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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.

  • Top 10 for business and management employment outcomes

    According to the Good Universities Guide 2021

Our work

Research

Engagement

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
    Academy of the Arts banner - basket weaving hand

    Academy of the Arts

    CDU’s Academy of the Arts focuses on contemporary Australian arts across creative, visual, performing and screen arts disciplines. This arts academy has a uniquely creative and educational offering inspired by the amazing country and rich culture of the Northern Territory of Australia and informed by and celebrating First Nations artists and their creative practices.

    Find out more
    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.

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    Tertiary Enabling Program (TEP)

    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
    Primary education
    Make your skills and experience count towards a TAFE qualification

    If you are an experienced vocational education and training trainer or in education support, your existing skills and experience could count as credit towards a certificate at CDU.

    Find out more

    Faculty events

    Faculty news

    • The study with Charles Darwin University and the University of Wollongong analysed Twitter data during Australia’s Black Summer bushfires.

      Bushfire tweets reveal role of social media in emergencies

      A study on social media activity during the Black Summer bushfires has revealed how the discussions changed through the phases of the disaster, and how critical social media is in disseminating information during natural disasters.  

      Read more
    • Charles Darwin University (CDU) researchers predict blue whales will get some relief under El Nino and climate conditions this year.

      Australia may swelter, but blue whales predicted to get some relief

      While Australia is forecast to swelter under El Niño climate conditions this year, Charles Darwin University (CDU) researchers say it’s good news for blue whales after they suffered through three consecutive years of difficult La Niña conditions. 

      Read now
    • Charles Darwin University (CDU) Humanities Discipline Lead Dr Adelle Sefton-Rowston travelled to New York for the residency to teach creative arts to inmates.

      Prison education program could help students work towards degree

       A Charles Darwin University arts program could soon give corrections impacted students the opportunity to work towards a degree.

      Read more
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