Head's Welcome

Welcome to the website of the School of Political Science, Criminology & Sociology at the University of Melbourne.

Established in 1949 as Australia's first School of Political Science, Criminology & Sociology, we have a long and dynamic tradition of teaching and research across a broad range of areas including Australian and global politics, public policy, political theory and political sociology. In 1996, our contribution to the study of sociology was recognised with the establishment of the Sociology Program within the School of Political Science, Criminology & Sociology.

In keeping with the vision of our foundation professor, William Macmahon Ball, the vitality and distinctiveness of the Political Science department can be attributed to its diversity and its wide embrace of competing theories, schools of thought, and methodologies in the study of politics.

Our teaching reflects this pluralistic attitude and approach. Above all, we seek to develop in our students a critical understanding of contemporary political and social issues in Australia and around the world.

We also offer professional training through our popular internship programs, and in the Bachelor of Public Policy and Management.

At the postgraduate level, the Department offers a wide variety of diplomas as well as three specialised coursework masters degrees: the Master of Public Policy and Management and the Master of Social Policy, which are taught through the Centre for Public Policy, and the Master of International Politics.

Recognised as one of Australia's leading departments of political science, we have a vibrant and energetic research culture. Our postgraduate school encompasses over 100 masters and doctoral candidates. We are also home to externally funded Postdoctoral, Research and Professorial Fellows and a number of major research projects, all of which can be explored in more detail through our website.

Ann Capling

Head of Department