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
Visit the National Career Advice Portal for more information about these occupations.
- Account executive
- Communication coordinator *
- Content coordinator
- Content creator
- Copywriter
- Document designer
- Events manager *
- Journalist
- Lecturer (university) *
- Marketing practitioner
- Online community manager
- Presenter
- Public relations practitioner
- Social media practitioner
- Training facilitator
Possible Work Environments
- Communications consultancies
- Higher education institutions (public and private universities, universities of technology & colleges)
- Marketing consultancies
- Organisations with communications departments
- Publishing industry
- Public relations agencies
- Self-employed/freelancing
Find out more about careers in this field
Community development
People in this career help families and communities lead better lives through training and by supporting and empowering communities.
Related job titles
Visit the National Career Advice Portal for more information about these occupations.
- Child and youth care practitioner
- Community care worker
- Community development practitioner
- Community service worker
- Lecturer (university) *
- Policy analyst *
- Programme/ project manager
- Researcher
- Skills development practitioner *
- Training facilitator
Possible Work Environments
- Community-based organisations
- Educational institutions
- Government (national, provincial and local)
- Higher education institutions (public and private universities, universities of technology & colleges)
- Research institutions
Find out more about careers in this field
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.
Related Job titles
- Criminologist
- Criminologist as criminal profiler
- Crime analyst
- Crime prevention consultant
- Criminal intelligence analyst
- Criminal intelligence specialist
- Criminal records centre official
- Community safety officer
- Correctional officer
- Correctional probation officer
- Criminal intelligence analyst
- Forensic criminologist
- Fraud examiner *
- Intelligence analyst
- Intelligence and criminal research specialist
- Intelligence officer
- Investigator
- Lecturer (university) *
- Policy analyst
- Parole officer
- Victim support worker
- Risk manager (in security firms or corporate environments)
Possible work environments related to criminology (human sciences)
- Correctional institutions
- Courthouses
- Department of Correctional Services
- Forensic investigation organisations (SAPS, private and corporate forensic investigation units, and forensic laboratories)
- Large companies with security, intelligence and compliance divisions
- National, provincial and local government departments
- Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
- Research organisations
- Retail and wholesale distributors
- Self-employment as a consultant
- Social services
- Specialised security companies
- Research Institutes
- Local and International NGOs
Find out more about careers in this field
- Download the Criminology @ Unisa brochure to learn more about preparing yourself for career opportunities in this field.
- Download the Career research document to learn more about how you could find information related to your career and study choices.
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.
Related job titles
- Behavioural science technician
- Behavioural scientist
- Business consultant
- Client portfolio administrator
- Commercial broker
- Commercial manager
- Commodities trader
- Credit risk analyst
- Demand-supply planner
- Development economist
- Econometrician
- Economic advisor
- Economic analyst
- Economic consultant
- Economic forecaster
- Economist *
- Financial markets practitioner
- Financial programming analyst
- Industrial economist
- Importer or exporter
- Investment analyst
- Investment manager
- Labour market analyst
- Labour market economist
- Lecturer (university) *
- Management consultant *
- Macro-economist
- Market research analyst
- Micro-economist
- Mineral economist
- Portfolio administrator
- Property analyst
- Research analyst
- Research economist
- Researcher
- Risk analyst
- Small business economist
- Stockbroker
- Technical investment advisor
Possible work environments related to economics
- Economic consultants in both the public and private sectors
- Government departments (eg Department of Finance, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Mineral Resources, municipalities)
- International organisations, such as UNESCO and the World Bank
- Manufacturing and consulting firms
- Research organisations
- Self-employment
- South African Reserve Bank and other banking and financial institutions
Find out more about careers in this field
- Download the Economics @ Unisa brochure to learn more about preparing yourself for career opportunities in this field.
- Download the Career research document to learn more about how you could find information related to your career and study choices.
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.
Related job titles
Visit the National Career Advice Portal for more information about these occupations.
