Welcome

Welcome to the School of Human and Environmental Studies, which brings together the fieldwork oriented disciplines of geography, urban planning, archaeology and palaeoanthropology! It is an exciting School for those of us who work here and we expect you will find it an exciting place in which to study.

Our stage is vast, stretching from a million years ago to the long term future, and from the global to the local. We focus on the scientific processes shaping the earth’s surface; the evolution of our species and the rise and fall of civilisations; the emergence of cultures, societies and economies and their spatial organisation; and enduring problems of urban and regional management.

You can study much of this within the confines of a BA or BSc, but the School is unusual in offering two highly focused professional programs, one in Archaeology and the other in Urban and Regional Planning. Both apply practical problem solving to some of society’s great issues. The BUrbRegPlan is one of Australia’s largest and most highly regarded, with a 100% placement of graduates in town planning positions over recent years. The BArch is a new venture showcasing archaeologists’ contributions towards understanding cultures and societies, heritage conservation, and forensic analysis, to name just three.

Such practical knowledge is not at the expense of critical thinking. We have a strong tradition of research and consulting, much internationally renowned. Colleagues have recently discovered Homo floresiensis, demonstrated the rise and fall of global sea level, modelled internet connectivity and consumer behaviour, charted Australia’s demographic condition, studied the origins of language, documented the work of Australian NGOs, and worked with Australia’s mining industry – among other things.

Have a look at the diversity and relevance of our units and discuss your choices with our friendly and dedicated staff. They can help match your study to your personal interests, goals and career expectations.

Associate Professor Tony Sorensen, Head of School