Graduate Program in Public History - History
Pathways to the past around us!
What is Public History?
Public History is the largest and fastest growing history field in Australia. As government and the private sector invest in new and expanded archives, museums and galleries, and as heritage becomes increasingly valued, new employment opportunities for history professionals are likely to emerge.
Background
In 1988 Monash University's Department of History became the first university in Australia to offer a Master's program in Public History, designed for Honours graduates in history to gain specialized and applied training in heritage, museums and other fields of 'applied history'. The program drew students from across Victoria, interstate and New Zealand. More than 120 students have graduated from the program, many of them now occupying key positions in the public service, museums, heritage bodies and private consultancy firms. Graduates in Victoria came together to form a state branch of the Professional Historians Association.
Careers in Public History
Public history is a large, diverse and growing field that covers heritage, museum, commissioned histories, and crosses into tourism, archives and record management, government policy-making, and many other areas. In Australia and in many other countries, more professional historians are attracted to this area of employment than to any other. In Victoria, for instance, the Professional Historians Association now has over 100 members, and the national organisation between 350 and 400.
Courses
How to Apply
- To find out how to apply, see the Arts Faculty's Prospective Students page.
Contact Us
For further information contact:
Liisa Williams
- Administrative Officer School of Historical Studies
- Phone: (03) 990 52199
- Email:
Liisa.Williams@arts.monash.edu.au
Seamus O'Hanlon
- Co-ordinator, Public History School of Historical Studies
- Phone: (03) 990 52163
- Email:
Seamus.OHanlon@arts.monash.edu.au