Study what you love
Delve into the subjects you’re most passionate about.
Explore study areas across the arts, built environment, design, education, social sciences, and more. Our study areas have courses, programs and degrees at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and research opportunities.
Animation, visual effects & moving image
The study of animation & moving image at UNSW is designed to meet industry demand for content developers and creative practitioners. You’ll graduate with work experience and intensive skills training in the latest technologies - important assets for the creative media industry.
Architecture
Sitting within our school of Built Environment, Architecture at UNSW shapes the sustainability, inclusivity, and connectivity of our buildings and cities.Ìý
Art theory
Join us to engage in the histories and ideas that drive contemporary art and culture. With our degree in art history,  you’ll be ready for a dynamic career in the contemporary art world and creative industries in Australia and internationally.Ìý
Australian studies
Australian studies cover Australian history, culture and society from its first settlement by First Nations people until the present. You’ll explore the power and limitations of shared ethical and cultural beliefs.
Asian studies
Study the largest continent in the world with a holistic "all Asia" approach in our Asian studies program. Explore modern societies, cultures and historical traditions to understand the region's impact from a global standpoint.
Built environment
Become a global leader in architecture, planning and construction. We’ll engage you in real-world projects in our hands-on learning environment, helping you better understand the cities we live in through architecture and design. 
Cinema studies
Understand how and why moving image culture continues to shape global media industries. As you study film and related media forms within these contexts, you’ll be given an international perspective on the place and history of film in the global media landscape and the Australian cinema landscape.
City analytics
Ìý
City analytics combines the effective use of technology and tools to create future-focused, sustainable cities and places that are purposefully designed for modern living.
Ìý
Communications & journalism
Recognised as the Australian university with the strongest journalism industry links, we’ll provide you with the opportunity to dive into work experience and forge professional connections.
Ìý
Computational design
When studying computational design, you will gain unique and in-demand skills across architecture, design, computer science and engineering. You will learn to think critically and creatively as you bring your design solutions to life in our studio-based classes.
Creative writing
We’ll empower you to produce innovative contributions to contemporary literature and fresh, experimental writing across genres in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and ficto-criticism. Ìý
Design
Explore a diverse array of design disciplines at UNSW. Our comprehensive suite of design disciplines empowers students to unleash their creativity, foster innovation, and develop the skills necessary to shape the world through impactful and visionary design solutions.
Education
We offer an extensive range of  study options that help you become a critical contributor in education. Our dynamic subject areas include curriculum and assessment, educational policy and leadership, educational psychology and higher education.
English literary studies
UNSW English literary studies ranks in the world’s top 40 departments of English literature. You’ll study with teachers and researchers who are deeply passionate about their work and believe that English is more than an academic discipline.
Environmental humanities
Our interdisciplinary teaching and mentoring will provide you with a solid foundation to actively engage with contemporary social and environmental issues. We’ll help you become the environment and society custodians our world needs.
European studies
Discover the rich history and dynamics that influence Europe today. Explore history, philosophy, politics and international relations. We encourage you to deepen your studies by learning a new European language.
Film studies
Over its 120-year history, film has evolved from a novelty item to a medium that informs every aspect of society and contemporary life.ÌýStudying film studies at UNSW willÌýhelpÌýyouÌýtell stories, share human experiences,Ìýdocument reality, and expand perceptual horizons as an experimental art form.
Gender studies
In this vibrant, cross-disciplinary study area, you’ll analyse gender as part of a wider context of social relations. You’ll have the opportunity to study world history, human rights, sex and desire, women’s writing, Asian cultures, and queer and gender theory, as part of a constantly evolving gender studies subject area.
Geographical studies
Explore how physical, social, cultural, economic and political factors shape geographic locations. Learn to confidently report and debate geographic information, ideas and issues.Ìý
Global development
Explore the way things change across the social, political and economic. From urbanisation to widening disparity, environmental threats and the dominance of communication technologies – explore these issues and learn to navigate how you can create change at a local, national and global level.
History
Immerse yourself in world history and discover how history shapes the world we live in. You’ll explore diverse aspects of our human past, from ancient history to histories that tackle some of the greatest questions of contemporary times.Ìý
Indigenous studies
Develop your understanding of Indigenous situations and contribute to the realisation of First Nations aspirations. Learn to critically evaluate academic research from the diverse perspectives of global Indigenous peoples.
Industrial design
Impact and influence the way we live by designing the products, systems and services we use daily. Gain the experience and confidence to turn your innovative thinking into strategic solutions that are functional, emotionally engaging and fulfill a genuine demand or societal need.
Integrated design
Develop your design knowledge and skills as you specialise in multiple design disciplines. You’ll engage in historical and theoretical studies that will complement your professional practice skills and explore the fundamental process of design.
International studies
Learn from professionals with real-world experience and become a global citizen. You’ll engage with contemporary global challenges and think creatively about how to solve those challenges.
Languages and cultures
You’ll explore the importance of intercultural communications and how language skills, cross-cultural understanding and the ability to engage with people from other countries and cultures have become essential in our daily lives. 
Linguistics
With us, you’ll dive into the complexities of language and learn how linguists deal with issues of language learning. You’ll discover the impact of language on multicultural communities and you’ll become and advocate in promoting multilingualism.Ìý
Media
Learn about the social, political and cultural dynamics of media and the impact that they have on everyday life and communication technologies.
Music
Join us to discover new ways of creating and presenting music. You’ll learn from internationally recognised and passionate academics. We’ll help you make music with confidence, artistic conviction and social commitment.
Philosophy
In studying philosophy, you’ll learn to examine and question the fundamental concepts of human knowledge. You’ll learn to elaborate ideas in writing and speech, tackle problems and engage effectively in debates and discussions.
Politics & international relations
Think critically by unpacking the international politics that shape our world today. Examine politics and international relations through a contemporary and historical perspective and become a global contributor to change.
PR & Advertising
Gain deep knowledge of current and emerging PR and advertising practices, and how these have risen to prominence to shape our lives.
Screen production
Develop a range of audio, visual, and digital production skills that will equip you with the tools and knowledge to remain at the leading edge of local and international media industries.
Social science & policy
Learn the science of policymaking and how it impacts our society. Learn how to advocate for change in areas such as disability, housing, development, economy and regulation.
Social work
Become a driver of change in your community. You’ll be part of a dynamic and collaborative program that will help you make a positive impact at all levels of society whether it be counselling and advocacy, community work or research and policy development.
Sociology & anthropology
Explore the realities, conflicts and challenges of social life by asking the big questions: ‘What makes life meaningful?’ ‘Why do we disagree, and why do we care?’ You’ll be introduced to fresh and innovative perspectives that will challenge everyday cultural assumptions.
Theatre & performance
Explore live performance in all its diversity. Be part of stage plays with professional directors, work with a team on collaborative creations, stage an action in public spaces, or create a solo for just you and the audience. We’ll help you uncover the creativity of performance around us.
Translation & interpreting
This dynamic study area will prepare you for a career as a professional interpreter or translator. You’ll make critical contributions to cross-linguistic and cross-cultural communication in today’s globalised society.
Visual arts
Immerse yourself in an inclusive and collaborative artistic community. You’ll gain specialised skills through studio experience and practical projects from workshops to showcases and beyond.Ìý