Bachelor of Arts (Major: History)

School of Arts & Sciences

Do you have a desire to understand the people and events that have shaped the modern world? The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Bachelor of Arts with a Major in History will provide a rigorous study of history to help you comprehend the world’s complexities today.  Notre Dame’s Bachelor of Arts with a Major in History offers a broad perspective, which will encourage you to critically approach a range of topics, including the West’s interactions with diverse non-Western cultures, to think critically about issues such as gender relations and post-colonialism and to rethink what it means to be Western in the global 21st century. Contact us today to find out more.

  • Why study this major?

    If you are interested in a broad view of history rather than a study of long-forgotten civilisations, our degree will give you deep insights into history that is vital for our understanding of the modern world.  Only by studying our past and taking note of the various factors that inspired historical events can we appreciate the economic, cultural, and religious forces that have shaped our society and those of many other nations.

    You will study history ranging from classical Greece and Rome to the Enlightenment, from ancient civilisations in Asia to the rise of American global influence. Our History Major places a strong emphasis on historiography using a range of texts, both visual and written.

    Special attention is paid to Australia and its Pacific context, the classical world and its impact on the early modern and modern worlds, and medieval Europe and its interaction with non-Europeans, especially Jewish and Islamic peoples.

    Upon graduation, you will not only gain a powerful insight into the events and personalities on which the modern world is founded and a deep understanding of the lived experience of past people but also learn necessary research and analytical skills which you can apply in a range of occupations and professions.

    Completing a Bachelor of Arts with a History Major allows you to work almost anywhere in the world. You might decide to travel during your degree, with both long and short-term opportunities available through our Study Abroad or Experience the World programs.

  • Program summary

    Structure of Major

    Students must complete 200 units of credit, as follows:

    LEVEL ONE: FOUNDATION LEARNING

    Students must compete the following TWO courses:

    • HIST1000 A History of Western Civilisation
    • HIST1001 Making Australian History

    LEVEL TWO: EXTENDED LEARNING

    Students may complete ANY of the following courses:

    • ARCL3030 Unearthing the Past: The History and Archaeology of Western Australia
    • HIST2000 Writing Lives: Personalities in History from Antiquity to the Present
    • HIST2002 Ancient Worlds
    • HIST2003 Modern America: From Slave Nation to Superpower
    • HIST2004 Of Vice and Virtue: Social Change in Victorian Britain
    • HIST2005 Age of Empire and Revolution in Europe, 1789-1989
    • HIST2008 The Caesars
    • HIST2009 The Kennedys: America in the 60s
    • HIST2010 Australia and the Asia Pacific: from Past to Present
    • HIST2013 A History of Ancient Greece
    • HIST2015 Rome: The History of a Civilisation
    • HIST2016 A History of Crime: Assessing the Evidence
    • HIST2017 Screening History: The Politics of Moving Pictures
    • HIST2018 Australians and the World Wars
    • HIST2021The History and Politics of Southeast Asia
    • HIST2022 The Modern Middle East
    • HIST2023 Making History and the Politics of the Past
    • HIST2024 The Tudors
    • HIST2026 The European Middle Ages, c. 450-c.1250
    • HIST2027 Renaissance to Enlightenment 1250–1789
    • HIST2028 Visual Evidence: Art and Artefacts in the Western Tradition
    • HIST2029 Nazi Germany: Assessing the Evidence

    LEVEL THREE: ADVANCED LEARNING

    Students must complete AT LEAST TWO of the following courses in their final year of study:
    • HIST3000 Writing Lives: Personalities in History from Antiquity to the Present
    • HIST3001 History in Practice: Professional Project
    • HIST3008 History Internship (substitute ARTS3002 Internship or Professional Project)
    • HIST3016 A History of Crime: Assessing the Evidence
    • HIST3023 Making History and the Politics of the Past
    • HIST3028 Visual Evidence: Art and Artefacts in the Western Tradition
    • HIST3029 Nazi Germany: Assessing the Evidence

    *Please note that students may not enrol into courses which they have completed at Level Two
    (e.g.: completion of HIST2000 precludes enrolment into HIST3000).

