The Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) operates under the framework established by the University of Eswatini Act (1983). The Faculty is dedicated to offering innovative and impactful education and research that address societal challenges and contribute to national and global development.
Its institutional foundation traces back to the 1970s, where it functioned as part of the Faculty of Economic and Social Studies within the former University of Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland (UBLS). Following the dissolution of UBLS in 1975, the Faculty continued its mission at the University of Botswana and Swaziland before evolving into its present form at the University of Eswatini.
The faculty comprises five teaching departments: Economics, Law, Political and Administrative Studies, Sociology and Social Work, and Statistics and Demography. Initial programme offerings included the Bachelor of Social Science (BASS), Bachelor of Arts (Law), and Bachelor of Laws (LLB).
Since its inception with fewer than 200 students in the 1976/77 academic year, the Faculty has undergone significant academic and administrative expansion. For the 2024/2025 Academic Year, the Faculty of Social Sciences proudly stands as one of the largest faculty at UNESWA by enrolment and staff numbers. The student population for this period is 1 368 students reflecting its central role in preparing professionals across multiple disciplines, including statistics, demography, Sociology, Social Work, law, and political science and Public Administration.