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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
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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.

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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.

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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've won't have to re-learn what you already know. RPL assessments are free for eligible NT residents.

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Faculty events

Faculty news

  • CDU student Jade Doan

    Trailblazing student develops app to help Territorians get the keys to drive

    Preparing for a driving exam can be a nerve-wracking experience, but a Charles Darwin University (CDU) international student is developing technology to help students prepare for the test in the NT.

    Read more
  • A paper with Charles Darwin University has highlighted the need for a science-based approach to shark conservation in Brazil’s Marine Protected Areas.

    Urgent need for science-based approach to shark conservation

    Brazilian authorities must take a science-based approach to shark conservation, with experts warning extreme reactions to bite incidents and population growth will undermine the recovery of the fish. 

    Read more
  • Federal Environment and Water Minister Tayna Plibersek MP announced who has received an Innovative Biodiversity Monitoring Grant today at Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) Casuarina Campus.

    New funding will see CDU and Environs Kimberley use drones to help monitor desert and savanna habitat

    Charles Darwin University and Environs Kimberley researchers, along with Kimberley partners, will soon be looking to monitor how fire management changes the structure and condition of about 43,000 km2 of savanna and desert vegetation using data collected by drones and satellites.

    Read more
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