Why Bachelor of Arts?
Discover the past and explore how it has helped shape the world we live in today.
Investigate different time periods and societies around the globe – from the stone age to early modern worlds. Analyse patterns of historical change and discuss how our understanding of the past can be used to create a better, more sustainable future for all.
Through our Bachelor of Arts majoring in History, you’ll develop core historical knowledge alongside skills in data analysis, written and oral communication, research skills and critical thinking. These skills are in demand by a range of industries – from education, government, libraries and archives, historic preservation and more.
Overview
A Bachelor of Arts degree is the gold standard, both nationally and internationally, for undergraduate study in the humanities and social sciences.
With a future-facing approach, the virtues of a traditional degree are orientated toward the increasingly complex challenges facing individuals, communities and societies.
Majoring in History, you’ll discover how the past shapes the present. Consider civilisations around the world, the impact of world wars, the relationship between humans and technology.
You’ll examine the social, political, and economic events that have shaped modern Australia and consider cross-cultural relations between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people from the pre-colonial era to the present.
Contemporary learning experiences across the program are underpinned by genuine community and industry engagement. In your final year, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a professional placement in industry which gives you the freedom to explore professional pathways in sectors aligned with your interests.
Key features
Explore the past from the stone age to the making of modern society.- Engage with new and immersive methods of studying the past.
- Create a unique degree and graduate with multi- and interdisciplinary expertise.
- Enjoy enhanced flexibility from your first year through a wide range of elective choices.
- Undertake professional internships and connect with community and industry.
- Graduate with in demand skills and knowledge.
What you'll learn
Through our Bachelor of Arts majoring in History, you’ll explore the role of the past in shaping the world today.
You’ll delve into medieval worlds, early modern civilisations and consider the impact of world wars. You will examine the key social, economic and political events that have shaped Australia and how we interact with our global neighbours.
With a critical lens, you’ll discuss how societies around the world interpret history as heritage and develop an understanding of the great technological revolutions in human history.
You’ll also study core courses focused on developing the key skills employers look for – ensuring you graduate digitally literate, ready to think creatively, collaborate, and solve problems. You can also add a second major to your Bachelor of Arts, and pursue two areas of interest to boost your employment prospects.
An internship in your final year will enable you to apply your understanding of potential career pathways and focus on mentoring and networking experiences.
Opportunities to research potential career pathways and destinations in industry sectors exist throughout your studies. You can align your work-based learning opportunities with your specific interests and expertise to maximise your career choices.
Majors
The Bachelor of Arts is also available with majors in the following:
- Aboriginal Studies
- Archaeology and Classical Studies
- Art History and Visual Culture
- Anthropology
- Chinese Studies
- Cultural Studies
- Creative Writing
- English Literature
- Environmental Management
- French Studies
- Gender and Sexuality Studies
- Geography
- German Studies
- International Development
- International Security
- Italian Studies
- Japanese Studies
- Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
- Philosophy
- Politics
- Population and Migration Studies
- Screen Studies
- Sociology
- Spanish Studies.
What courses you'll study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 18 units for Core courses, and
- 96 units for 2 Majors from Majors, and
- 18 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 12 units for all Electives
Complete 18 units comprising:
- 18 units from Common core
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
An Ethically Rich Life
|
Course code
COREX001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fact or Fiction: Data for Everyone
|
Course code
COREX002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Igniting Change: Ideas to Action
|
Course code
COREX003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Proppa Ways, Future Practice
|
Course code
COREX004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Responsible AI: Bridging Ethics, Education and Industry
|
Course code
COREX005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ways of Being, Ways of Seeing
|
Course code
COREX006
|
Units
6
|
Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Empires in World History
|
Course code
HIST1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
History Today
|
Course code
HIST1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Medieval Worlds: 500-1500
|
Course code
HIST2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
The Making of Modern Australia
|
Course code
HIST2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Europe in Turmoil: 1900-1989
|
Course code
HIST2003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Early Modern Worlds: 1500-1800
|
Course code
HIST3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Beyond the Frontier: Aboriginal/Settler Australia
|
Course code
HIST3002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Memory Wars: History and Society
|
Course code
HIST3003
|
Units
6
|
Complete 18 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 1
|
Course code
SOCI1007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
Units
6
|
Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Elective 1
|
Course code
AUXX1011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Elective 2
|
Course code
AUXX1012
|
Units
6
|
Complete one Major from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Aboriginal Studies
|
Course code
ABORBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Anthropology
|
Course code
ANTHBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Archaeology and Classical Studies
|
Course code
ARCYBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Art History and Visual Culture
|
Course code
ARTHBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Creative Writing
|
Course code
CREWBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
English Literature
|
Course code
ENGLBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Management
|
Course code
ENVMBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
French Studies
|
Course code
FRENBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Geography
|
Course code
GEOGBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
German Studies
|
Course code
GERMBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Chinese Studies
|
Course code
CHINBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Cultural Studies
|
Course code
CULTBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Gender and Sexuality Studies
|
Course code
GENDBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
International Development
|
Course code
INTDBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
International Security
|
Course code
INTSBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Italian Studies
|
Course code
ITALBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Japanese Studies
|
Course code
JAPNBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
|
Course code
LINGBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Philosophy
|
Course code
PHILBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Politics
|
Course code
POLIBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Population and Migration Studies
|
Course code
POPUBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Screen Studies
|
Course code
SCRNBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Sociology
|
Course code
SOCIBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Spanish Studies
|
Course code
SPANBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Social Research and Policy Analysis
|
Course code
SOCRBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Kaurna Languages
|
Course code
KAURBARTS
|
Units
48
|
Career outcomes
The Bachelor of Arts majoring in History will empower you to uncover a wide range of career choices to align with your values and interests. You will graduate with the knowledge and skills to thrive in our rapidly changing world and make change for the better.
You will have a diverse range of employment paths available to you which may include:
- Administration
- Corporate communication
- Defence
- Foreign affairs
- Humanitarian work
- Management
- Media
- Policy development
- Project management
- Research.
This degree also provides a pathway for further postgraduate study or research.
Industry trends
Over the next 10 years it is predicted that 92% of new jobs created will require post-secondary education (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024). With the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, now, more than ever, employers are seeking a workforce with high level communication and problem-solving skills, creativity, adaptability and leadership capabilities. As an arts graduate majoring in history you’ll be well placed to meet the demands of the future labour force.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
