The School of History and Philosophy offers a variety of Level 1 and Upper Level courses, giving students a wide range of options at all levels. Courses are mainly concerned with aspects of modern history and related to periods and themes in Australian, Asian, European, Middle Eastern and American history. Ancient History is taught, both as part of the World History courses and in a few specialist courses. 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. Level 1 courses offered in each of the following fields - Australian, European or world history - can be taken separately or as a complementary pair of courses over two sessions. 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 usually involves one essay and a written tutorial contribution. Most courses also use end of session 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 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. 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 sequence 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 Head of School). Pre-Honours courses, which are distinguished by the prefix HIST39++, may be included in this Major requirement. However, these courses are restricted to students with a credit average (or better) in History.

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