- Cartographer
- Community liaison officer
- Disaster risk management analyst
- Environmental officer
- Environmental scientist *
- Geospatial analyst
- Geopolitical analyst
- Geomorphologist
- Environmental consultant
- Environmental manager *
- Planning and development surveyor
- Transport planner
- Geographic Information Systems analyst
- Geographic Information Systems technician *
- Hydrologist *
- Urban planner
- Tourism officer
- Geographer within a variety of social and/or natural sciences fields
Possible work environments related to geography
- Government departments, provincial administrations and municipalities
- Private industries such as travel agencies, manufacturing firms, property development corporations and communication firms
- Private rural and urban planning firms
- Research institutions such as the CSIR
Find out more about careers in this field
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.
Related job titles
Visit the National Career Advice Portal for more information about these occupations.
- Archaeologist
- Archivist
- Broadcast journalist
- Business analysts
- Civil service administrator
- Diplomat
- Editor
- Editorial assistant
- Foreign development specialist/ analyst
- Genealogist
- Heritage practitioner
- Historian
- Historic buildings inspector/ Conservation officer
- History Educator/ Lecturer/ Professor
- History Librarian/ Information officer
- Journalist
- Market researcher
- Policy analyst/ developer
- Museum education officer
- Museum/ Gallery curator
- Museum/Gallery exhibitions officer
- Narrator/ Storyteller
- Researcher
- Writer
- Tour guide
Possible work environments related to geography
- Archives
- Community development organisations
- Cultural organisations
- Galleries
- Government departments, provincial administrations and municipalities
- International relations sector
- Legal sector
- Libraries and private collections
- Museums
- Private industries such as travel agencies, manufacturing firms, property development corporations and communication firms
- Private rural and urban planning firms
- Publishing houses
- Research institutions
- Schools, Universities, Universities of Technology
Find out more about careers in this field
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.
Related job titles
Visit the National Career Advice Portal for more information about these occupations.
- Archives manager
- Archivist
- Content manager/specialist
- Indexer
- Information management specialist
- Information services manager *
- Knowledge management practitioner
- Lecturer (university) *
- Librarian *
- Library assistant
- Library manager
- Programme evaluator
- Programme/project manager *
- Records manager/coordinator
- Researcher
Possible Work Environments
- Archival services
- Community-based organisations
- Consultancies (knowledge management)
- Financial and business consulting organisations
- Government departments
- Higher education institutions (public and private universities, universities of technology & colleges)
- Museums
- Law firms and organisations
- Publishing firms
- Self-employment
Find out more about careers in this field
- Download the Information Science @ Unisa brochure to learn more about preparing yourself for career opportunities in this field.
- Download the Career research document to learn more about how you could find information related to your career and study choices.
Languages, Linguistics and Literature
A career in languages provides opportunities in business, research organisations, educational settings, publishing companies and financial institutions, as well as in the cultural, entertainment, communications, and healthcare industries. This versatility allows individuals to contribute to global communication, bridge cultural gaps, and enhance cross-cultural understanding in an interconnected world.
Related job titles
Visit the National Career Advice Portal for more information about these occupations.
- Blogger
- Book or script editor *
- Language consultant
- Language facilitator
- Content creator
- Content manager
- Copy editor
- Copywriter
- Editor
- Facilitator
- Forensic linguist
- Interpreter *
- Journalist
- Language teacher
- Lecturer (university) *
- Linguist *
- Materials developer
- Podcaster
- Poet
- Proofreader
- Reading and writing skills facilitator
- Speechwriter
- Subtitler
- Transcriber
- Translator *
- Writer
Possible Work Environments
- Advertising agencies
- Banks and insurance companies
- Courts of law/ Legal services, and law firms
- Educational institutions
- Embassies and consulates
- Higher education institutions (public and private universities, universities of technology & colleges)
- Hospitality industry
- International organisations
- Media (radio, television, newspapers and magazines)
- National and international conferences
- Newspaper, magazine and book publishing organisations
- NGOs & immigration institutions
- Parliament and other Government Departments
- Professional and trade organisations
- Self-Employment with own enterprise or freelance work
- Tour agencies and the tourism industry
- Translation agencies
Find out more about careers in this field
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.
Related job titles
Visit the National Career Advice Portal for more information about these occupations.
