Build skills for a career that can bring about positive change for society

Humanities is a diverse area of study which seeks to understand the human experience. As technology advances like AI mean changes to modern workplaces and society our lifestyles are changing too, and professionals who can effectively analyse and adapt to these changes will be sought after by employers.

UNE offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses and specialisations in humanities designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills required to protect yourself from changes at work with skills in the arts and social sciences. Because of our extensive experience in training adults for constantly changing job markets our humanities courses focus on communication, problem-solving and exploring how human behaviour and creativity has been shaped by social, political, and cultural contexts to ensure that you are future-fit to adapt to changes and advancements in the field.

The majority of our students choose online learning, where they become part of a community of adult learners who use their life and work experience to create practical networks for their future. On-campus learners can access housing, sports and support services. Whether online or on-campus, you can choose to study full-time or part-time over three trimesters.

With UNE, you’ll graduate feeling prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead with a career in humanities, whether you choose to pursue law, journalism, public policy, education or the arts. By choosing UNE, you’ll be studying with an industry leader in the provision of online lifelong learning. Year after year, students award us the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.

Explore the humanities courses and specialisations on offer at UNE.

Courses by study level

Add an area of expertise to your CV and gain an undergraduate qualification — without committing to a full bachelor's degree. You will develop research, critical thinking, and writing skills in the core units. With the minor and elective units,…

Duration
  • 1.5 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Have you traced your family tree and been bitten by the history bug? You’re not alone. With so many online resources now available, interest in local and family research has exploded. So why not turn your hard-earned research skills into a formal…

Duration
  • 1.5 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
Bachelor of Arts

One of our longest-standing degrees, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) is still relevant in today’s world. It equips you with the creative, critical and analytical skills in demand by employers, and is transferable across a range of workplaces. When you…

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Workplaces value employees who have a broad range of real-world skills, and this combined degree will equip you to excel in today’s dynamic working environment. In our Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business, you’ll gain business knowledge and learn…

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

The UNE Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws provides you with the opportunity to combine your study of law with an area of interest drawn from a wide variety of the arts, humanities and social sciences. As a double degree for the future, it has been…

Duration
  • 5 years full-time
  • Up to 12 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Do you dream of a career where you’re helping to address the big issues facing humanity? Or perhaps you crave the excitement of being at the forefront of scientific discovery? Maybe you wish to instil your passion for the environment into future…

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Criminology is the study of crime and our responses to crime. UNE's Bachelor of Criminology investigates factors that cause criminal behaviour and how crime can be prevented within wider society. The course offers a variety of key topics and…

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

By studying law and criminology at UNE, you will gain a broad portfolio of knowledge and skills to future proof your career in a wide variety of professions. In this comprehensive program of study, you will develop contemporary skills in how to…

Duration
  • 5 years full-time
  • Up to 12 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Do you love delving into our rich past? Is history your passion? The Bachelor of Historical Inquiry and Practice is designed for people who want to make history their profession, those who already work in a historical context and want to upskill, or …

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

What could be more exciting than landing in a foreign country and immediately being able to speak the language and connect with the local culture? In an ever-changing world, the study of languages has never been more relevant, and our Bachelor of…

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

By studying UNE’s Bachelor of Social Science degree you will develop a comprehensive and valuable understanding of human societies and social thought, behaviour and relationships in their varied social, psychological and political manifestations,…

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online
Diploma in Arts

Are you looking to add an additional area of expertise to your CV to enhance your career prospects and become future fit for life, without committing to a full degree? Perhaps you just want to dip a toe into university study, with the option of…

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

In an ever-changing world, the study of languages has never been more relevant. Whether you’re looking to future proof your career, make overseas travel more rewarding or just ticking off an item on your bucket list, learning a…

Duration
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

The UNE Undergraduate Certificate in Arts provides you with foundational knowledge and skills to prepare for further study and more career choices, with a focus on your chosen area of interest. With the freedom to assemble your course from a curated …

Duration
  • 1 year part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online

The UNE Undergraduate Certificate in Professional Development is a program of study for people from a broad range of backgrounds who want to begin developing skills for future careers or further study. Designed in response to rapid workplace and…

Duration
  • 1 trimester full-time
  • 1 year part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online

Did your arts degree prompt a burning question or a passion for independent research? If so, consider applying for an honours year. A 'capstone' to your formal education, honours is an opportunity to drill deeper into a specialised area, to…

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • 2 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Are you a graduate looking to add new skills to your CV to reinforce or redirect your career? Perhaps you are keen to pursue a personal interest in the arts or humanities. Or maybe you are interested in completing a master's but aren't sure…

Duration
  • 0.5 or 1 year full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Adapt to an evolving workplace and open the door to new career opportunities with UNE's Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice. Whether you want to create more career choices, hone your specialist skills, or take a new…

Duration
  • 0.5 years full-time
  • 2 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online

Have you traced your family tree and been bitten by the history bug? Or perhaps you are a graduate looking to add new skills to your CV, to help future proof your career? With so many online resources now available, interest in local and family…

