School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Welcome to the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS). Located at the Waigani campus, SHSS is one of the largest schools at UPNG, with over 60 full-time academic and support staff and more than 1,000 students enrolled in its academic programs. The school offers a challenging learning and teaching environment where students develop critical thinking, logical reasoning, and creative expression.

The School is made up of 10 strands, each offering courses leading to undergraduate degrees, higher degrees, and diplomas. Discipline areas include Anthropology & Sociology, Creative Arts, English Communication, Gender Studies, History, Information & Communication Science, Journalism & Public Relations, Linguistics & Modern Languages, Literature, Philosophy, Political Science, Population Studies & Geography, Psychology, and Social Work.

Since 2004, the School has offered first-year courses in the Bachelor of Arts program through the UPNG Open College, including the Bachelor of Arts (Professional Studies in Education) aimed at primary and secondary school teachers across PNG. Graduates go out with a well-rounded education and make positive contributions to the development of Papua New Guinea.

Our diverse program offerings span from Certificate in Arts to PhD in various disciplines. Undergraduate programs include Bachelor of Arts with majors in History, English, Linguistics, Sociology, Anthropology, and more. Postgraduate options include Masters and PhD programs that allow deep specialization in your chosen field.

The School houses extensive research collections, language laboratories, and collaborative study spaces. Our libraries contain rare manuscripts and historical documents important to PNG's cultural heritage. We maintain partnerships with cultural institutions and museums across the Pacific region.

Our vibrant community includes active debate societies, cultural clubs, and research collectives. Students engage in fieldwork opportunities, cultural festivals, and academic conferences. The PNG Studies society and various language clubs create spaces for cultural exchange and scholarly discussion.