Australian Studies
Australian Studies provides the opportunity to explore Australian history, culture and society, including a wide-range of concerns such as Indigenous issues, the environment, gender identity and politics, and the shaping of cultural icons and institutions. Australian Studies also explores Australian history and culture in an international context.
Australian Studies at UNSW
Australian Studies offers you the opportunity to examine Australian culture and society from a variety of perspectives and using a range of approaches. Questions surrounding Australian national identity have preoccupied generations of Australians and, following the Prime Minister's historic apology to the Stolen Generations, they continue to resonate loudly in public discourse. Australian Studies at UNSW enables you to critically analyse how different areas of study approach the task of understanding the shifting ideas Australians have held about history, identity and tradition. It plays a crucial role in the development of an informed and critically engaged citizenship and fosters analytical and creative engagement with Australia in its relationships with the world.
Field Trips
Sydney offers many opportunities for students of Australian Studies to experience the rich diversity of Australian culture. Many subjects include excursions to sites such as the Anzac Memorial, The Rocks, the Quarantine Station at North Head, Botany Bay and the State Theatre. The city is a living museum - Australian Studies at UNSW helps you explore it.
Download the Australian Studies Information Brochure (PDF) (473 Kb)
Careers
A degree which includes Australian Studies can be the launching pad for careers in any area where a critical understanding of the development of Australia and its culture are necessary. Career possibilities include teaching, government, the media, museums, libraries, galleries and other cultural institutions.
International Opportunities
Students have the opportunity to complete an international exchange for one or two semesters as part of their degree. UNSW manages a large and active exchange program with over 180 different student exchange opportunities in 32 countries.
Program Information
A minor in Australian Studies is available in the Bachelor of Arts and other combined degree programs. The minor provides you with the opportunity to take six courses from the Australian Studies program. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the program, courses are offered in areas such as English, History, Indigenous Studies, Sociology, Geography, Political Science, Music, Theatre Studies, Film Studies and Art History. Course selection may change each year.
Program Coordinator: Dr Ruth Balint
View your course options in the UNSW Handbook
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Media (Communication & Journalism)
- Bachelor of Media (Media Production)
- Bachelor of Media (Screen & Sound)
Courses
Courses available are listed at the UNSW Handbook.