Duration
  • 1.5 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online

Design a bespoke course and prepare for a rapidly evolving workplace with the UNE Graduate Diploma in Professional Practice. Whether you want to advance your career, hone your skills or embark on a new career direction, we'll work …

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online

With the advent of globalisation, issues relating to language and intercultural communication have never been more relevant. UNE's fully online Master of Applied Linguistics will give you the ability to understand the design of language, nuances …

Duration
  • 1 or 1.5 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
Master of Arts

UNE’s Master of Arts is designed to equip you with specialised knowledge as well as a wide range of transferrable skills that employers highly value, such as communication and critical thinking. This course is also a focused pathway to higher degree …

Duration
  • 1 or 1.5 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus
Master of History

Are you looking to extend your skills in history for professional or personal interest? When you study our Master of History degree you can gain and polish your research, analysis and writing skills, whether you already have a history qualification…

Duration
  • 1 or 1.5 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online

A Doctor of Philosophy is the pinnacle of academic study. Using rigorous and systematic research, combined with critical analysis, you will add to society's understanding of complex issues at the cutting-edge of your discipline or profession.…

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • 8 years part-time
Start
  • Research Period 1
  • Research Period 2
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

High quality research and analysis allows us to better understand the complex issues we face in industry and society. With UNE's Master of Philosophy by research, your original findings and insights will add to the body of knowledge and inform…

Duration
  • 2 years full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Research Period 1
  • Research Period 2
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

If you are enrolled at another university, you can choose to study subjects at UNE that will count towards your course. Apply as a cross institutional student directly and complete one or several individual subjects (units) from the full scope of…

Duration
  • 1 trimester full-time
  • 1 trimester part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus
Non-Award

The world is full of possibilities, with so much to discover and learn. There are endless opportunities to enrich your knowledge to prepare for the future, but what if you don’t want to undertake a full degree? And how can you zero-in on the…

Duration
  • 1 trimester full-time
  • 1 trimester part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus
  • Bespoke Graduate Certificate: design your own  4 unit postgraduate course and have your work experience recognised in the process.
  • ‘Fundamental’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four  fundamental units from a traditional degree. If you are planning a new direction, or adding a new set of skills to your portfolio, you may want to start with this option. These units provide a foundation, or a ‘base camp’, to return to if you want to later progress to a full degree.
  • ‘Advanced’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four  advanced units from a full degree. This is a great strategy for staying current in your field, or advancing your knowledge.
  • ‘Critical Content’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four units any of the available units in a degree to create a  Critical Content Bespoke Course. This option lets you get the knowledge you need without the time and cost of a full degree.
  • ‘Mix and Match’ Bespoke Course: combine two, three or four units from different degrees and disciplines to design your  mix and match Bespoke Course. This option lets you diversify your knowledge.

Why study with us?

Smiling Bachelor of Agriculture student Greg Kemmett stands on wooden stairwell at UNE Armidale

The most enjoyable part of my studies is the sense of achievement and being part of something bigger than myself.

Greg Kemmett

Find the right major or specialisation for your studies in Humanities

With demand for flexible, creative thinking professionals strong and rising, UNE’s humanities study offerings will help you to stay at the forefront of rapid changes to society. Expand your knowledge of human culture and strengthen your position as a thought leader. Explore your options now.

Filter by:
Showing 110 of 70 results
Aboriginal Knowledges
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
UNE draws on a community of experts to help you explore the relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the creative industries. To be prepared for further study and wider career choices in a global economy learn about the …

UNE draws on a community of experts to help you explore the relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the creative industries. To be prepared for further study and wider career choices in a global economy learn about the past, present, and future of Indigenous Australia.

Courses Type Level of Study
Undergraduate Certificate in Arts Major Undergraduate
Ancient Ethics and Beliefs
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
With UNE's renowned academics you will develop the research and analytical skills to future-fit your career. Incorporate the use of digital libraries, VR and other natural language processing technology into your work and secure your career with …

With UNE's renowned academics you will develop the research and analytical skills to future-fit your career. Incorporate the use of digital libraries, VR and other natural language processing technology into your work and secure your career with your awareness of the foundations of modern society.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Minor Undergraduate
Ancient Greece: History and Culture
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
UNE's renowned history professors will help you develop the research and analytical skills to resolve contemporary problems and secure your choice of career in the modern world. You’ll use up-to-date learning methods including digitised…

UNE's renowned history professors will help you develop the research and analytical skills to resolve contemporary problems and secure your choice of career in the modern world. You’ll use up-to-date learning methods including digitised libraries, translation software and new technologies.

Courses Type Level of Study
Advanced Diploma in Arts Minor Undergraduate
Ancient Greek and Roman World
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
UNE's renowned history academics will help you develop research, analytical and problem-solving skills to explore ancient pasts and secure your role in the changing world of academia. Prepare for the future and learn with our up-to-date tools,…

UNE's renowned history academics will help you develop research, analytical and problem-solving skills to explore ancient pasts and secure your role in the changing world of academia. Prepare for the future and learn with our up-to-date tools, data systems and collaborative technology.

