Why Study History?

History gives you back your past. In the same way as individual people need memory to shape identity and plan for the future, communities need history to give dimension and meaning to the present. Without an understanding of the past, the present doesn't make much sense.

History students explore the lives of men and women in the past, and the social, political, economic and cultural structures of past communities, so as to understand the world today. To put our lives in the twenty-first century in a broad perspective, to appreciate Australia's relationship with the world, to understand how other cultures and countries have developed, we need to study history.

Why Study History at the University of Adelaide?
History makes sense of the present - and sense too of the other subjects you are taking at University. It empowers you for life while providing vital insights into the people and places whose languages, politics, cultures and minds you are also studying.

In first year staff in the History Department at the University of Adelaide offer subjects which cover the broad spectrum of Europe, Australia, Asia and America. In later years we offer the chance to concentrate on themes and topics from the history of one or more of these areas. These subjects can form the basis for a degree which specialises in History, or history subjects also make ideal partners for other, non-history topics - and for other vocational subjects such as Law.

Career Prospects for History Students
History graduates have highly developed communication skills both in writing and in discussion, expertise as researchers, and thorough training in interpreting and organising a wide variety of materials. They are very well equipped for employment in a range of interesting and rewarding jobs.

In addition to the teaching profession (at primary and secondary levels), graduates also work in journalism, broadcasting, heritage consultancy, tourism, public history and restoration projects, in library work, in archives and in museums. Our graduates also find jobs in private industry as managers, researchers and research assistants of various kinds, and in government departments such as Foreign Affairs and Trade, Immigration, Aboriginal Affairs, Health and Treasury. Graduates with an honours degree and research experience are employed directly in areas of academic research, within universities, private companies, or government bodies. Some graduates proceed to postgraduate study in order to become academics or broaden their expertise for work outside the university.

Students and employers find that the broad range of skills provided by a history degree is a solid and flexible foundation for successful employment in a variety of fields.