History (Advanced)

The Bachelor of History (Honours) at the Australian National University offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of historical periods, themes, and regions, providing students with the essential skills to analyze past events critically and effectively. This advanced program is designed for students who have demonstrated a strong interest and foundational knowledge in history and aspire to pursue high-level research, academic careers, or specialized roles in cultural, educational, and governmental institutions. Throughout the course, students engage with a diverse range of historical topics, including but not limited to ancient civilizations, modern history, indigenous histories, global interactions, and political movements. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical writing, and research methodology, enabling graduates to interpret complex historical sources and construct compelling narratives rooted in evidence. Students will have the opportunity to participate in intensive research projects, seminars, and workshops facilitated by leading scholars in the field, fostering an environment of intellectual rigor and scholarly excellence. The honours component involves undertaking an independent research project, culminating in a thesis that contributes original insights to the academic community. This program also encourages interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from archaeology, anthropology, and cultural studies to enrich understanding of historical contexts. Graduates of the Bachelor of History (Honours) are well-prepared for further postgraduate study, including honors, master’s, and doctoral programs, as well as careers in research, policy analysis, education, journalism, and heritage management. The Australian National University’s strong connections with national and international institutions provide students with valuable internship, networking, and professional development opportunities. With a focus on fostering critical inquiry and academic excellence, the Bachelor of History (Honours) aims to develop knowledgeable, analytical, and engaged historians who can contribute meaningfully to understanding the complexities of our past and its relevance to contemporary society.

The Bachelor of Arts (Advanced) in History at the Australian National University offers students an in-depth exploration of the past, designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and comprehensive understanding of historical processes. This distinguished program is crafted for students who demonstrate a strong interest in history and wish to engage with complex historical debates, primary sources, and diverse methodologies. Throughout the course, students have the opportunity to examine various periods, regions, and themes in history, ranging from ancient civilizations to contemporary global issues. The program emphasizes both breadth and depth, enabling students to acquire a broad understanding of historical contexts while developing specialized knowledge in areas of personal interest such as Australian history, Asian history, European history, or world history.

Students will undertake rigorous coursework that includes analyzing historical texts, engaging with primary sources, and participating in discussions that challenge and refine their perspectives. The curriculum combines lectures, seminars, and research projects, fostering skills essential for careers in academia, government, media, or cultural institutions. A key feature of the Advanced program is the opportunity for independent research, culminating in a significant dissertation that demonstrates the student’s ability to synthesize information and produce original scholarship.

The program also emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging students to incorporate insights from fields such as anthropology, sociology, and political science to deepen their understanding of historical phenomena. Students benefit from expert faculty who are actively engaged in research across a wide range of historical topics, offering mentorship and guidance throughout their studies. Additionally, the university’s resources, including extensive archives, libraries, and digital collections, support students’ research needs.

Completion of the Bachelor of Arts (Advanced) in History prepares graduates for diverse careers that require analytical rigour, research competence, and historical awareness. These include roles in research, policy analysis, education, museums and heritage management, journalism, and beyond. The program is ideal for students committed to academic excellence and eager to contribute thoughtfully to discussions about the past and its influence on the present and future. Opportunities for study abroad and internships further enrich this comprehensive educational experience, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to meet the challenges of a globally interconnected world.

A Bachelor degree or international equivalent with a minimum GPA of 6/7 and the endorsement of a recognized supervisor for your thesis. All candidates should fulfill the University's English Language Entrance Requirements.

The Australian National University (ANU) offers various options for financing the Bachelor of History (Advanced) program to assist students in managing their educational expenses. The university provides a comprehensive range of scholarships and financial aid programs designed to support domestic and international students throughout their academic journey. Scholarships at ANU are awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria related to the applicant's background or area of study. For the Bachelor of History (Advanced), students may be eligible for faculty-specific scholarships, university-wide merit-based awards, or scholarships targeted toward students from diverse backgrounds and regions.

In addition to scholarships, ANU offers the Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) scheme, which significantly reduces the tuition fee burden for eligible domestic students. Under this scheme, the Australian government subsidizes a portion of the tuition fees, allowing students to pay a lower student contribution amount. International students enrolling in the program are responsible for paying full tuition fees, which vary annually. ANU provides guidance on available payment plans and options for managing tuition fee payments, including installment arrangements that help ease financial planning.

Furthermore, students are encouraged to seek external funding opportunities, including government grants, private scholarships, and sponsorships relevant to their field of study or personal circumstances. The university's financial services department offers detailed advice and assistance to help students identify potential funding sources and navigate the application processes.

Student loans are also available for eligible domestic students through Australian government loan schemes such as HECS-HELP, which provide the means to defer tuition fee payments until after graduation and upon earning a certain income level. International students are generally not eligible for these loans but may explore alternative financial arrangements and part-time work options on or off-campus.

ANU strongly recommends prospective and current students to consult with the university's financial aid office early in their academic planning to ensure access to all available funding resources. Detailed information about scholarships, fees, and financial assistance is regularly updated on the university's official website, providing transparency and support for students seeking to finance their studies in history at ANU.

The Bachelor of Advanced Studies in History at the Australian National University is a highly rigorous and research-intensive program designed for students with a strong passion for history and a commitment to academic excellence. This program offers an opportunity to delve deeply into historical studies, combining core coursework with independent research projects that foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and a comprehensive understanding of historical processes and contexts. Students enrolled in this program benefit from the university's renowned faculty, extensive library resources, and access to special collections and archives, enabling them to undertake original research in various historical periods, themes, and geographical regions.

The curriculum includes a blend of advanced seminars, methodological training, and elective subjects that allow students to tailor their academic pathway according to their interests. They are encouraged to develop their own research proposals, undertake independent investigations, and contribute to scholarly debates within the discipline. The program emphasizes the development of strong written and oral communication skills, preparing graduates for careers in academia, education, public history, government, and the cultural sector. Students are also supported through internships, conference participation, and opportunities to collaborate with historians and other researchers.

Throughout the course, students engage with contemporary historical debates and develop a nuanced understanding of the ethical and social implications of historical work. They learn to critically evaluate sources, apply various methodologies, and contextualize historical knowledge within broader societal issues. The Bachelor of Advanced Studies in History is ideal for students aiming to pursue honors years, postgraduate research, or relevant professional careers requiring sophisticated analytical and research skills. The program duration typically spans three years for full-time study, with options for part-time study depending on individual circumstances. Graduates of this program emerge well-equipped to contribute meaningfully to historical scholarship and related fields, making significant scholarly and societal impacts through their detailed understanding of the past.