Research

The School of Global, Urban and Social Studies works in partnership with industry and communities to respond to the most pressing social and environmental challenges of our time - creating research impact that supports sustainability and cares for people and the planet.

The school brings together subject experts from the applied humanities and social sciences, including applied criminology, humanitarianism and international development, social policy and evaluation, social work and youth work, health, environmental policy, sustainability and urban planning.

Our research contributes to the SDG2030 goals, in particular SDG3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), SDG5 (Gender Equality), SDG10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG13 (Climate Action), SDG16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

The school also supports over 100 Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates enrolled in PhD and Masters by Research programs. Covering a range of applied and theoretical topics, our HDR programs offer excellent opportunities for industry and community-focused professional development.

From 2025 The School of Global, Urban and Social Studies will offer a school-wide honours program. This intake will be in addition to our Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning (Honours) and our Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) degrees currently on offer.

Working closely with our discipline areas, the Research Training Unit offers research-based programs and courses, from the undergraduate level through to Masters by coursework and Higher Degrees by Research. These courses develop critical research and analytical skills, preparing students and candidates for careers that involve working with research and data, and research providers or in the higher education sector. Our courses for HDR candidates are open to enrolments from across the College of Design and Social Context and the University, bringing researchers together from across disciplines.

Text And Media Video

Bess Schnioffsky shares her experience of doing a PhD in the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies

Research Centres

The School of Global, Urban and Social Studies has a vibrant, interdisciplinary and international research culture that is primarily delivered through two highly successful research centres:

Social Equity Research Centre

Social Equity Research Centre

Launched in 2023, the Social Equity Research Centre provides a platform for a multidisciplinary community of practice across a range of thematic areas related to delivering transformational research for social justice and equity.
 Centre for Urban Research

Centre for Urban Research

The Centre for Urban Research is a dynamic hub for interdisciplinary urban research. Through its research, the Centre is directly responding to the globally important need to shape cities that are environmentally, socially and economically sustainable.

Contact

Visit us

Address: 360 Swanston Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Location: Building 8, Level 10
Hours:
 Monday to Friday: 9am–5pm
Phone: +61 3 9925 2328
Email address: guss.reception@rmit.edu.au

Postal address

School of Global, Urban and Social Studies
GPO Box 2476
Melbourne, Victoria - 3001

Current student enquiries

RMIT Connect Student Portal

Phone: Call +61 3 9925 5000 and select the option to 'Speak to your School' then 'College of Design and Social Context'.
Operating hours: 9am-5pm Mon-Thurs, 10am-5pm Friday excluding public holidays.

Research

Centre for Urban Research: cur@rmit.edu.au
Social Equity Research Centre: serc@rmit.edu.au

 

People

The School of Global, Urban and Social Studies is led by a team of professionals with knowledge and experience across their fields, including sustainability, language studies, justice, and social work, and more.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.