About Arts and Social Sciences
Employers are looking for individuals who can think outside the box and apply critical thinking skills. JCU Arts and Social Science will help you distinguish yourself by developing a breadth of perspective and the ability to express and implement ideas constructively and effectively within your chosen field.
Tailor your studies by choosing from 12 majors within JCU Arts and Social Sciences. Each major will give you a unique perspective on humanities and the arts. You can learn about cultural and ethnic diversity with Anthropology. If you’re fascinated by the past, dig into the richness of history with Archaeology. If you’re ready to embrace your creativity, try Design and Creative Arts or combine creativity with literary analysis in English. You can be equipped to make a difference in the Australian context by learning about our nation’s history and its future with Indigenous Studies.
Take advantage of JCU’s unique position as a university for the Tropics and the Asia-Pacific region. You’ll learn about diverse cultures, peoples and societies, giving you insight into what brings people together and what drives them apart. With this foundation, you’ll become a leader in modelling mutual respect.
The knowledge and skills you gain in JCU Arts and Social Sciences are highly applicable in a variety of contexts. You can broaden the applications of your studies by choosing to undertake a joint degree with another study area that aligns with your interests and goals. JCU has options to combine a Bachelor of Arts with a Bachelor of Business, a Bachelor of Laws or a Bachelor of Science.
At JCU, you’ll embrace the opportunity to pursue your interests and passions throughout your career, even if it requires you to work in multiple areas. A degree in Arts and Social Science prepares you for a diverse career, with transferrable skills such as effective communication, critical thinking, cultural understanding and problem solving that you can carry from one occupation to the next.
Explore your study options in Arts and Social Sciences
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Gain a solid foundation for university study as you build academic skills, confidence and knowledge. Take classes relevant to your study goals and get a taste of university life in this qualification designed to help you meet the entry requirements of your desired degree. Enter university prepared for success after this one-year course.
Download Brochure- Townsville: February, July
- Cairns: February, July
- Online: February, July
Become a skilled communicator with a strong understanding of human behaviour and knowledge, grounded in diverse studies of people, places and politics. Immerse yourself in cultural perspectives and history and be the one who advocates for important social causes. Go beyond a single field — your advanced critical thinking and transferable skills are valuable in every workplace.
Download Brochure- Townsville: February, July
- Cairns: February, July
- Online: February, July
Combine the diverse, transferable skills of an arts degree with the practical knowledge of business studies to build a critical understanding of life and work in the Tropics. Develop a solid foundation of sociocultural contexts to underpin your learning in business operations and strategies, making you a well-rounded professional. Graduate with advanced communication and research skills to stand out in any field.
Download Brochure- Townsville: February, May, September
- Cairns: February, May, September
- Online: February, May, September
Become a legal professional with versatile skills across legal systems and principles, as well as strong sociocultural understandings. Gain extensive legal insights and experience through the Legal Placement elective as well as in mock trials and the 'moot' e-court. Your Arts subjects will lead you through investigations of our societies' issues, triumphs and histories so that you can apply analytical and communication skills to current events and legal scenarios.
Download Brochure- Townsville: February, July
- Cairns: February, July
- Online: February, July
Build your capacity for critical analysis and develop a strong knowledge and skill base across the arts and sciences. Select majors and electives that align with your interests, preparing you for diverse career opportunities. Develop practical skills for real-world research as well as advanced communication skills applicable to various arts, humanities and scientific fields.
Download Brochure- Townsville: February, July
- Cairns: February, July
Increase your capacity for identifying and communicating cultural issues and viewpoints as you examine the contemporary position, challenges and concerns of Indigenous peoples. Upon completion, you will be equipped to effectively engage with Indigenous communities by focusing on the intersection of Indigenous and non-Indigenous knowledge positions.
- Townsville: February, July
- Cairns: February, July
- Online: February, July
Begin developing the expertise and confidence to conduct higher degree research in the field of tropical environments and societies. This graduate certificate is a pathway to enrolling in a Masters or Doctorate of Philosophy and is an opportunity for you to cultivate hands-on research skills and learn to communicate your findings to a variety of audiences.
- Townsville: February, July
- Cairns: February, July
- Online: February, July
Start on your path towards a research career, as this is a pathway to enrolling in a Masters or Doctorate of Philosophy. This graduate diploma is an opportunity for you to gain the real-world skills required to plan, implement and investigate key issues within the field of tropical environments and societies.
- Townsville: February, July
- Cairns: February, July
- Online: February, July
Gain the expertise and specialist skills to help direct development initiatives like poverty alleviation, sustainable planning and global health.
Download Brochure- Cairns: February, July
- Online: February, July
Be equipped to address pressing public health and development issues relevant to tropical Australia and the Asia-Pacific. This joint degree is highly attuned to the development challenges of the next decade — which will be significantly shaped by the legacies of COVID-19. Explore subjects that are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and graduate with the skills and expertise to contribute to the sustainability and wellbeing of communities in the Tropics and
Download Brochure- Online: February, July
JCU Master of Philosophy graduates are internationally recognised as experts who discover valuable new knowledge in their fields. The skills you develop during your MPhil will enable you to extend yourself professionally within your existing sector, or to apply your research, critical thinking and problem-solving skills to new contexts. Graduates can also continue their independent research in a Doctor of Philosophy.
Download BrochureA JCU Master of Philosophy (Indigenous) provides exceptional students with the opportunity to complete a significant independent research thesis.
Download Brochure- Townsville: February, June
- Cairns: February, June
- Online: February, June
Develop high level independent research skills while making an original contribution of knowledge.
Download BrochureBe on the leading edge of Indigenous research. Develop confidence in navigating Indigenous and non-Indigenous standpoints, creating new approaches to complex issues.