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Contemporary Society (Criminology, Demography, Social Research, Sociology)

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What motivates people to behave the way they do? The systematic study of contemporary social life and culture helps us to better understand the causes and consequences of human behaviour as situated within their societal context. Contemporary Society explores socio‑cultural differences and similarities in a globalised world to discover how human interaction with organisations, economies, technologies, the built environment, media and religion influence our daily lives. At ANU, this encompasses Demography, Criminology, Social Research, Sociology, as well as the interdisciplinary area of Technology, Networks and Society. Students are able to learn about these fields from renowned scholars and industry professionals, many of whom cross these two realms in their daily practice.

Demography analyses the underlying structure of populations and how they change throughout time and space. Criminology focuses on crime, deviancy, policing and punishment, including definitions and representations of crime, addictive behaviours, victimisation, policing, the criminal justice system, transnational crime and restorative justice. Social Research explores a range of research methodologies and techniques which inform current debates in international relations, political science, sociology and criminology. Sociology analyses the processes that structure and transform social relations and how these are expressed at both the macro and micro level. It explores how identities and societies are formed by virtue of activity occurring in different social contexts. Technology, Networks and Society analyses the social impact of technological change, exploring topics such as social inequalities and stratification, identity and embodiment, social movements, production and consumption, and the nature of power, all in the context of technological transformation.

Check the Centre for Social Research & Methods website for more information on the faculty, research, projects, latest news, upcoming events and more.

Check the School of Demography website for more information on the faculty, research, projects, latest news, upcoming events and more.

Check the School of Sociology website for more information on the faculty, research, projects, latest news, upcoming events and more.

*QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023

^Times Higher Education - Global University Employability Ranking 2021

Degree programs

Bachelor of Arts

Key facts

3 in Australia
33 for Arts and Humanities in World*

3 year full-time
Semester 1 & 2 intake

#1 in Australia for graduate employability^

UAC Code: 131003
CRICOS Code: 074016B

Bachelor of Criminology

Key facts

3 years
Semester 1 & 2 intake

#1 in Australia for graduate employability^

UAC Code: 131150
CRICOS Code: 078937F

Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics

Key facts

1 in Australia
8 for Philosophy, 10 for Politics in World* and
2 in Australia
37 for Economics in World*

3 years
Semester 1 & 2 intake

#1 in Australia for graduate employability^

UAC Code: 131161
CRICOS Code: 076183D

Graduate Certificate of Demography

Key facts

0.5 Year FT
Semester 1 intake

#1 in Australia for graduate employability^

UAC Code: 830019
CRICOS Code: 108301A

Graduate Certificate of Social Research

Key facts

1 Year PT
Semester 1 & 2 intake

#1 in Australia for graduate employability^

UAC Code: 830016

Graduate Certificate of Studies

Key facts

0.5 Year FT or 3 Years PT
Semester 1 & 2 intake

#1 in Australia for graduate employability^

UAC Code: 830584
CRICOS Code: 082261M

Master of Anthropology

Key facts

1 in Australia
8 for Anthropology in World*

1 year full-time
Semester 1 & 2 intake

#1 in Australia for graduate employability^

UAC Code: 830006
CRICOS Code: 108302M

Master of Applied Anthropology and Development

Key facts

1 in Australia & 8 for Anthropology in World* and
1 in Australia & 14 for Development Studies in World*

1 year full-time
Semester 1 & 2 intake

#1 in Australia for graduate employability^

UAC Code: 830073
CRICOS Code: 108304J

Master of Archaeological and Evolutionary Science

Key facts

1 in Australia
8 for Archaeology in World*

2 years full-time
Semester 1 & 2 intake

#1 in Australia for graduate employability^

UAC Code: 830009
CRICOS Code: 096399M

Master of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies

Key facts

1.5 years full-time
Semester 1 & 2 intake

#1 in Australia for graduate employability^

UAC Code: 830066
CRICOS Code: 108330G

Master of Social Research Methods

Key facts

1 year full-time
Semester 1 & 2 intake

#1 in Australia for graduate employability^

UAC Code: 830012
CRICOS Code: 108327B

PhD & MPhil

Key facts

2-4 Year FT or 4-8 Year PT
Semester 1 & 2 intake

#1 in Australia for graduate employability^

My brilliant career

Seeing inequality deeply gripes me, and rectifying inequality really strives and motivates me like nothing else does.

Emma Henke, Bachelor of Development Studies and Bachelor of Law (Hons)

Hear from our students

I feel really well-prepared to enter the social policy field. I feel I’ve gained a unique perspective that will be an advantage in my future career.

Amy, Master of Culture, Health and Medicine

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Updated:  1 June 2023/Responsible Officer:  CASS Marketing & Communications/Page Contact:  CASS Marketing & Communications