About us
The Sociology Discipline at UNE is the second longest established in Australia. We are a diverse and dedicated group of researchers and teachers. The range of our interests enables us to cover a broad spectrum in our teaching. In research, we have particular strengths – reflected both in research grants and international publications – in the sociology of health and social policy (e.g. drug use and policies, public policy in the Global South), sexualities, comparative and development sociology, the sociology of consumption, social theory and political sociology.
If you are a prospective student looking for an undergraduate degree and a major…
Sociology is the study of social groups, relations, practices and institutions. Sociologists examine issues such as changes in family life, social factors shaping health, life chances, social inequalities, lifestyle and consumption, social policy, urban life, and comparative societies and development.
We address questions about social groups and relations such as: What impact are social media having on relationships? Why do people love shopping? What is a family these days? Is there such a thing as ‘normal’ sex? Why are some behaviours labelled mental illnesses and others not?
We also address questions concerning larger social structures and processes such as:What are the social factors influencing health and illness? Why do ethnic, class and gender inequalities persist even within affluent societies? What impact is globalisation having on Australia and South East Asia? Why is Australia one of the most urbanised – and suburbanised – countries in the world?
If you have ever asked yourselves these kinds of questions, or simply find them interesting and relevant to your life, then come and study sociology with us at UNE.
How to Study Sociology at UNE: You can major in sociology in either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Social Science (BSocSci). The BA is a broad-based arts degree in which you can also study related fields such as history, human and physical geography, literature, linguistics, philosophy and politics. The BSocSci is for students who wish to major in Sociology and/or Psychology plus a range of other social science majors. On either degree program, you can choose sociology units such as Media and Society; Globalization, Development and Social Change; Sex and Sexuality; Health and Illness; The City and Social Thought (click here for the full list of units). You will also be given a thorough grounding in social research methods and analysis.
Careers: either degree will prepare you for a broad range of careers – e.g. in the public or NGO sectors; media, journalism and marketing; administration; community services and development; health and social policy; youth work – or for further academic or vocational study. For more information on sociology careers, click here.
If you are a prospective honours or postgraduate student looking for a supervisor, or a journalist looking for an expert, or an organisation looking for a research partner ...
click here for our areas of research and supervision.