About this faculty
The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences is a vibrant and diverse academic community, recognised for our excellence in research, teaching and creative practice. Through our 18 departments, thirteen research centres, more than 70 NRF-rated researchers, four SARChI Chairs, and a National Centre for Excellence in Scientometrics and Science Policy, we engage with the pressing social, cultural, political, technological and creative questions of our time. Rooted in Africa and globally connected, our work addresses challenges central to South Africa and the world — from social justice, governance and multilingualism to digital transformation, sustainability and the creative economy. Across the humanities, social sciences, languages and creative arts, we generate new knowledge, foster innovation and help shape a more just and sustainable future.
Undergraduate programmes
We offer 14 Bachelor degree programmes that equip students with the knowledge, skills and versatility to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Our graduates are creative, discerning, highly skilled and sought-after employees who thrive across sectors, from journalism, digital media and policy development, to data analysis, education, and the creative industries.
Postgraduate programmes
Our postgraduate programmes combine rigorous, research-led teaching and supervision across all departments and research centres, facilitated by the FASS Graduate School.
Research and innovation
Our research is strategically positioned to shape global conversations about technology, society and culture. Twelve transdisciplinary research clusters bring together researchers, civil society and industry partners. Our commitment to context-aware, transformative inquiry makes FASS a leader in Africa-centred research with international reach.
Impact and partnerships
Our researchers and students partner with other faculties and universities, nationally and internationally, industry, NGOs and civil society to address urgent, real-world challenges, from unemployment and discrimination to climate adaptation and social cohesion.
Arts
Languages
Social sciences
Research centres
Faculty stories
Awards and milestones
Department of Modern Foreign Languages hosts prestigious 2025 Naspers Chinese Language Awards
The Department of Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) held its annual Naspers Awards Ceremony on 13 November at...
Awards and milestones
Prof Lindy Heinecken receives the Morris Janowitz Career Achievement Award for her stellar career in military fraternity
Caption: Sociology and Social Anthropology Senior Lecturer Prof Lindy Heinecken and Associate Prof Alan Okros, Deputy Director of Research in the Dallaire...
Campus life
New thinking in Faculty about SU’s past and future
By Desmond Thompson
When a study on “Age- and education-related effects on cognitive functioning in Coloured South African women” was published in 2019, it...