Bachelor

Bachelor of Arts (Major in History)

Open to school leaver application

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts majoring in History provides courses in a major sequence that can be continued into Honours and postgraduate studies. History may also be taken as a minor, and courses can be combined with Political Science and Economics. The discipline explains how Papua New Guinea and the world came to be what they are now, deepening students' understanding of the present through the study of the past.

The skills developed in studying history — collecting material, critical evaluation, organising evidence into persuasive arguments — are broadly applicable outside the university. History graduates are well-equipped for careers in administration, policy, research, journalism, public service, teaching, and development organisations in PNG and the Pacific.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have successfully completed Grade 12 from a recognised institution. The following minimum grades are required for school leaver selection:

  • A grade of C or better in Language & Literature or Applied English (one subject).
  • A grade of B or better in General Mathematics or Advanced Mathematics (one subject).
  • A grade of B or better in three (3) subjects chosen from Economics, History, Geography, Physics, Chemistry or Biology.

Minimum GPA: 2.75, calculated across the subjects listed above (A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0; subjects not taken are excluded from the calculation). Note that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission — places are limited and competition is strong.

NOSS selection formula (2025): (COUNT_C[LL,AE]=1)&(COUNT_B[GM,AM]=1)&(COUNT_B[Ec,Hi,Gr,Ph,Ch,Bi]=3)&(GPA[LL,AE,AM,GM,Ec,Hi,Gr,Bi,Ch,Ph]>=2.75)

Course Structure

Year 1

Semester 1

  • 4.10602Introduction to Pacific History (Broadening Course)

Semester 2

  • 4.10601PNG History (Broadening Course)

Year 2

Semester 1

  • 4.20604Oral History
  • 4.20610East Asian History

Semester 2

  • 4.20606Modern Europe from the French Revolution
  • 4.23911History & Ideas (Broadening Courses)

Year 3

Semester 1

  • 4.30611Australian History
  • 4.30612US History: Civil War to the Present
  • 4.30615War & Peace in the Twentieth Century
  • 4.30616Development of Global Economy

Semester 2

  • 4.30621Colonialism & Nation Building in PNG
  • 4.30601PNG Labour History
  • 4.30610Modern English History

Year 4

Semester 1

  • 4.40615PNG in the World Economy
  • 4.40619Reading Course in PNG Economic Development

Semester 2

  • 4.40617Oral Traditions Fieldwork
  • 4.40618PNG History: Sources & Method

Course codes shown are indicative. Please contact the School directly for official course codes and credit information.