- Community facilitator
- Ethics specialist/ consultant
- Lay minister
- Lecturer (university) *
- Pastor
- Researcher
- Policy analyst *
Possible Work Environments
- Chaplains for hospitals
- Churches
- Correctional Centres, Police and the Armed Forces
- Higher education institutions (public and private universities, universities of technology & colleges)
- Hospitals and clinics
- Religious institutions
- Research organisations
Find out more about careers in this field
- Download the Philosophy @ Unisa brochure to learn more about how you could find information related to your career and study choices.
- Download the Career research document to learn more about how you could find information related to your career and study choices.
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.
Related job titles
Visit the National Career Advice Portal for more information about these occupations.
- Diplomat
- Journalist
- Lecturer (university) *
- Political analyst
- Policy analyst *
- Politician
- Public Policy researcher
Possible Work Environments
- Political parties
- Local, provincial, and national political organisations
- Government departments such as the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Trade and Industry and Justice and Constitutional Development
- Higher education institutions (public and private universities, universities of technology & colleges)
- Non-governmental organisations
Find out more about careers in this field
- Download the Career research document to learn more about how you could find information related to your career and study choices.
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.
Related job titles
Visit the National Career Advice Portal for more information about these occupations.
- Clinical psychologist (on completion of a specialised master’s degree, internship, and professional board examination and a community work year) *
- Behavioural scientist
- Community development practitioner
- Corporate social responsibility manager
- Counsellor (on completion of a specialised postgraduate diploma/ BPsych equivalence programme, internship and professional board examination)
- Counselling psychologist (on completion of a specialised master’s degree, internship, and professional board examination)
- Education officer
- Employee wellness practitioner
- Lay counsellor
- Lecturer (university) *
- Life coach
- Market research practitioner
- Monitoring and evaluation practitioner
- Policy analyst *
- Policy researcher
- Programme evaluation and research practitioner
- Programme/ project manager *
- Psychometrist (on completion of a specialised postgraduate diploma/ BPsych equivalence programme, internship and professional board examination)
- Research psychologist (on completion of a specialised master’s degree, internship, and professional board examination)
- Researcher
- Student counsellor
- Training facilitator
Possible Work Environments
- Community and rehabilitation clinics, and other healthcare facilities
- Community-based organisations
- Consultancies
- Government departments (e.g., Department of Health, Department of Labour, Department of Social Development, SAPS and Correctional Services, South African National Defence Force)
- Healthcare administration organisations
- Higher education institutions (public and private universities, universities of technology & colleges)
- International aid organisations
- Local clinics
- Market research organisations
- Monitoring and evaluation of consultancies or organisations
- Non-profit organisations
- Private, public and psychiatric hospitals
- Self-employment
- Social research institutions (e.g., HSRC, NRF)
- Universities and Universities of Technology
Find out more about careers in this field
- Download the Psychology @ Unisa brochure to learn more about preparing yourself for career opportunities in this field.
- Download the Career research document to learn more about how you could find information related to your career and study choices.
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.
Related job titles
Visit the National Career Advice Portal for more information about these occupations.
- Activist/lobbyist
- Administrative officer
- Communication coordinator
- Communications practitioner
- General manager (public service) *
- Government relations manager
- Human resource practitioner
- Human settlements practitioner and manager
- Immigration officer
- Lecturer (university) *
- Local authority manager
- Local government officer
- Monitoring and evaluation practitioner
- Non-profit administrator
- Policy advisor
- Policy analyst
- Policy and planning manager *
- Programme or project administrator *
- Programme or project manager *
- Project development specialist
- Provincial officer
- Public administration officer
- Public affairs researcher
- Public outreach officer
- Public policy analyst
- Public sector consultant
- Researcher/ research manager
- Senior government manager *
- Senior government official *
- Social security assessor
Possible work environments related to public administration
- Quasi-autonomous government institutions, such as research institutions, universities, development agencies and state-owned enterprises
- International affairs organisations (United Nations, Africa Union, Southern African Development Community)
- Municipal (local government) affairs (eg municipal manager, water and electricity supply, roads, town planning, parks and recreation)
- National Affairs (eg education, health, commerce, law enforcement, defence, finance, transport, environmental affairs)
- Provincial affairs (eg tourism, nature conservation, education, health)
Find out more about careers in this field
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.
