Knowledge of the past has always been central to human awareness. For more than a century, the study of History has underpinned the Western liberal tradition. History is connected with the search for meaning. It conveys communal memory, creating a sense of personal and group identity by locating individuals in time and space. The study of History offers each of us the chance to understand, even bridge, other cultures. The major in History offers opportunities to sample this diverse human experience. We offer studies that embrace the ancient Middle East, medieval and modern Europe, revolutions in France and Great Britain, and the modern history of Russia and the United States.  Our aim is to both challenge and excite you as you move through the study of History, beyond your own lives to those of people in other times and other places. We also aim to develop an appreciation of the contributions historians make to an understanding of contemporary society.

Our BA provides a strong foundation for a range of exciting careers in the humanities, creative arts and social sciences. Your skills in communication, research, critical analysis and teamwork will be highly sought after, and are transferable to almost any workplace. You may choose to do further study, as many professional careers are best served by graduates with a generalist first degree.

You'll be prepared for a wide range of roles in government or the public service, community and non-government organisations, business, education and media.

VU Bachelor of Arts graduates often go on to work in the following areas:

• journalism, writing or strategic communications
• teaching (a popular choice following completion of a Masters of Teaching)
• creative arts administration
• public service and policy work
• community sector
• creative arts
• software development
• corporate management.