    Students may complete other courses on approval of the Dean, and if available, to a total of 50 units of credit:

    ARTS3010 Experience the World I; ARTS3030 Experience the World Study Tour (50 units of credit);
    Church History Courses listed in the Bachelor of Theology Requirements (3248): THEO2310 Early
    Church History: the Story Begins, THEO2340 Modern Church History, & THEO2350 Reformations:
    Churches in the 16th Century.

    Church History Courses listed in the Bachelor of Theology Regulations (3248).

    Core Curriculum

    • CORE I: Foundations of Wisdom
    • CORE II: Elective
      • Electives in philosophy and\or theology
      • Professional embedded electives that integrate studies in a profession with philosophy and\or theology
      • An option to undertake a pilgrimage embedded in the study of the philosophy and theology of pilgrimage, e.g., World Youth Day
      • An option to undertake a course that integrates philosophy & theology with community service and charity work
      • An option to undertake an elective in philosophy, theology, and the liberal arts contained within an international experience


    Details of the program requirements for the Bachelor of Arts are contained in the  Program Requirements.

    Here you can find full details of the Major, Second Major and Minor requirements.

    More information regarding courses can be found at the course descriptions pages Fremantle Sydney.

    Please note: The availability of these courses is indicative only and may be subject to change.

  • Entry requirements

    Entry requirements WA

    Academic requirements for this program are outlined below.  In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency.  We also consider your application more broadly – your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program.  See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.

    Applicants with recent Secondary Education

    • Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank* of 70

    OR

    • International Baccalaureate (IB) score of 25

    *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

    Applicants with Higher Education Study

    • Successful completion of 2 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*

    OR

    • Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP

    *Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).

    Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

    • Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

    Applicants with Work and Life Experience

    Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:

    • Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required.

    OR

    • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 135 in the Multiple Choice section and 140 in the Written English section^.

    OR

    • Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

    *STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).

    Please note: all applicants must be of school leaving age or older to apply.

    Entry requirements NSW

    Academic requirements for this program are outlined below.  In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency.  We also consider your application more broadly – your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program.  See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.

    Applicants with recent Secondary Education

    • Prescribed ATAR/Selection Rank*

    OR

    • International Baccalaureate (IB) score

    *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

    Applicants with Higher Education Study

    • Successful completion of 2 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*

    OR

    • Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP

    *Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).

    Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

    • Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

    Applicants with Work and Life Experience

    Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:

    • Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required.

    OR

    • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 150 in the Multiple Choice section and 150 in the Written English section^.

    OR

    • Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

    *STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).

    Please note: all applicants must be of school leaving age or older to apply.

  • Learning outcomes

    Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts graduates should be able to;

    1. Demonstrate broad theoretical and practical knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts of one or more disciplines or practice areas
    2. Identify appropriate sources and evaluate information
    3. Demonstrate an awareness of different conceptual approaches and/or research methods
    4. Demonstrate the technical skills, professional skills and ethical practice required by one or more disciplines
    5. Synthesise knowledge and apply skills in order to solve complex problems
    6. Communicate arguments and/or ideas in a range of forms
    7. Work independently and, where appropriate, in collaboration with others
    8. Reflect upon personal knowledge, skills and experiences
  • Career opportunities

    Graduates of this program can follow diverse career paths in the private and public sectors; Many employers will welcome the transferable skills. The following careers are open to graduates of this program: Historian Intelligence analyst,  strategic policy writer, Ministerial and parliamentary liaison officer, community project officer, heritage consultant, and writer in various settings such as cultural institutions, museums and libraries; education; the public service, policy development and diplomacy; the non-government and not-for-profit sectors; and research.

  • Real-world experience

    You will learn from our academics, who are leaders in their field. While not a requirement, internship courses and work-integrated learning opportunities are available to enable you to gain on-the-job experience with professionals in your chosen field.

  • Honours

    An Honours award is available for this program. Further information can be found in the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) regulations, or by contacting the School of Arts & Sciences.

