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The University of New South Wales

History

 

History is the study of humanity in all its dimensions. We explore the diversity of human experience, the richness of difference in ideas, culture and institutions. We draw out broad patterns and trends from the bewildering variety of evidence from the past—from archaeological finds, written documents and pictorial sources. We focus on the web of human contact and conflict in our shared world. We look into many pasts to try to understand today's world, to recognize what we share and to measure how profoundly our lives today differ and why. History teaches clear thinking, analysis, written and oral communication skills. These attributes are the foundation of citizenship and ideal qualities for employment across a range of careers.

Since 2007 History at UNSW has been located in the School of History and Philosophy. We have a reputation for excellence in research and publication. Our research interests extend from the very earliest evidence of human life on earth through to contemporary times.

Major areas of study within History

  • Australian history
  • Asian history
  • European history
  • History of the Americas
  • Women's and gender studies
  • Jewish studies
  • Environmental studies
  • Archaeology
  • World history
  • Transnational history

UNSW's History program is distinctive among Australian universities in pioneering Transnational history which concerns the circulation of peoples, ideas, technologies and institutions across national boundaries since the emergence of nation states as an important phenomenon in world history.

World history anchors our teaching in first year. Second year courses explore particular regions in greater depth while in third year there is greater attention to thematic and more specialized area studies. Those proceeding to a fourth or Honours year are trained as historians by writing their own piece of history (a thesis) and participating in advanced seminars.

Our interests cover social, cultural, intellectual, political and military history, and we teach and conduct research in histories of gender, ethnicity and religion in world history. We teach across discipline boundaries into specialized studies programs, and conduct collaborative research with colleagues in Languages, Film and Media Studies, Politics and International Relations. Our teaching methods and our research questions reflect History's commitment to plurality and diversity. Our graduates carry these qualities into positions in government service, non-governmental organizations in Australia and abroad.

History links


Recent publications in History at UNSW

For future History students

For current History students

Our History staff