at the intersection of sustainable development and social and environmental justice, paying particular attention to Indigenous futures, refugees, the young, and the elderly. Our research aims to influence policy, and to ensure inclusivity and social justice.

Community-based fieldwork - We place strong emphasis on creativity and innovation and practice-led research methods, especially projects involving digital technologies, experimental screen work and exhibition. Our commitment is to community-based fieldwork that explores visual and material culture, heritage, and transformations of social and political identities in a dynamic world.