Skip to main content
You are viewing this website as a Domestic Student You are viewing this website as an International Student

You are viewing this website as a Domestic Student

You are viewing this website as an International Student

Domestic Student

I am an Australian or New Zealand citizen.

I am an Australian Permanent Resident (including Humanitarian Visa holders).

International Student

I am not a citizen of Australia or New Zealand.

I am not an Australian permanent resident or Humanitarian Visa holders.

Start of main content
Arts student walks near library

Faculty of Arts and Society

Our courses equip students to navigate complex environments and make an impact locally and globally. 

  • A leader in Indigenous education

    Each year CDU teaches over 4,000 Indigenous students in over 150 locations across the NT.

  • Study the arts flexibly

    Study online, on campus, part or full time. Choose what suits you.

  • #2 in Australia for business management student support

    According to the Good Universities Guide 2025

Our work

Research

Engagement

Innovation

Key people

Message from the Pro Vice-Chancellor

The Faculty of Arts and Society leads positive global change and advances social justice through our teaching, research and collaboration with industry and the community.  

The faculty brings people and places to life, and from that, our desire to think, examine, express and create grows. This drives us to act collectively for positive social change and advance inquisitive, harmonious and equitable society, particularly for those who are most vulnerable. 

We strive to prepare students to be teachers, creative thinkers and innovators in a complex changing world. We bring together expertise in education, business, law, Indigenous knowledge practices, human geography, disaster preparedness and management, languages, humanities and the creative industries.  

Our reputation is based on extensive partnerships with government, industry and community stakeholders to address social, cultural and economic issues in: 

  • sparsely populated regional areas, including Northern Australia 

  • developing regions, including South-East Asia - particularly China, Indonesia and Timor-Leste 

  • Indigenous knowledge, social, cultural and economic futures. 

The faculty’s research and teaching will draw on the strength of the Northern Institute, centres of excellence and multidisciplinary teams primarily engaged in teaching, research, networking and business development. Together, academics, research students and industry professionals examine and drive solutions for emerging social, cultural and economic issues in challenging contexts. 

Portrait of Professor Ruth Wallace
Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Ruth Wallace leads the Faculty of Arts and Society
Kakadu Nawurlandja Lookout landscape

Northern Institute

CDU's Northern Institute is a leader in policy research which builds on the strength of its connections to remote, regional and urban contexts to produce quality analysis.

Find out more
Student studying online in a cafe

CDU's free Tertiary Enabling Program (TEP) is an alternative pathway into university.  With TEP, you'll have the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to succeed at university.

Find out more
Barista training

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Apply for Recognition of Prior Learning to have your previous training, life and work experience counted towards a TAFE qualification at CDU, which means you won't have to re-learn what you already know. RPL assessments are free for eligible NT residents.

Learn more

Faculty events

Faculty news

  • Darwin CBD

    Growing energy efficiency divide making renters sweat

    Households are motivated to reduce their energy consumption and help mitigate climate change, but unaffordable technologies and rental restrictions are preventing them from doing so, according to a recent Charles Darwin University study. 

    Read more
  • Thai Son Nguyen

    CDU graduate turns family passion into international career

    When Charles Darwin University graduand Thai Son Nguyen crosses the stage at this week’s Alice Springs graduation ceremony, he will celebrate more than a qualification.

  • Exquisite rainbowfish (Melanotaenia exquisita) is one of the species in the library. Picture: Michael Hammer

    DNA library project marks new chapter for NT biodiversity monitoring

    A library of aquatic DNA sounds like it’s been lifted from the pages of a sci-fi novel – but this new and very real database will support future biodiversity monitoring in the Northern Territory. 

    Read more
Back to top