Undergraduate Major

History

Make sense of the world by looking at how things came to be the way they are today, while developing excellent research, analysis and communication skills.

What type of student are you?

Murdoch code
MJ-HSTA
Study mode
Full Time or Part Time
Selection rank
70
CRICOS code
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Overview

History is central to any meaningful understanding of the present political, social and moral world - therefore it’s vital to a democratic and open society. If we are to understand the political structures, other institutions, concepts, myths and practices on which modern societies are based, we need to know how they have developed. In this major, you will develop a mental map, stretching back across time and enabling you to situate yourself in the world in which you live.

A History major will also build on your techniques of source analysis and skills of writing and comprehension to a degree, providing you with valuable assets you can utilise for a broad range of careers.

3 reasons to study History at Murdoch

  1. Study two majors in three years to graduate with two specialisations, or study the History major with minors in Australian Indigenous Studies, Global Politics or Religion to further enhance your career prospects.
  2. Knowledge of history is fundamental to our understanding of our society and the global system. A degree in this field prepares you for a range of exciting careers where you can create policy, show initiative, manage projects, carry out research, and make a difference in the world.
  3. You’ll learn from history experts including Dr Arjun Subrahmanyan. Dr Subrahmanyan explores how democracy, social change, intellectual history and modern life have impacted Thailand. He’ll get you thinking about how decisions of the past are impacting and informing the future in Southeast Asia.

What you'll learn

Your core units will include subjects such as The Empire Strikes Back: Imperialism and Colonialism in Modern History. You can choose electives to specialise in the history of Australia, Europe or Asia. In this course you will: 

  • Build extensive knowledge of the past, and examine historical issues through self-directed research projects that use a variety of secondary and primary sources.
  • Construct evidence-based arguments that interpret historical sources, scholarship and changing representations of the past.
  • Explore niche topics through your unit electives such as; Spies, Saboteurs and Secret Agents, The Vietnam Wars and Hollywood and History.

Your future career

When you graduate, you’ll have the literary, analytical and communication skills you need for a broad range of careers in both public and private sectors. Careers could include:

  • Diplomat
  • Policy Advisor
  • Research Officer
  • Historian
  • Documentary or Museum Researcher
  • Heritage Consultant

Previous admission information is available at Murdoch Admission Information - Arts.

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Structure

To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.

Total credit points: 24

Unit code Unit name Credit points
Major24 credit points
Required Units6 credit points
HIS102Empires and Modern History3
HIS182The Making of the Modern World: From Printing Press to Atomic Bomb3
Specified Elective Units18 credit points
HIS205The Vietnam Wars3
OR
HIS207The Silk Roads: Europe and Asia in the Middle Ages3
OR
HIS208Australian Political History3
OR
HIS209The Rise and 'Fall' of the Roman Empire3
OR
HIS211Modern Japan: From Samurai to the 21st Century3
OR
HIS213The Vikings3
OR
HIS215The Tudors: Treachery, Politics and Faith in the Age of the Renaissance3
OR
HIS245The Second World War in Europe3
OR
HIS258Soldiers and Civilians: War in the Pacific 1941-19453
OR
HIS304Environmental Crisis in Australia and its Region3
OR
HIS216The Art of Protest: The Music, Performance and Visual Arts of Activism since 18503
OR
HIS313Rebellion in World History3
OR
POL201Global Justice, Aid and Security3
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Entry requirements

Select which option best describes your path to university :

English Requirements

You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.

Other Requirements

There may be a reduction of choice of units if completing the course in the mixed, or online mode.

Advanced Standing

Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.

Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.

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This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai  and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.

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Fees and scholarships

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Scholarships

Make the most of your university experience by reducing the financial costs with a scholarship.

Whether you’re a high achiever or have experienced hardship, we offer a wide range of scholarships and awards to students from all walks of life. Explore our scholarships to find the ones you could be eligible for as a new Murdoch student as well as what's available throughout your degree.

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How much will it cost?

Instead of paying an overall course fee, you pay for the individual units you enrol in. The total course cost will vary depending on the units you choose.

Following your successful application, you’ll receive a Letter of Offer which will contain specific course and fee information.

If you are applying for an undergraduate course, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place. Postgraduate programs are full fee paying, unless indicated otherwise in your Letter of Offer.

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