Anthropology and Sociology is the study of the nature of humanity along with the complexities of social relationships, and offers a way of understanding the whole context of human experiences.
Introduction
This major incorporates the study of the cultures, institutions, social behaviours, economies and systems of meaning of all human societies.
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Course description, features and facilities
Anthropology and Sociology includes the topics of religions, politics, kinship, gender, education, health, migration, landscapes and the media. As a student you will investigate various cultural theories and a range of studies on behaviours and beliefs that are used to explore the great diversity of past and present human societies. The study of Anthropology and Sociology will help you to understand your place in the world, making these units particularly popular at first-year level, and providing useful skills for living and working in a changing, multicultural society. Anthropology and Sociology are both studied under the Anthropology major, which is the only discipline that offers a way of understanding the whole context of human experiences.
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Student profile
Student profile – Jon Baker
Not knowing what I wanted to major in during my Arts degree, I chose an Anthropology unit as it seemed interesting. Little did I know that that small choice would alter my perceptions of the world around me so indelibly. Anthropology allows you to appreciate that the world view that you take as a given, your conception of ‘reality’, and how you perceive yourself to be are social constructions not shared by all.
Anthropology asks and seeks to answer the ‘big questions’. It draws upon multiple disciplinary bases such as: history, economics, theology, literature studies, psychology, law and political science. I firmly believe that the tools of analysis which Anthropology provides can be used in any area of study.
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Structure
UWA's streamlined course structure allows you to pursue studies in a wide range of areas and to take one or two majors in your degree. Your second major can be from a similar field to your first (degree-specific) major, or from a different area or degree entirely.
As well as the units specified in your major, you will study broadening units outside your main area of study and may be able to take a number of elective subjects as well.
You can explore the structure of this major in detail in the University Handbooks.
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Career opportunities
A major in Anthropology and Sociology lays the foundation for career in mining and Indigenous issues both in Australia and overseas, social welfare, the law, physical and mental health, environmental problem solving and assessment, urban planning, education, development, foreign aid and agricultural development.
I want to be a…
This course could lead to becoming a:
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Further study opportunities
A major in Anthropology and Sociology leads to further study at honours and postgraduate level to explore a broad range of topics nationally and internationally. You may also consider other postgraduate options including degrees leading to a range of professional qualifications.
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Check the Entrance requirements
This course is available to Australian and international students.
On this page
- Prerequisites and minimum scores
- Additional information
- English competency
- Advanced standing
Prerequisites and minimum scores
| Qualification and prerequisite subjects | Course entry score |
| Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) | 80 |
| International Baccalaureate | 29 |
Additional information
Please note: to complete this major within the Bachelor of Philosophy
(Honours) will require a minimum ATAR of 98 (or equivalent).
English competency
University study demands strong English language competency. To be eligible for admission to a undergraduate program at UWA, you must demonstrate satisfactory performance in a UWA-approved test of English. This is the case even if English is your first language.
The minimum requirement is a scaled score of 50 or more in WACE English, Literature or English as an Additional Language/Dialect achieved at Stage 2 or Stage 3 – or an equivalent level of achievement in an interstate or international qualification.
Advanced standing
If you have undertaken prior tertiary study within the last five years, you may be eligible for advanced standing (credit and/or exemption).
Applications for advanced standing are assessed upon acceptance of any offer of admission made by the University.
On this page
- Prerequisites and minimum scores
- Advanced standing
Prerequisites and minimum scores
| Qualification and prerequisite subjects | Course entry score |
French Baccalaureat
| 12 |
International Baccalaureate
| 29 |
UWA Foundation Programme (UWAFP)
| 66 |
GCE or Cambridge Advanced-level Examinations
| 8 |
Western Australian Universities Preparatory Program (WAUPP)
| 63 |
Trinity College Foundation Program
| 85 |
Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY)
| 270 |
Canadian Matriculation (except Quebec)
| 60 |
Chinese Unified Examinations (UEC)
| 12 |
Chinese Gao Kao
| 525 |
All India Senior School Certificate (CBSE)
| 12 |
Indian School Certificate (CISCE)
| 60 |
Norwegian Vitnemål
| 4.14 |
Swedish Slutbetyg
| 15.70 |
German Abitur
| 3.17 |
Singapore-Cambridge A-Levels
| 8 |
South African National Senior Certificate
| 4.60 |
These are the required prerequisites for applicants who have completed these particular qualifications.
If you are applying for a place based on other qualifications
you need to demonstrate that you have knowledge at least equivalent to the subjects specified.
Advanced standing
Students with previous tertiary level qualifications will be considered for advanced standing (credit).
How to apply
This course is available to Australian and international students.
On this page
- First semester entry
- Second semester entry
- How to apply
- Information for…
- Contact details - admission information
We have two intakes of undergraduate students each year: first and second semester.
First semester entry
Australian citizens or permanent residents, including humanitarian visa holders, and New Zealand citizens apply through the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre.
Contact the Admissions Centre for advice.
Second semester entry
Apply online for second semester entry to a range of courses at UWA.
After the closing date, contact the Admissions Centre for advice.
How to apply
Information for
UWA Admissions Centre (M353)
- Address
- The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Highway
Crawley, Perth
Western Australia 6009
- Location
- UWA Map
- Telephone
- (+61 8) 6488 2477 – General enquiries
- 1800 653 050 – General enquiries (country callers)
- Fax
- (+61 8) 6488 1226
- Enquire on-line
- askUWA
- Opening hours
- Monday – Friday, 9am–4pm
On this page
- First semester entry
- Second semester entry
- How to apply
- Fees
- Information for…
- Contact details - admission information
First semester entry
International undergraduate applicants must complete this application form and submit it through an authorised UWA overseas representative or directly to the UWA International Centre.
You must also:
Second semester entry
International undergraduate applicants must complete this application form and submit it through an authorised UWA overseas representative or directly to the UWA International Centre.
You must also:
How to apply
This contains text about How to Apply - International
Fees
$24866, per year.
This figure has been arrived at by assuming that you study a full-time study load for one year made up of units all within the same fee band. As some units vary in cost, the actual student fee will depend on the mix of units you choose. The international student fees page has further details.
Information for
UWA International Centre (M352)
- Address
- The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Highway
Crawley, Perth
Western Australia 6009
- Telephone
- (+61 8) 6488 3939
- Fax
- (+61 8) 9382 4071
- Contacts
- International Centre
- Enquire on-line
- askUWA
- Location
- UWA Map
- Opening hours
- Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm
- About UWA

- Find out what makes UWA an internationally recognised university.
- Foundation and preparatory courses

- There are a range of programs available to help give you the opportunity to gain the academic qualifications or prerequisites required for admission to UWA.
- Social life on campus

- There are over 20,000 students enrolled at UWA - lots of new friends not only from Perth and Western Australia but from all areas in Australia and around the world.