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Arts, humanities & social sciences interest fields

How do my career interests link with this field?

Read the statements below and select the statements that apply to you. The more statements that apply, the stronger your interest in this career field.

Arts, humanities and social sciences
(Main motivation: Exploring human experience, culture, creativity and social impact)

You may enjoy:

  • Creating or appreciating art
  • Helping people cope with challenges in their lives
  • Learning about history
  • interacting with people (in groups or individually)
  • Learning and using languages
  • Exploring different cultures
  • Playing or listening to music
  • Performing for an audience
  • Engaging with politics and society
  • Reading for enjoyment and learning
  • Speaking to or in front of a group of people
  • Supporting and caring for others
  • Working with communities' spiritual or religious issues
  • Expressing yourself through writing

Career fields, possible job titles and work environments

The arts, humanities and social sciences fields offer a range of career options. Click on the career fields below to read more about each field, possible job titles and work environments.

Careers marked with an * are listed on the National List of Occupations in High Demand: 2024.

This information is a starting point for exploring options related to specific career fields. Be sure to expand your research by downloading our Career Research document and exploring additional resources.


Communication, Journalism, and related studies

The field of communication has evolved significantly in recent years, driven by the rapid advancement of technology and the increasing importance of digital media and communication specialists. Professionals in this area play a crucial role in shaping public opinion, disseminating information, and facilitating effective communication within and between organisations. Key focus areas in this field include journalism, public relations, marketing and advertising, corporate communication, content creation and social media.

Related Job titles

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Possible Work Environments

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Community development

People in this career help families and communities lead better lives through training and by supporting and empowering communities.

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Possible Work Environments

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Criminology (Human Sciences)

Criminology is the study of crime, its causes, consequences, and prevention. This field encompasses various aspects, including the behaviour of criminals, the functioning of criminal justice systems, and the societal impacts of crime.

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Economics (Human Sciences)

In Economics, we study the production and allocation of resources and include several focus areas, such as micro and macro-economics, labour economics, monetary economics, international trade, econometrics, public finance, development economics and natural resource economics. In addition to qualification options in the College of Human Sciences, Economics can also be taken as a major subject for degrees offered in the College of Economic and Management Sciences.

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Geography (Human Sciences)

Geography deals with the world around us. Studying geography will help you understand why places are the way they are and what role humans, places, phenomena and processes play in continually shaping our world. Our focus on the interaction between people and their environment is particularly important to make sense of our world. Geography may be taken as a major in various Bachelor of Arts degrees, as well as in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.


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History, Heritage and Arts and Culture (including Anthropology and Archaeology) 

History explores the past in all its complexity, including political, social, economic, cultural, and intellectual aspects, and in relation to the current circumstances and events. Such exploration involves researching, analysing, and interpreting past events, people, and cultures, using evidence from various sources like texts, artefacts, and oral traditions. This work intersects with a range of other disciplines and careers including anthropology, archaeology, conservation, law, journalism, politics, policy making, public administration, archiving, library, and information science.


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Possible work environments related to geography


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Information Science

Information science addresses the relationship between information, people and society. It explains the nature, uses and value of information. Information science has universal appeal and can be applied in any context. Information is the key to success in any situation and at all levels of life. Information enables people to make informed decisions and solve problems.

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Languages, Linguistics and Literature

A career in languages offers opportunities in business, research organisations, educational settings, publishing companies, financial institutions, as well as in the cultural, entertainment, communications, and healthcare industries. This versatility enables individuals to contribute to global communication, bridge cultural gaps, and foster cross-cultural understanding in an increasingly interconnected world.

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Law (Human Sciences)

Studying law as part of a Bachelor of Arts degree helps you develop analytical thinking, problem-solving, critical reasoning, and a solid understanding of how legal systems shape society. This background is valuable not only in traditional legal professions but also in many roles that require an understanding of legal frameworks and rights in personal and commercial contexts. Private law may be taken as a major in various Bachelor of Arts degrees, offered by the College of Human Sciences. Explore further career and study opportunities in the College of Law.


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Philosophy, Religion and Theology

Theology can focus on a particular religion or compare religions for social research. Philosophy provides a good grounding in logical and ethical reasoning, developing critical thinking skills vital in many contexts.

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Political Science

Political science forms the foundation of social development and aims to understand the distribution of power in society. Training in politics focuses on policy and political analysis, critical thinking, research skills, political risk analysis skills and a broad understanding of political issues.

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Psychology

Psychology attempts to understand people's behaviour (as individuals or in groups) and includes aspects such as cognition, abnormal behaviour, family functioning, human development, learning, neurological and physiological functioning, careers, personality, and assessment. At the Honours level, students cannot register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). To register as a psychologist with the HPCSA, you must complete a professional master’s degree (e.g. Master's with coursework) and meet other requirements such as completing an internship, passing a professional Board examination and completing community services.

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Public administration

Public administration and management is the study of activities, such as the provision of health, protection, education and housing in the public sector. Careers in the public sector focus on the development, implementation and evaluation of public policies, programmes and services at a local, provincial or national level. Opportunities also exist at non-governmental, national and international aid organisations.


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Social Sciences

Careers in the social science field span several areas such as anthropology, archaeology, ancient cultures, and sociology. These disciplines explore human behaviour, social structures, cultural heritage, and historical development. Professionals in social sciences contribute to our understanding of societal dynamics, cultural diversity, and historical contexts, offering valuable insights that can inform public policy, education, and community development. For jobs in specialist fields, the likely requirement is, at a minimum, an Honours degree.

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Social Work

Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people. Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility, and respect for diversity are central to social work. It is a broad career path that includes several types of professionals who are all focused on helping individuals, families, groups, and communities improve their lives by managing and overcoming life’s challenges, enhancing social functioning, and advocating for the overall well-being of the community. The Social Work profession is regulated by law as provided for in the Social Service Professions ACT 110 of 1978. Social work students are required to register with the Professional Body (SACSSP) as student social workers in the second year of their study.

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Visual and Performing Arts

Careers in the visual and performing arts include sculpture, painting, music, and drawing. Technology also significantly impacts this field, with many artists using electronic media to create works such as computer graphics and multimedia installations. Additionally, careers in this sector can extend to areas such as theatre, dance, film, photography, and digital art. These careers allow for creative expression and play a crucial role in cultural enrichment and the preservation of artistic heritage.

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Possible Work Environments


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Further career information

Last modified: 2025/07/23