Why study social/cultural studies at Grenfell?

The world you’re inheriting is complex. It’s shaped by economic uncertainty, technological disruption, environmental pressure, and intense social and political debate. Social/Cultural Studies at Grenfell gives you the tools to understand that complexity — not just react to it.

Grounded in Anthropology, Folklore, and Sociology, this program examines culture and everyday life across time. You’ll study oral traditions and cultural expression, community life and social organization, and the institutions and inequalities that structure society. You’ll explore how cultural knowledge is preserved and reinterpreted, how communities adapt, and how past, present, and future remain interconnected.

Through rigorous interdisciplinary training, students develop strong research, writing, and communication skills. They gain experience in ethnography, interviewing and oral history, survey design, discourse analysis, and social and cultural theory. Graduates leave with intellectual confidence, intercultural capacity, and the ability to think clearly about complex issues — skills valued by employers across public and private sectors.

Sample first year

Each student is on their own individual learning path. The bachelor of arts with a major in social/cultural studies is comprised of 120 credit hours (40 courses). It is important that students work with an advisor to ensure suitable course selection and determine an appropriate course load as students have the option of doing up to 15 credit hours (5 courses) per semester.

Below is a sample first year chart with the recommended first year courses for bachelor of arts with a major in social/cultural studies:

Career opportunities

• academic research
• community and rural development
• criminology/policing
• cultural heritage preservation and promotion
• education administration
• government and public policy
• health care administration
• human resources and organizational development
• immigration and settlement
• international development
• journalism
• labour relations, trade union advocacy and research
• law
• market research
• museum curation
• non-government programming, social research, and policy analysis
• social/equity impact analysis
• social services and social work
• teaching (social sciences)
• tourism

For additional information, visit the School of Arts and Social Science or contact Dr. Kate Pendakis.