How do my career interests link with this field?
Read the following statements and select the statements that apply to you. The more statements you choose that apply to you, the higher your interest in this career field.
- art
- helping people cope with their problems
- history
- interacting with people (in groups or individually)
- languages
- learning about different cultures
- music
- performing for an audience
- politics and society
- reading
- speaking to or in front of a group of people
- taking care of people
- working with communities' spiritual or religious issues
- writing
Career fields, possible job titles and work environments
The following is a list of career areas linked to arts, humanities and social sciences. Click on the career field to read more about the field, possible job titles and work environments. Occupations in high demand according to the National List of Occupations in High Demand: 2024 are marked with an *.
Remember that this information is a starting point for exploring options related to specific career fields. You will need to expand your research as you continue your studies. Download the Career research document to learn more about finding information related to your career decision.
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. 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
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
- 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, Unisa offers.
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. Masters 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 grganisations
- 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.
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.
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
- 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 workers and related workers empower people to develop their full potential, enrich their lives and prevent dysfunction. Practitioners in this field have a genuine interest in and concern for people, have good communication abilities and are touched by and concerned about the problems and needs of communities.
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
- Employee wellness manager
- Employee wellness practitioner
- Programme evaluator
- Programme/ project administrator *
- Programme/ project manager *
- Researcher
- Social counselling worker *
- Social worker
- 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
- Clothing designer
- Composer
- Concept artist
- Digital artist *
- Entertainer
- Film, television and video producer
- Gallery manager
- Graphic artist
- Heritage consultant *
- Illustrator
- Lecturer (university) *
- Multimedia designer *
- Music composer
- Music teacher
- Music technologist
- Professional musician
- 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
- 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