The School of Humanities and Social Sciences is a leader in socially engaged and impactful research. Our researchers produce high-quality research outcomes in the community, partnering with stakeholders from government, industry and the not-for-profit sector. We undertake outstanding, internationally recognised research in diverse fields, with expertise in:
We are also deeply committed to taking our research out into the community. In a recent engagement and impact assessment conducted by the Australian Research Council we received the highest scores possible for our engagement in the fields of history and archaeology and philosophy and religious studies.*
We undertake large-scale, world-class research to develop tangible outcomes for society, culture and the economy. We have a research institute and centre where our researchers work closely with industry partners and the government to put findings into practice and to address real-world challenges.
The Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation is one of the world’s largest and most influential social sciences and humanities research institutes. Its researchers investigate the complex meanings of citizenship, social inclusion and globalisation, and the implications of these forces in our lives and communities.
The Centre for Contemporary Histories is a dynamic, diverse and distinctive research centre that delivers and translates high-quality research into outcomes that are relevant and meaningful to contemporary society. Its researchers work to understand the uses of history in public debate and the unfinished business of the modern past.
We conduct exemplary research that makes an impact across key disciplines, including philosophy, sociology, cultural heritage, political science, criminology, religious studies and history.
Reach your full potential and achieve your career goals with the support of a research degree or PhD scholarship. Our top scholarships recognise and reward students from a range of backgrounds and can cover tuition fees, overseas student health cover or living allowances.
Our research centres and groups explore how people learn, work and play, supporting communities across the world to be resilient, vibrant and inclusive. These groups make valuable contributions in the fields of humanities and social science research.
The Crime and Criminology Group (C2G) engages in cutting-edge research to investigate constructions of crime, causes of crime, diverse harms associated with crime and responses to crime in its various forms.
Philosophy and the History of Ideas research group is the largest grouping of scholars in Melbourne focusing specifically on pluralist philosophy and the history of ideas.
Polis is a research group of political science, development studies and international relations scholars who aim to create advances in knowledge that can address the key challenges facing local communities and global politics.
The Sociology and Social Change Collective is a diverse and collaborative network of researchers seeking to understand and improve our community’s physical, mental, social and spiritual health and wellbeing.
When you study a PhD or postdoctoral research at the School of Humanities and Social Sciences you'll be supported by world-renowned researchers. Our HDR supervisors conduct research across several discipline areas and help you turn your ideas into cutting-edge research that makes a lasting impact.
Deakin has supported my PhD research by providing world-leading supervisors, supportive and professional staff, as well as flexible arrangements.
Alistair Macaulay
PhD candidate
Our researchers produce high-quality research projects, partnering with diverse stakeholders to put findings into practice and to address real-world challenges.
The parliamentary careers project examines the career trajectories and professional challenges faced by members of parliament before, during and after their time in parliament. The project develops tools for parliaments to better support their current and former members.
This report presents findings from a national consultation undertaken in 2023 on knowledge gaps and areas for future research on trauma and alcohol and other drug-related problems in Australia. The report aims to inform research that can improve policy and practice responses.
We partner with stakeholders from government, industry and the not-for-profit sector to deliver meaningful research that drives outcomes for our communities. Our research partners have access to multimillion dollar research facilities and industry-leading academics that will help to grow your ideas from concept to reality.
*Engagement and impact assessment conducted by the Australian Research Council in 2018
^QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022
Get in touch if you have any questions about the School of Humanities and Social Sciences research. We can help you choose a discipline or find a supervisor.
General research enquiries
Associate Professor Clare Corbould
Associate Head of School (Research)
Higher degree by research enquiries
Dr Alistair Welsh, HDR Coordinator