Related job titles
Visit the National Career Advice Portal for more information about these occupations.
- Anthropologist
- Archaeologist
- Cultural liaison officer
- Development researcher
- Diplomat
- Heritage consultant
- Lecturer (university) *
- Museum scientist
- Policy analyst *
- Political Analyst
- Programme evaluator
- Researcher
- Social environmental impact assessor
- Sociologist
Possible Work Environments
- Community-based organisations
- Consultancies
- Government departments
- Higher education institutions (public and private universities, universities of technology & colleges)
- International aid organisations
- Market research organisations
- Monitoring and evaluation consultancies or organisations
- Museums
- Non-profit organisations
- Publishing firms
- Self-employment
- Social research institutions (e.g., HSRC, NRF)
Find out more about careers in this field
- Download the Social Sciences @ Unisa brochure to learn more about preparing yourself for career opportunities in this field.
- Download the Career research document to learn more about how you could find information related to your career and study choices.
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.
Related job titles
Visit the National Career Advice Portal for more information about these occupations.
- Addiction counsellor
- Adoption social worker *
- Auxiliary child and youth care worker
- Auxiliary social worker
- Childcare worker
- Clinical social worker
- Community development practitioner
- Education officer
- Employee wellness manager
- Employee wellness practitioner
- Family counsellor
- Forensic social worker
- Medical social worker
- Monitoring and evaluation practitioner
- Occupational social worker
- Policy developer
- Policy researcher
- Probation officer
- Programme evaluator
- Programme/ project administrator *
- Programme/ project manager *
- Researcher
- School social worker
- Social counselling worker *
- Social worker
- Training facilitator
- Lecturer (university) *
- Youth care practitioner
Possible Work Environments
- Community and rehabilitation clinics and other healthcare facilities
- Community-based organisations
- Consultancies
- Government departments (eg Department of Health, Department of Labour, Department of Social Development, SAPS and Correctional Services, South African National Defence Force)
- Higher education institutions (public and private universities, universities of technology & colleges)
- International aid organisations
- Monitoring and evaluation consultancies or organisations
- Non-profit organisations
- Private sector (eg mining and insurance)
- Private, public and psychiatric hospitals
- Self-employment
- Social research institutions (eg HSRC, NRF)
Find out more about careers in this field
- Download the Social Sciences @ Unisa brochure to learn more about preparing yourself for career opportunities in this field.
- Download the Career research document to learn more about how you could find information related to your career and study choices.
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.
Related job titles
Visit the National Career Advice Portal for more information about these occupations.
- Animator
- Art buyer
- Art historian
- Art teacher
- Artist
- Artist author
- Audio engineering: Recording engineer
- Audio engineering: Mix engineer
- Audio engineering: Mastering engineer
- Clothing designer
- Composer
- Concept artist
- Curator
- Digital artist *
- Entertainer
- Film, television and video producer
- Gallery manager
- Graphic artist
- Heritage consultant *
- Illustrator
- Lecturer (university) *
- Multimedia designer *
- Music composer (classical, gaming, songwriter, television and streaming, sync licensing (advertising or TV and streaming))
- Music educator: Content creator
- Music educator: Primary and/or secondary level
- Music producer
- Music teacher (practical instruments instruction)
- Music technologist
- Professional musician (live performance)
- Professional musician (studio session recording)
- Photographer
- Photojournalist
- Radio programme writer
- Web designer
Possible Work Environments
- Archives
- Art gallery
- Art museums
- Concert halls
- Design agencies
- Entertainment industry
- Film production companies
- Higher education institutions (public and private universities, universities of technology & colleges)
- Library
- Music studios (home studio or professional studio)
- Marketing and advertising industry
- Media production organisations
- Newspapers and news media
- Non-profit organisations
- Photography studios
- School
- Self-employment
Find out more about careers in this field
Further career information