The discipline of Sociology is one of the academic pillars on which The Australian National University was built. The defining characteristic of sociology at ANU since the discipline was first institutionalised in the 1960s has been constructive engagement with the big issues facing Australian and global societies. The discipline’s early focus on issues of inequality, stratification and the experience of migrants living in Australia played a major role in Australia’s official shift to policy frameworks based around the concept of multiculturalism.

The ANU School of Sociology has an exciting program of research and teaching that combines the theoretical and applied dimensions of the discipline. Our research and teaching ethos is orientated to the critical analysis of social transformations; publically-engaged in its aspirations and impact, and dedicated to examining inequality in its various manifestations. We recently achieved a ranking of above world standard in the Excellence in Research for Australia evaluation.

The school's disciplinary strengths are in social, cultural and feminist theory; education; health; digital sociology; risk and consumption; and social research methods. Staff hold a range of category 1 and 2 grants and are engaged in diverse interdisciplinary collaborations, both national and international. Research and teaching themes that crosscut these disciplinary strengths include embodiment and new technologies, mobilities, surveillance, media politics, gender and sexuality, the changing nature of work and inequality.

We recently achieved a ranking of above world standard in the Excellence in Research for Australia evaluation, and in 2020 improved our position, to number 9, in the QS World University Rankings.

ANU provides a unique environment to study sociology. Located in our national seat of government, Canberra, ANU is Australia’s premiere research university and world renowned for its depth and breadth in the social and political sciences. Whether you are interested in studying sociology, enrolling in a research degree, applying for a visiting fellowship or consulting the experts on social change, we welcome your enquiry.

The School of Sociology hold a range of events, lectures, seminars and launches for staff, students and interested people. Please check this web site for upcoming events and the latest news.

Learn More

Download and read the School of Sociology 2020 Handbook