Research
Connect with industry and make an impact
Kick-start your research career alongside world-leading researchers at the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. We partner with industry, government and community to transform ideas into lasting impact.
Choose from diverse humanities and social science areas
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:
- political and ethical theory
- contemporary histories
- museum studies
- human ecology
- religious and social change
- criminal justice reform
- cybercrime
- humanitarian and disaster relief
- community development
- state, national and regional politics and policy issues
- international relations
- democracy and democratisation.
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.*
Our research is world class
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 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.
Explore the Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation
Deakin Centre for Contemporary Histories
The Deakin 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.
World-leading research
We conduct exemplary research that makes an impact across key disciplines, including philosophy, sociology, cultural heritage, political science, criminology, religious studies and history.
Our research groups
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.
Crime and Criminology
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
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
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.
Deakin Sociology and Social Change Collective
The Deakin 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.
Find a scholarship
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 interest areas.
Deakin has supported my PhD research by providing world-leading supervisors, supportive and professional staff, as well as flexible arrangements.
PhD candidate
Featured projects
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
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.
Improving responses to trauma and alcohol
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.
Be part of research that’s above world standard
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.
Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
*Engagement and impact assessment conducted by the Australian Research Council in 2018
Contact us
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
Professor Emma Kowal
Associate Head of School (Research)
Higher degree by research enquiries
Dr Alistair Welsh, HDR Coordinator
