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Master of Arts & Social Sciences (Combined)

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You have reached the maximum of 6 degrees.
Combine your interests in this double degree and forge a unique career path around your chosen area of specialisation. With the UNSW Master of Arts and Social Sciences (Combined), you’ll deepen your knowledge in professionally relevant areas of study and learn advanced skills in analytical thinking and research.
Commencing Terms
Term 1 & 3
Duration
2 Year(s)
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Campus
Kensington
Codes
Program code 8224
CRICOS code 065349M
Entry Requirements
ATAR/2024 lowest selection rank
View all admission criteria
Fees
2024 Indicative first year full fee
$31,000*
2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
$63,500*
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Overview

Would you like to earn two Master degrees at the same time? By undertaking this double degree in the complementary disciplines of Arts and Social Sciences, you'll broaden your knowledge over two years of study. You'll substantially extend and deepen your existing skills, knowledge and understanding in professionally relevant areas of study and learn advanced skills in analytical thinking and research. 

When you study a Master of Arts and Social Sciences (Combined), you'll graduate with two degrees under their specialist names, for example: Master of Journalism and Communication plus a Master of International Relations. This double degree allows you to explore a range of study options including:

Why study this degree at UNSW?

  • We are ranked 2nd in Australia and 27th globally for Social Sciences and 4th in Australia and top 50 globally for Arts & Humanities according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024
  • Be supported by our diverse, open and inclusive Arts, Design & Architecture community.
  • Learn through research-informed teaching
  • Prioritise career success – UNSW won the Australian Financial Review’s Most Employable Students Award in 2024.
  • Benefit from strong industry links and partnerships
  • Access world-class alumni connections
  • Join a global top 20 university (QS World University Rankings, 2024)
  • Join a community that’s part of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) universities
Program Code
8224
CRICOS Code
065349M
Campus
Kensington
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
96
Indicative Enrolments
0.0

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Entry requirements

A recognised Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) and requirements specific to the individual Master (one year, 48 UOC) programs chosen.Students from a non-211 university in China are now required to have a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW distinction average (75%).

English language requirements

 

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

A recognised Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) and requirements specific to the individual Master (one year, 48 UOC) programs chosen.Students from a non-211 university in China are now required to have a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW distinction average (75%).

English language requirements


You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Program structure

The Master of Arts and Social Sciences (Combined) consists of 96 units of credit, offered in the two specified postgraduate coursework programs.

What can you study?

Your double master's degree allows you to choose a combination of any two 48 units of credit, or 1 year plans, of the postgraduate programs listed below, with the exception of those specified in the exclusion list.

  • Master of Applied Linguistics
  • Master of International Relations
  • Master of Translation
  • Master of Development Studies
  • Master of Education programs
  • Master of Educational Leadership
  • Master of Environmental Management
  • Master of Journalism and Communication
  • Master of Public Policy and Governance
  • Master of Public Relations and Advertising
Exclusions

The following combination is excluded:

  • Master of Development Studies in International Development / Master of Development Studies in Refugees and Displacement

Full program structure

Future careers

Upon graduation, you’ll receive two separate degrees based on your study choices, for example, a Master of Journalism and Communication plus a Master of International Relations. Graduates complete a double degree with a variety of unique and specialised course combinations based on their previous experience, career ambitions and areas of interest. 

The career outcomes and possibilities for graduates of the Master of Arts and Master of Social Sciences at UNSW are as diverse as the areas across which they study.  

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.

Ready to start your application?

For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.

Ready to start your application?

Fees & Scholarships

2024 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$31,000*
2024 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree
$63,500*

*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.

Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).

You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

2024 Indicative First Year Fee
$43,500*
2024 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$91,500*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.

Scholarships


At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.


Top 20
Worldwide

QS World University Rankings, 2025.

Most
Employable Graduates

AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.

Leading
Innovation

#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.

The student community collectively inspire and encourage my individual career goals.
ADA alumni Shirelle Altona

Shirelle Altona

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