Human and Social Futures
With strong connections to industry, our College delivers education and research grounded in contemporary issues affecting the world today.
To inspire, enrich and transform humanity.
We are historians, educators, Aboriginal artists, social workers and physical activity experts. Lawyers, business strategists, financial analysts, entrepreneurs, and global marketers. We are content-creators, musicians, game designers and filmmakers. We are Indigenous rights advocates, innovators, criminologists, poets and global change agents. We are so much more.
About our College
Our College is highly respected for our teaching quality and research, with learning methods that ensure our students have high-level professional skills to graduate confident, skilled and life-ready.
Our Schools
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Our focus on equity, diversity and inclusion underpins all we do. Our graduates emerge as global citizens, with a strong sense of social justice and a commitment to making the world better. We are committed to widening participation, promoting diversity and fairness, overcoming injustice and increasing success for all.
The Asia Pacific Research Centre (APRC) has been established within the College of Human and Social Futures to play a leading role at the University of Newcastle, Australia, to pursue partnerships, engagement, and impact in the Asia Pacific region.
Research stories
Healthy Dads Healthy Kids
A world-first healthy lifestyle program targeting fathers has been transforming the health of men and their families in the Hunter region for nearly a decade. Now it's going global.
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How 57,000 women are shaping health policy in Australia
University of Newcastle education researchers have transformed teaching practices and student outcomes in more than 2,500 schools - and they are just getting started.
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Concussion research proves game-changing
Researchers have created a world-first digital map to expose massacres on Australia's Colonial Frontier.
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Teaching and Learning
Our students gain a professional edge through real-world, practical experience designed to give them the skills, knowledge and professional networks needed to excel in your chosen field.
Our Research
Researching the effects of physical activity and fitness on young people’s cognitive and mental health. Digitally mapping the massacres of Australia’s colonial frontier. Contributing to analysis of healthcare systems across the world in light of COVID-19. Our research responds to challenges that touch every part of the community. We are committed to bringing our knowledge expertise to help solve pressing global challenges.
International Engagement
Our College has a strong reputation for global collaboration and success through our partnerships, research, and student experience opportunities.
Career-ready placements
By collaborating with industry on ground-breaking research and through connecting students with opportunities for real-world experience, our students graduate work and life-ready.
Global Strategic Partnership
Professor Scott Imig and Dr. Katie Waters (ECR), recently hosted Dr. Agustinus Bandur (a UON PhD alumni), as part of their collaboration under the Global Strategic Partnership Travel Grant program.
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ARC Fellowships advance human rights research and ‘greener’ belt conveyor technology
The University of Newcastle’s Associate Professor Amy Maguire and Professor Craig Wheeler have been awarded prestigious Australian Research Council (ARC) Mid-Career Industry Fellowships. More than $2.2m combined will fund their respective projects to support national human rights law reform; and to halve the energy used in Australia’s belt conveyer systems.
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Professor Penny Jane Burke delivers University Accord Summit keynote address
UON's Professor Penny Jane Burke, Director of the Centre of Excellence for Equity in Higher Education and UNESCO Chair in Equity, Social Justice and Higher Education, delivered a powerful keynote address titled "Transformative Reimagining: Sustainable Higher Education for Equity and Social Justice" at this year's University Accord Summit.
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Students and teachers host a big party for language lovers
UON students and teaching staff across Modern Languages and Linguistics hosted a welcome party that brought together more than 120 language enthusiasts from the local communities.
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National University Teaching Awards celebrate outstanding educators at the University of Newcastle
Five University of Newcastle academics have been honoured with the prestigious Australian Awards for University Teaching.
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Ministers Visit University of Newcastle Tax Clinic
The Honourable Stephen Jones MP, Assistant Treasurer & Minister for Financial Services, alongside Ms. Sharon Claydon MP visited the University of Newcastle Tax Clinic on the 21st February 2024.
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Coast Next Gen Art Exhibition 2024
Join us and come together to support the next generation of young artists on the Central Coast.
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Startup Stories - Fletcher Roberts and Jock Haslam (Hashlock)
Hear the experiences of an entrepreneur and business owner – the highs, the lows, the wins, the mistakes, the inside story.
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Alternatives to the Lecture
This hands-on workshop explores options for adapting the traditional lecture to an engaging, interactive online delivery. It will introduce a range of strategies, opportunities, and design and development pathways that align with key principles of learning to maximise student engagement.
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Opportunities in Government
Gain insights and advice from government representatives on careers in the public sector. By attending this panel discussion, you will: Learn what kinds of opportunities are available in government organisations Gain insights into government careers
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Scholarship Awards Night
Get ready to celebrate the hard work and achievements of our scholarship recipients at our Scholarship Awards Night
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Storytelling for Scientists
No matter what your field of research you need to be able to craft a narrative around your work: what you do, why you do it, and who’ll benefit from it.
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.