Courses Type Level of Study
Master of History Major Postgraduate
Ancient History
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
UNE's renowned academics will help you develop research and analytical skills using current and emerging technology like digital imagery, AR, carbon dating and online databases to explore the ancient world. Explore the past for insights into…

UNE's renowned academics will help you develop research and analytical skills using current and emerging technology like digital imagery, AR, carbon dating and online databases to explore the ancient world. Explore the past for insights into modern society and be future-fit for an academic career.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Education (In-service Conversion) Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Education (K-12 Teaching) Teaching Area Undergraduate
Bachelor of Education (Secondary Arts) Teaching Area Undergraduate
Bachelor of Historical Inquiry and Practice Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts with Honours Major Bachelor Honours
Master of Arts Major Postgraduate
Graduate Certificate in Arts Major Postgraduate
Advanced Diploma in Arts Minor Undergraduate
Ancient Near East
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
UNE's renowned history academics will help you develop research and analytical skills to understand the ancient Near East. Learn how emerging technologies such as online databases and collaborative tools are used to explore how ancient…

UNE's renowned history academics will help you develop research and analytical skills to understand the ancient Near East. Learn how emerging technologies such as online databases and collaborative tools are used to explore how ancient civilisations changed the world.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Minor Undergraduate
Ancient Rome: History and Culture
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
UNE's highly regarded history experts will help you develop research, analytical and problem-solving skills to secure your place in the changing world of academia. Explore ideas developed in ancient Rome that shaped the world using advanced…

UNE's highly regarded history experts will help you develop research, analytical and problem-solving skills to secure your place in the changing world of academia. Explore ideas developed in ancient Rome that shaped the world using advanced global tools, data systems and collaborative technology.

Courses Type Level of Study
Advanced Diploma in Arts Minor Undergraduate
Ancient World
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
UNE's highly regarded history experts will help you develop research, analytical and problem-solving skills to protect your role in the changing modern world. Using up-to-the-minute technology, our course prepares you for academia and future…

UNE's highly regarded history experts will help you develop research, analytical and problem-solving skills to protect your role in the changing modern world. Using up-to-the-minute technology, our course prepares you for academia and future employment in a history-related role.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Minor Undergraduate
Applied History
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
UNE's renowned history academics will help you develop research, analytical and problem-solving skills to explore historical events and concepts and secure your role in the rapidly changing world of academia. Learn with our up-to-date tools,…

UNE's renowned history academics will help you develop research, analytical and problem-solving skills to explore historical events and concepts and secure your role in the rapidly changing world of academia. Learn with our up-to-date tools, data systems and collaborative technology.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Minor Undergraduate
Master of History Specialist Course Postgraduate
Graduate Diploma in Local, Family and Applied History Specialist Course Postgraduate
Advanced Diploma in Local, Family and Applied History Specialist Course Undergraduate
Applied Linguistics
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
UNE's experienced linguistics teachers will help you explore the languages of the world and intercultural communication as you delve into the fundamentals of how we acquire and use language in education and other professional contexts. Use our…

UNE's experienced linguistics teachers will help you explore the languages of the world and intercultural communication as you delve into the fundamentals of how we acquire and use language in education and other professional contexts. Use our advanced language learning and analytical technology.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Minor Undergraduate
Master of Applied Linguistics Specialist Course Postgraduate

Why study with us?

5 stars
For Overall Experience and Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
Australian Universities
No. 1
For Undergraduate Student Support
Good Universities Guide 2024
Public NSW Universities
No. 1
For Postgraduate Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
NSW Universities

Careers in Humanities

By studying Humanities with UNE, you will have the future-proof skillset to secure positions in a wide range of careers and industries. With the need for professionals with critical thinking, communication, and analytical abilities set to rise, those with skillsets in humanities can find work in a variety of settings.

  • Content writer
    Create and edit written content for websites, publications, marketing materials, or organisations.
  • Public relations specialist
    Manage communication between an organisation and its audience, including media relations, crisis management, and public outreach.
  • Social media manager
    Oversee an organisation's social media presence, creating and curating content, engaging with followers, and analysing social media metrics.
  • Market research analyst
    Conduct research to assess consumer preferences, market trends, and competitor strategies, helping businesses make informed decisions.
  • Human resources specialist
    Assist in recruitment, employee relations, training, and other HR functions.
  • Non-profit worker
    Work for non-profit organisations on issues such as humanitarian aid, advocacy, and social justice, leveraging your understanding of societal challenges.
  • Project coordinator
    Manage and coordinate projects for businesses or organisations, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
  • Teacher
    Teach humanities subjects at schools, colleges, or adult education programs, passing on knowledge and critical thinking skills.

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024

What happens next?

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1. Decide on your course

Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.

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2. Apply

2024 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!

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3. Receive an offer, enrol and start studying

Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.