Discover How History Shapes the World We Live In
Our present is inherently linked to our past, shaping the world we live in today. We study history to understand how our political ideas, cultural norms and social beliefs have been shaped by past contexts.
Through your study of History at UNSW, you’ll discover diverse aspects of our human past, from ancient history to histories that tackle some of the greatest questions of contemporary times. You’ll learn how to examine and take meaning from all kinds of evidence, and to hone skills in interpretation, analysis and written expression.
Immerse Yourself in World History
UNSW History is uniquely global. Our expert knowledge covers Australia, the Pacific, the United States, Europe and most of Asia, as well as histories of sex, film and empire. Our community of academics at UNSW are known for their strengths in world history, histories of war, gender and sexuality, and histories of our region.
Learn from Engaging & Internationally-Renowned Academics
Our teaching is informed by exciting new research and debates, delivered by academics who are internationally recognised experts in their field. You’ll enjoy stimulating classes with teaching staff who consistently receive high student satisfaction ratings and are widely published. Many are prize-winning authors.
Our expert academics teach and give papers all over the world, and have taken up international fellowships at some of the most prestigious universities in the world, including Harvard University, Oxford University, and Cambridge University.
Understand the Value of Studying History
You’ll learn to appreciate the value of studying history and the way it impacts the world around us. A great example of the value history can have on contemporary society is Professor Alison Bashford’s New Earth Histories Research Program at UNSW. Her work connects the history of science, global history, and environmental history into new assessments of the modern world, from the 18th to the 20th centuries.
Take Part in Cutting Edge Research
As members of a top-ranking research-intensive university, you’ll be invited to participate in original and cutting edge work. Our vibrant research environment is showcased by two events running each year on the topic of Imperial, Colonial and Transnational histories, attended by distinguished speakers from Europe and North America
Develop your own specific area of interest and conduct advanced research with honours and postgraduate research degrees.
Pursue a Career with History
With critical thinking skills and an understanding of larger societal and human questions and problems, you’ll be equipped to approach jobs in any field and undertake roles such as:
- Archives management
- Academic
- Researcher
- Teacher
- Communications specialist
- Museum or gallery curator
- Editor
- Heritage consultant
- Historian
- Librarian
- Journalist
- Teacher (with further study)