Major overview
By studying history, you will gain an understanding of how societies experienced the past and how this shapes the world we live in today.
You’ll learn about the forces that have influenced the modern world, including nationalism, democracy, conflict and war, and gender and sexuality.
History graduates contribute to addressing a wide range of society’s most complex issues. Studying history develops your skills to identify and critically interpret evidence and enables you to explain the causes and consequences of political, environmental and social change. These skills are essential for a range of careers.
History is offered as a major in the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Innovation double degrees.
You can also study History as part of a specialisation and as an elective.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information on units and course structure, visit our Handbook.
How to study this major
A major is a set of eight or more units you complete as part of a degree, including at least two in your final year. To study this major, you’ll need to apply for one of the degrees listed below.
Career outcomes
The ability to critically interpret evidence and explain the causes and consequences of change are essential for a range of careers.
Careers
- Historian
- Research officer
- Archivist
- Policy advisor
- Heritage consultant
- Data manager
- Museum curator
- Secondary school teacher (requires a postgraduate teaching qualification)
Industries
- Non-government organisations
- Local, state and federal government
- Defence and security
- Environmental and mining industries
- Media, arts and creative industries
- Education
- Tourism
- Consulting
Why study at Curtin?
Transferable skills
Humanities courses teach transferable skills for international careers.
Industry links
Our staff members are publicly engaged academics with strong research and teaching records. They have won major prizes and funding for the quality of their historical expertise.
Get the Curtin edge
Get a strong grounding in modern history and develop your abilities in critical analysis and communication. This culminates in a final-year history project on a topic of your choice.
How to apply
This major is part of a degree. To apply, choose the degree you want to study and review its entry requirements. Then, prepare any required documents and submit your application before the deadline for your chosen intake.
After you receive and accept your offer, you can enrol in this degree either at the start of your degree or later in your studies, depending on your course structure.
Choose your degree
To study this major, you'll need to apply one of the degrees listed below.Explore more
Find more resources to help you take the next step in your Curtin journey.