This plan only applies to students who commenced their degree program before 2009.

The School of Humanities offers a variety of Level 1 and Upper Level courses, giving students a range of options at all levels. World History courses in first year anchor History teaching at UNSW by introducing students to key themes of human civilization from the Paleolithic era to the modern era. Upper level courses relate these themes in greater depth to particular regions of the world and time periods. Courses are offered in histories of: Australia, Asia, the Americas, Europe, and the ancient world of Greece and Rome. In addition, courses are offered in Archaeology, Jewish Studies, Environmental History, Women's and Gender Studies. General theories and problems of historical explanation are also studied, as well as techniques of researching and writing history.

Class contact in most courses offered is three hours per week. Most of a history student's working time, however, is spent in the University library or in private study, preparing papers for tutorials and seminars, and writing the required essays.

Assessment in each course combines written and oral assignments. Most courses also use end of semester tests as a form of assessment. For details of assessment in particular courses, consult the History Handbook or individual course guides. Details of a major stream in History, and of the requirements for entry into Honours (4th year), are listed below. Under Faculty rules: (I) a student may complete only two Level 1 History courses (12 Level 1 units of credit), and (ii) for entry into Upper Level courses in History, students should have completed 36 units of credit.

The study of History develops important skills in research, interpretation, evaluation of evidence, reasoning and writing, and raises issues of ethics in research and cultural sensitivity. Study at Honours or postgraduate level further refines these skills and permits students to demonstrate an ability to undertake independent and original research and to communicate the results of this research clearly and persuasively.

A major stream in History consists of at least 42 units of credit. Students enrolling in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences from 2005 and wishing to complete a major in History must include at least two 3000 Advanced upper level courses. In order to enrol in one of these 3000 level courses you need to have completed at least 12 History units of credit in 2000 level courses (or other courses approved by the History Discipline Coordinator).

Honours level study is available in History. Students interested in Honours should refer to the Honours plan record for entry requirements.