Master of Arts & Social Sciences (Combined)
- 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
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $31,500*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $64,500*
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $46,000*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $96,500*
Fees
Fees
-
Double degree
-
Career-focused
-
15 specialisations
UNSW is introducing a new academic calendar from 2028.
What does this mean for my studies? UNSW is moving to a new ‘flex-semester’ calendar.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
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 at UNSW?
- We're ranked #1 in Australia and =#23 globally for social sciences and management (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025)
- Also, we're ranked #4 in Australia and =#46 globally for arts & humanities (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025)
- Be supported by our diverse, open and inclusive Arts, Design & Architecture community.
- Learn through research-informed teaching
- Prioritise career success – UNSW has been awarded Most Employable students for six years in a row (Australian Financial Review (AFR) Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020-2025).
- Benefit from strong industry links and partnerships
- Access world-class alumni connections
- Join a global top 20 university (QS World University Rankings, 2025)
- Join a community that’s part of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) universities
Want to see more from UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture?
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:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
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.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
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:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
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.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
What will I study?
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
*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.
*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.
QS World University Rankings, 2025
AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020-2025
Crunchbase venture capital start-up data, 2021
The student community collectively inspire and encourage my individual career goals.
