Bachelor of Arts in History

The Bachelor of Arts in History at the Australian National University offers students a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the past, encompassing a wide range of periods, regions, and cultures. This program is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of historical processes and their relevance to contemporary society. Students will delve into diverse topics such as ancient civilizations, medieval societies, modern history, and global developments, gaining insight into how historical events and movements have shaped the present world.

Throughout the degree, students will engage with a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, independent research, and practical projects. The program emphasizes the importance of evidence-based analysis, fostering skills in research methodology, critical reading, and scholarly writing. The curriculum is flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific interests such as Australian history, Asian, European, or American history, or thematic areas like social movements, political change, and cultural developments.

Students will have access to world-class resources, including extensive archives, digital collections, and expert faculty members renowned for their research and teaching. The program also encourages experiential learning through internships, fieldwork, and collaborative projects with museums and cultural institutions, providing valuable real-world experience. Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in History are well-equipped for careers in education, research, public history, heritage management, journalism, and various roles within government and the private sector.

This degree emphasizes critical inquiry and interpretation, preparing students not only to understand the complexities of past societies but also to apply their knowledge to contemporary issues. The interdisciplinary nature of the program ensures that students develop a broad intellectual foundation, analytical skills, and a global perspective. Upon completion, graduates will possess the ability to think historically, communicate effectively, and contribute thoughtfully to discussions about history and its ongoing impact on society.

The Bachelor of History program at the Australian National University offers students a comprehensive exploration of the past, spanning from ancient civilizations to contemporary global developments. This program is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of historical events, trends, and their interconnectedness. Students will engage with a diverse range of topics such as political history, social history, cultural history, economic history, and historiography, allowing for a multidimensional understanding of human societies over time. The curriculum includes core courses that lay the foundation in historical methods, research techniques, and the interpretation of primary and secondary sources. Specializations enable students to focus on particular regions, periods, or themes, including Australian history, Asian history, European history, and world history, fostering specialized knowledge and research skills. Throughout the program, students participate in engaging lectures, seminars, and workshops that promote active learning and academic discussion. The program also emphasizes the development of research skills through individual and group projects, encouraging students to produce scholarly work that contributes to historical knowledge. Internships, field trips, and opportunities for overseas study enhance practical experience, allowing students to apply their learning in real-world contexts. Graduates of the Bachelor of History are well-equipped for careers in education, government, journalism, cultural institutions, and research, or for further study in graduate programs. The program’s flexibility enables students to tailor their studies according to their interests, combining coursework with independent research. With access to ANU’s extensive archives, libraries, and digital resources, students gain valuable skills in information management and critical evaluation of sources. By the end of the program, students will have developed a nuanced understanding of historical processes and be able to communicate complex ideas effectively, both in writing and orally. This degree aims to foster a lifelong appreciation for history and its role in shaping contemporary society, preparing graduates for diverse professional pathways and active citizenship.

The Bachelor of History program at the Australian National University requires students to complete a total of 144 units over the duration of the degree. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of historical events, methods, and interpretations spanning various periods and regions. Core units typically include foundational courses such as "Introduction to History" and "Historiography," which establish essential skills in critical analysis and research. Students are also encouraged to choose from a broad range of elective units, allowing specialization in areas such as Australian history, Asian history, European history, Latin American history, or global history.

To achieve the degree, students must fulfill major requirements, which generally involve completing at least 48 units in a declared history major comprising both core and elective courses. Additionally, the program places emphasis on developing research skills, with students expected to undertake independent research projects and write substantial essays or theses. Practical components such as internships, seminars, or workshops may also be part of the curriculum to enhance understanding of contemporary historical practice.

Students are encouraged to undertake study abroad programs or joint degrees for broader experience and employability. The program culminates in a capstone project or thesis, which demonstrates students’ ability to analyze historical sources critically and present their findings coherently. Throughout their studies, students are assessed through a combination of essays, examinations, presentations, and research assignments. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in education, research, government, media, and cultural institutions, equipping them with analytical, research, and communication skills vital for success in diverse professional fields.

The Australian National University (ANU) offers diverse options for financing the study of History at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. For domestic students, Commonwealth supported places (CSP) are available, which significantly subsidize tuition fees, making higher education more accessible and affordable. These CSPs are partially funded by the Australian Government, and students are responsible for paying a student contribution amount, which varies depending on the level of study and unit choices. To access CSPs, students must meet specific eligibility criteria, including citizenship and the course of study. Alternatively, domestic students can apply for scholarships offered by ANU, which are dedicated to supporting students pursuing degrees in History. These scholarships can cover part or all of tuition fees, provide living stipends, or cover additional costs such as study materials and travel. International students, on the other hand, usually pay full tuition fees, which vary each year and are specified in the university's fee schedule. International applicants can seek support through various scholarships, including those offered directly by ANU, government-sponsored programs, or external scholarship opportunities. Students are encouraged to explore financial assistance options early in their application process, as some scholarships and funding programs have application deadlines and criteria that require timely submission. The university also provides flexible payment plans for students who may need to spread payments over the duration of their studies. Additionally, students are advised to consider external sources of funding, such as research grants, sponsorships, or part-time work opportunities both on and off-campus. ANU emphasizes comprehensive student support, including financial advice, planning, and access to resources to help students manage the costs associated with their history degrees. Overall, the ANU's financing options aim to ensure that students can pursue their educational goals without unnecessary financial hardship, fostering an environment where academic excellence and accessibility are prioritized.

The Bachelor of Arts in History at the Australian National University offers students a comprehensive exploration of the past, emphasizing critical understanding of historical events, contexts, and processes that have shaped the modern world. This program provides a solid foundation in historical theory and methods, encouraging analytical thinking and research skills essential for interpreting historical sources. Students have the opportunity to study a wide range of periods and regions, including ancient civilizations, medieval history, modern history, and contemporary issues. The curriculum is designed to promote both chronological knowledge and thematic understanding, allowing students to examine topics such as political movements, cultural developments, economic transformations, and social changes across different societies and eras.

The program encourages engagement with primary and secondary sources, fostering skills in historiography and critical analysis. Students can tailor their studies with electives that focus on specific geographical areas such as Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia, or thematic areas like gender, race, migration, and globalization. The Bachelor of Arts in History typically includes opportunities for independent research, culminating in a substantial research paper or project that demonstrates their ability to formulate and investigate historical questions.

In addition to classroom learning, students benefit from the university's strong links with national and international archives, museums, and research institutes, providing practical experience and exposure to professional historical research. The program also supports interdisciplinary approaches, combining history with other fields such as archaeology, anthropology, politics, and international relations. Graduates of this program are well-equipped for careers in education, research, public history, archival work, journalism, policy analysis, and international organizations. The program emphasizes developing communication skills, critical thinking, and a nuanced understanding of historical contexts, preparing students for a broad range of professional paths or further study at the postgraduate level.