School of Humanities and Social Sciences

We specialise in the human experience – from its earliest beginnings to the latest developments in society, politics and culture.

Our teaching programs broaden students’ intellectual horizons, strengthen their career prospects and improve the societies they serve.

We offer students outstanding placement opportunities and exposure to industry projects so that they graduate with workplace experience.

Our scholars are world leading researchers who study the human experience from its earliest beginnings to the modern day, here in Australia and around the world.

Dean's welcome About us

OUR DISCIPLINES ADDRESS GLOBAL CHALLENGES AND PROMOTE SOCIAL JUSTICE

ARCHAEOLOGY AND HISTORY

ARCHAEOLOGY AND HISTORY

Studying the past opens our minds to what is possible. We are building knowledge about our world, and its many pasts, so that we can create a better future.

Discover our Department

LANGUAGES AND CULTURES

LANGUAGES AND CULTURES

We explore how people use language and media to connect and tell their stories. Our research culture is purpose built for academic and creative endeavours.

About our Department

POLITICS, MEDIA AND PHILOSOPHY

POLITICS, MEDIA AND PHILOSOPHY

Our research and teaching examine power, political change, communication, philosophy and ethics. Our work contributes to public debates and policy.

Explore our Department

SOCIAL INQUIRY

SOCIAL INQUIRY

We produce outstanding graduates and research outcomes that contribute to our understanding of social change, inequality and cultural diversity.

Discover our Department

Global experiences

Build your skills through overseas study you’ll never forget.

Read more about La Trobe's study tours and exchange programs

Top 10 for postgrad salaries

We're in the top 10 in Australia for median salaries in postgrad humanities and social sciences.

Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT), 2025, Humanities, Culture & Social Sciences (Postgraduate)

Top 250 for social sciences

We're ranked in the world’s top 250 for social sciences.

Times Higher Education (THE), 2026, Social Sciences University Rankings 2026

MAKE YOUR IMPACT

If you can't let go of unanswered questions. If you love learning. If you're passionate about the world around you. Then studying arts at La Trobe is going to be your best next step. Turn your passion into a profession with a choice of over 40 majors, minors and electives for Arts. Our courses fit around you with fully online, on-campus and blended study options.

Find out more

OUR COURSES CREATE PROFESSIONALS WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

AI-FIRST STRATEGY

AI-FIRST STRATEGY

Artificial Intelligence is central to our educational strategy. We empower students to use emerging technologies in responsible, ethical and innovative ways to ensure it, ultimately, serves communities and the public good.

Read more

CLIMATE CHANGE EXPERTS

CLIMATE CHANGE EXPERTS

Learn from climate change experts. Our Climate Change Adaptation Lab is a leader on the impacts of climate change on work and the work of adaptation. Our central question: what do we want and need to adapt, and how?

Find out more

FUTURE-FOCUSED EDUCATION

FUTURE-FOCUSED EDUCATION

We are redefining what it means to study the humanities and social sciences. We offer an employability-driven education; an environment where students gain the skills, confidence and insight to build meaningful careers.

Read more

ALUMNI

ALUMNI

La Trobe University builds lifelong connections with graduates. Our alumni network is an impressive and connected group of people making a positive impact on the world. Membership is free, automatic and lifelong.

Explore how

Study with us

Connect with us

Events

No upcoming events at the moment. Check back soon.

More events

News

More news

Indigenous Acknowledgement

La Trobe University proudly acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands where its campuses are located in Victoria. We recognise that Indigenous Australians have an ongoing connection to the land and the University values their unique contribution to both the University and the wider Australian society. Find out more