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Why Choose History At Monash?

Why Study History?

Studying History will help you to understand how our world has got to where it is, and will give you the skills to make an impact on it. By finding out about history - from ancient times to those of your parents - you will gain a much clearer view of why things happen in our own and in other cultures, and also the ability to assess intelligently and question what we are told about society by the media, politicians and others. The skills you will gain - to find out, analyse, and to write and talk about, topics across all aspects of life - are recognised and in demand in every area of business and employment.

The Excitement of the past

History is an exciting subject because its subject matter is exciting. Its canvas is vast and vivid. To venture into the past is to explore the human situation in all its myriad diversity. Much history is still little known; it awaits your discovery.

Making Sense of the Present

Studying the past is essential to understanding the modern world in which we live. As individuals, as communities, as nations, history is vital to our sense of identity. Again, whether we like it or not, we are decisively shaped by our individual and collective pasts.

History and the Future

A knowledge of history can help us understand how societies will evolve in the future. It will also help you get ahead. Whatever profession you wish to pursue, you will find that employers value the skills a historical training provides. Last, but not least, the study of history will provide you with an endless source of personal satisfaction and stimulation.

Skill for Life

Many people still think of history as enjoyable rather than useful. We believe it is both! To study history is to engage in intellectual inquiry. This involves, among other things, identifying issues, locating information about them (which involves, in turn, knowing where to look), sifting out what is relevant and important from a vast quantity of raw data, organising this material into a coherent, useable shape, and presenting it in a way that will inform and persuade the reader. These are key transferable skills which will stand you in good stead throughout your life.

But that isn't all. Doing history at Monash will help you to hone your inter-personal skills through interaction with other students in formal tutorials and other less structured environments, while opportunities for group-research will assist you in developing a capacity for team-work - both marketable assets. Finally, doing history will introduce you to a variety of cultures other than your own, a very useful preparation for today's global society.

'...I am always on the lookout for top history graduates particularly when their arts degree is combined with a commerce/business degree. We find such graduates are well equipped with the breadth of perspective required for future management roles..' -Penny Lovett, National Senior Consultant, Graduate Recruitment and Development, ANZ Bank

Private sector firms like Penny's are on the lookout for students with good generalist degrees in the humanities for employment as middle managers, researchers and planners. Government agencies (e.g. Foreign Affairs and Trade, Defence, Customs and Immigration) and statutory corporations (e.g. the ABC) also recruit humanities graduates on a regular basis.

Finally, there are many openings for qualified professional historians in the tourist, conservation, heritage, education, archival, information service and local government areas.

History is a great preparation for any career!

Ian McConville in Pakistan

Where are they Now?

Ian McConville History, 1985-87

"My major in Asian history as part of my combined BA /LLB provided me with a very useful and interesting platform to launch into my subsequent career. Following completion of my university studies, and undertaking articles with a corporate law firm, Minter Ellison, I was accepted as a graduate recruit to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. My first posting was to Pakistan, and I was able to draw on my studies of Pakistan history at Monash directly in my work. I thoroughly recommend the study of history as providing valuable skills in analysis and research which are attractive to employers."

Felicity Turner History, 1992-95

"At Monash I specialised in American history. As an historian, I developed strong research, communication and analytical skills. The fact that these skills were so easily transferable enabled me to secure my job as a tax adviser at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. My lack of an accounting background never proved to be an obstacle."

History at Monash

"I want to study history at university. What can Monash offer me?"

If you decide to do history at Monash University (whether on our Clayton, Caulfield or Berwick campuses) you can be assured of the highest quality tuition. You will be joining:

A history department with a national and international reputation

The Monash History Department includes some of the world's most eminent practitioners in the fields of medieval, Renaissance and 20th century European history, race relations history, Australian urban and cultural history, Asian history, women's history and religious history. Monash historians attend international conferences, tender advice to government departments and non-government agencies, give talks at schools and public forums, publish books and contribute articles to learned journals and newspapers. (Copies of recent publications by Monash staff can be viewed in the departmental library.)

A department that cares about you

The Monash History Department has always taken its teaching role very seriously. We were one of the first departments in the Arts Faculty to introduce course handbooks; we make extensive use in our lectures of videos, slides and overheads; every member of the department is obliged to set aside 'office hours' so that students can come and discuss their work informally with the lecturer; we encourage student feedback about our courses through questionnaires; recently we introduced a 'mentoring' scheme for new students, to ease their transition from secondary to tertiary study.

Choices & Pathways

Whatever your taste in history, you are sure to find courses at Monash to capture your interest. At any one time, about twenty different courses are on offer at Clayton (fewer at the other Campuses) covering a wide range of periods, areas and approaches. You are at liberty to spread yourself widely, or concentrate on particular regions or periods (eg. medieval and early modern, 20th century) or types of history (eg. political, social). Don't hesitate to ask us for advice on course options!

At first year, Monash offers courses at Clayton on:

In later years, Monash offers courses on (amongst other topics):

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