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About the course
This program uses a humanities and social science lens to understand interconnected threats across social, ecological, political, economic and health systems. It combines biological and cultural anthropology and foregrounds ethnographic, people-centred perspectives to analyse planetary-scale crises. The degree emphasises critical social thought and research methods, equipping students to understand how emergencies emerge from human social systems and to contribute evidence to advocacy and public debate.
What you might learn
Students develop rigorous qualitative and applied research capabilities, including ethnographic fieldwork skills, systems thinking and critical analysis. The program integrates methods from biological anthropology with cultural anthropology to investigate human diversity and the social drivers of planetary change. Graduates learn to interpret cultural histories of crises, build evidence-based arguments, and design research that informs policy, community engagement and future academic or applied research pathways.
Career outcome
Graduates are prepared for roles where social research and community engagement are needed to address environmental and societal challenges. Potential pathways include applied anthropology and ethnographic research, policy and program evaluation, community development and advocacy, work with NGOs and government in humanitarian, health or environment-focused areas, and research support roles in universities or think tanks. The training also provides a foundation for further research study.
Entry requirements
Applicants need either a cognate Bachelor degree (or equivalent) with a minimum GPA of 5/7, or a Bachelor degree plus a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in a cognate discipline with a minimum GPA of 4/7. Applicants must also meet ANU English language admission requirements. Entry is competitive and meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission; GPA-based ranking and other factors may be used.
Average Salary***
