More than 80% of people we surveyed at festivals say the Sunflower project has increased their knowledge of electricity and sustainable energy systems.
Dr Barry Hill, Lead researcher, Sunflower project
Image: Woodford Folk Festival
Research in the School of Arts and Social Sciences
From the experiences of lesbian women and gay men in residential aged care to concepts of smell in virtual reality, research from the School of Arts and Social Sciences is as diverse as it is socially and environmentally engaged.
This remarkable disciplinary and creative diversity – generated by academics located in a region recognised for Australia’s highest per capita number of creatives and entrepreneurs – makes the School’s research output unique.
Staff publish and exhibit widely and are highly socially and culturally engaged. They work with both local and distant communities and speak at scholarly and community forums in our campus regions, across the country and around the globe.

Research clusters
Social and environmental justice motivates the School of Arts and Social Sciences and drives research that employs creative, critical and qualitative methodologies.
This is reflected in two research clusters operating within the School: Diverse and Inclusive Communities, and Environmental Arts and Humanities.

Centre for Children and Young People
Children and young people matter: they are our future leaders and their voices are important.
Advancing their rights, wellbeing, safety and participation in families, schools and communities is the focus of the Centre for Children and Young People (CCYP), the University’s internationally-renowned research group.
Often, the CCYP’s research impact resonates internationally. Most notably, it worked with the UNICEF Office of Research and other international partners to develop a set of resources for the Ethical Research Involving Children (ERIC) project.
Higher degrees by research
Two types of higher degrees by research are available:
- Master of Arts and Social Sciences (Research)
- Doctor of Philosophy (Arts and Social Sciences)
Honours research
Honours extends your knowledge and develops advanced research skills. It is also the pathway to a PhD.
Contact the School of Arts and Social Sciences
Dean and Head of School
T: +61 7 5589 3169
Assistant to Head of School
T: +61 2 6620 3136