  • Study abroad

    A global perspective adds a valuable dimension to your university education. At Notre Dame University you can study while experiencing the world. We encourage students to become active global citizens through a range of exchange programs, professional placements, study tours, and volunteer opportunities. Visit International Opportunities to find out more.

  • Fees and costs

    This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:


    CSP
    A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a place at university where the government pays part of your fees. This part is a subsidy, not a loan, and you don’t have to pay it back. However, this subsidy does not cover the entire cost of your study. Students must pay the rest, called the ‘student contribution amount’.

    In a Commonwealth Supported Place, your fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your fees will be split into two portions:

    • The Commonwealth contribution, which is the portion paid by the Australian Government.
    • The student contribution, which is the portion you pay. You may choose to pay upfront or defer your student contribution with a HECS-HELP Loan.

    Eligible students will be offered a CSP – you do not need to apply.


    HECS-HELP
    The HECS-HELP loan scheme assists eligible students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your HECS-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.


    For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees Page.

  • Student profile data

    Tables 1 and 2 below give an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this Program. It provides data on all students who commenced in this Program in the most relevant recent intake period, including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia.

    Fremantle Student Profile Data

    TABLE 1a – Bachelor of Arts BASIS OF ADMISSION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

    Applicant background

    Semester 1 2022

    Number of students

    Percentage of all students

    (A) Higher education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    17 37%
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study <5 N/P
    (C) Work and life experience
    (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    5 11%
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)
    <5 N/P
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, interview, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    <5 N/P
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, interview, school marks &   recommendation with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    13 28%
    International students <5 N/P
    All students46100.0%

    TABLE 1b – Bachelor of Arts ATAR PROFILE DATA FOR APPLICANTS ENTERING ON THE BASIS OF RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

    RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION - ATAR-based offersATAR
    (Excluding adjustment factors) *
    Selection Rank
    (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) *
    [only if relevant]
    Highest rank to receive an offer 96.85 96.85
    Median rank to receive an offer 74.20 77.20

    Lowest rank to receive an offer

    64.65 70.00

    Sydney Student Profile Data

    TABLE 1a – Bachelor of Arts BASIS OF ADMISSION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

    Applicant background

    Semester 1 2022

    Number of students

    Percentage of all students

    (A) Higher education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    713%
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study815%
    (C) Work and life experience
    (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement, not in the other three categories)
    <5NP
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)
    <5N/P
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, interview, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    1121%
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, interview, school marks &   recommendation with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    2242%
    International students<5N/P
    All students52100.0%

    TABLE 1b – Bachelor of Arts ATAR PROFILE DATA FOR APPLICANTS ENTERING ON THE BASIS OF RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

    RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION - ATAR-based offersATAR
    (Excluding adjustment factors) *
    Selection Rank
    (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) *
    [only if relevant]
    Highest rank to receive an offer82.8597.85
    Median rank to receive an offer65.9075.15

    Lowest rank to receive an offer

    55.2069.05

    TABLE 2a – Bachelor of Arts (Honours) BASIS OF ADMISSION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

    Applicant background

    Semester 1 2022

    Number of students

    Percentage of all students

    (A) Higher education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    <5N/P
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, interview, school marks &   recommendation with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    <5N/P
    All studentsN/P100.0%

    Notes:  

    “<5” – the number of students is less than 5
    N/A – Students not accepted in this category
    N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent the calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students

    In 2022, due to COVID, additional adjustment factor points were granted to applicants from NSW, ACT and VIC.

  • More information

    Considering your uni options?

    Talk to one of our career advisors for a personalised advice session. Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process. Book my session.


    For more information, please contact our Prospective Students Office.

    Fremantle and Broome
    Phone: +61 8 9433 0533
    Email: future@nd.edu.au
    Sydney and Melbourne
    Phone: +61 2 8204 4404
    Email: sydney@nd.edu.au

    All international enquiries should contact the International Students Office on international@nd.edu.au.

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