Who We Are

The College of Human Sciences and Culture is a place for people committed to social justice ideals and social transformation.

Our work spans the broad spectrum of archaeology, education, humanities, psychology, social work and sport study areas with a strong focus on the contemporary issues of today.

College leadership team

_{Professor Deborah West}

Vice-President and Executive Dean
Professor Deborah West

Director, College Services
Grace Connolly

Dean (People and Resources) (Interim)
Professor Lydia Woodyatt

Dean (Research)
Professor Zsolt Demetrovics

Dean (Education)
Professor Pablo Munguia

Teaching

Our teaching programs are committed to workplace ready graduates and growing knowledge that contributes to our mission to change lives and change the world.

Education, Sport and TESOL

Delivered by expert educators, our education, sport and TESOL teaching programs equip students with the knowledge, practical skills and professional experience to teach, lead and inspire across diverse learning environments in Australia and internationally

Co-Teaching Program Director: Joss Rankin

Co-Teaching Program Director: Chido Alozie

Deputy Teaching Program Director: Loretta Bowshall-Freeman

Psychology

Led by experienced academics and researchers, these psychology teaching programs provide students with a strong foundation in psychological theory and practice, preparing them for diverse careers that support mental health, wellbeing and human development.

Teaching Program Director: Ali Enright

Deputy Teaching Program Director - Strategic Projects (Reconciliation and Decolonisation & Honours): Mel Takarangi

Applied Social Work

Grounded in real-world practice, our applied social work teaching programs prepare students to work ethically and effectively with individuals, families and communities to promote social justice, wellbeing and positive social change.

Teaching Program Director: Professor Kathomi Gatwiri

Deputy Teaching Program Director: Rebecca Starrs

Humanities and Social Inquiry

Drawing on the expertise of leading scholars, these humanities and social inquiry teaching programs foster critical thinking, cultural understanding and research skills, enabling students to explore human societies, histories and cultures and pursue a wide range of professional pathways.

Teaching Program Director: Matt Fitzpatrick

Research

Our research is enhancing understanding of social issues, inequalities and social challenges facing communities in Australia and around the world.

Culture and Society

We examine the beliefs, practices, stories, and social forces that shape human experience and community life. Our researchers explore how culture, language, identity, history, and social systems influence the ways people live, connect, and respond to contemporary challenges. Through interdisciplinary and community engaged inquiry, we look to generate insights that deepen understanding of diverse perspectives and support more inclusive, resilient, and socially just communities.

Section Co-Lead: Matthew Flinders Professor Emma Thomas

Section Co-Lead: Matthew Flinders Professor Matt Fitzpatrick

E/MCR Representative: Associate Professor Erin Sebo

Mind, Body and Cognition

We explore the dynamic connections between psychological and biological processes, physical wellbeing, and human behaviour. Our researchers investigate how social, cognitive, biological, and physical factors interact to shape learning, health, performance, and everyday experience. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, we aim to generate insights that strengthen wellbeing, enhance human potential and thriving, and inform evidence-based practice across education, health, and community settings.

Section Co-Lead: Professor Sarah Cohen-Woods

Section Co-Lead: Associate Professor Nathan Caruana

E/MCR Representative: Dr Natalie Goulter

Teaching and Learning

Our work focuses on improving educational practice by examining how people learn and how educators can create engaging, effective, and inclusive learning environments. With a focus on equity and inclusion, we investigate pedagogy, curriculum design, assessment, professional learning, and the role of technology and innovation in shaping contemporary education. We value diverse ways of knowing and doing, recognising that meaningful insights emerge through collaborative dialogue, experimentation and cutting-edge research. We are also increasingly examining digital transformation, specifically how artificial intelligence is transforming teaching, learning, and educational systems. By partnering with schools, communities, and industry both locally and internationally, we aim to generate evidence that strengthens teaching quality, supports ethical and effective use of AI tools, and enhances learning outcomes across diverse contexts and responds creatively to emerging issues.

Section Lead: Associate Professor Garth Stahl

Deputy Lead: Dr Tianchong (Alex) Wang

E/MCR Representative: Dr Yu Takizawa