Bachelor

Bachelor of Arts (Major in Anthropology, Sociology & Archaeology)

Open to school leaver application

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts majoring in Anthropology and Sociology (including Archaeology) is a four-year undergraduate program covering a wide variety of research and study interests within these three disciplines. The program is devoted to a "holistic" study of human groupings, cultural diversity, and human behaviour, recognising the diversity of cultures, varied worldviews, and social systems throughout the world.

A major in this strand is valuable for careers in administration, policy and project planning and management, understanding social conflicts, and in-depth analysis of a people's history, social organisation, and contemporary social problems. Graduates are also equipped for social research, social science teaching, and careers in the private sector. Papua New Guinea's extraordinary cultural diversity makes this one of the most relevant and distinctive programs UPNG offers.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have successfully completed Grade 12 from a recognised institution. The following minimum grades are required for school leaver selection:

  • A grade of C or better in Language & Literature or Applied English (one subject).
  • A grade of B or better in General Mathematics or Advanced Mathematics (one subject).
  • A grade of B or better in three (3) subjects chosen from Economics, History, Geography, Physics, Chemistry or Biology.

Minimum GPA: 2.75, calculated across the subjects listed above (A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0; subjects not taken are excluded from the calculation). Note that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission — places are limited and competition is strong.

NOSS selection formula (2025): (COUNT_C[LL,AE]=1)&(COUNT_B[GM,AM]=1)&(COUNT_B[Ec,Hi,Gr,Ph,Ch,Bi]=3)&(GPA[LL,AE,AM,GM,Ec,Hi,Gr,Bi,Ch,Ph]>=2.75)

Course Structure

Year 1

Semester 1

  • 4.14001Study of Human Society

Semester 2

  • 4.14002Modern PNG Society

Year 2

Semester 1

  • 4.24012Introduction to Archaeology
  • 4.24015Research Methods I
  • 4.24035Melanesian Cultures
  • 4.24052Technology in Material Culture

Semester 2

  • 4.24002Archaeology of PNG
  • 4.24010Theories of Society
  • 4.24025Gender & Sexuality
  • 4.24054Art & Aesthetics

Year 3

Semester 1

  • 4.34005Regional Archaeology
  • 4.34015Archaeological Methods 1
  • 4.34040Cultural Ecology
  • 4.34052Museum & Living Past

Semester 2

  • 4.34025Social Mapping
  • 4.34028Medical Anthropology
  • 4.34030Anthropology of Economies
  • 4.34053Art in Contemporary PNG

Year 4

Semester 1

  • 4.44020Social Impact Studies
  • 4.44045Kinship & Genealogy
  • 4.44052Art & Cultural Production

Semester 2

  • 4.44025Research Methods II
  • 4.44050Archaeological Methods II
  • 4.44054Theories in Anthropology of Art
  • 4.44030Reading Course (Archaeology)
  • 4.44040Reading Course (Anthropology)

Course codes shown are indicative. Please contact the School directly for official course codes and credit information.