The discipline of history is the study of the past. It provides an opportunity to develop research, writing, and analytical skills through the fascinating study of change over time. The field is incredibly broad, because everything created or done by humans, from constitutions and social movements to automobiles and fine art, is a product of our collective past.  

Much of our understanding of the past is produced through the work of historians.  The study of history involves both the creation of knowledge (through archival work, oral history research, etc.) and critical interpretations of the past.  By doing this work, historians often shed light on our present-day experiences.

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• Admission requirements
• Your first year
• Sample courses and degree map
• Career opportunities

History at Memorial

History is a foundational discipline within the liberal arts and social science traditions, one that develops key research, writing and analytical skills, but also promotes knowledge and memory of the past as essential to an engaged citizenry.

Our teaching and research focuses on a broad range of geographical areas ranging from Newfoundland and Labrador to India, the Middle East, the US, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Europe. The History Department also offers courses in themes that include film, gender, environment, military conflict, imperialism and empire, and maritime history from the medieval world to the recent past.

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Admission requirements to degree

Applications are considered on a rolling basis. You are encouraged to apply by:

You may apply for admission into the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences by indicating bachelor of arts as your program choice on the undergraduate application for admission. Direct entry into the faculty is subject to your meeting the general admission requirements for Memorial University.

You may choose History as your major at the time of application or you can explore your options and declare a major in a later semester by emailing registrar@mun.ca to make your choice official.

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Your first year

Have a look at a sample schedule of 10 courses you may need to take in your first year of the history program.

This is a sample only. Meet with an academic advisor to create a plan that aligns with your specific needs and goals.

1. Both LS courses must be in the same language.

Further assistance

For assistance with course selection, contact the Academic Advising Centre.

For additional program information, visit the Department of History or contact the undergraduate program director.

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Sample courses and degree map

HIST 2065 - History of War and Society from 1789 to Present
HIST 3811 - The Menace of Progress: Colonialism and the Making of the Modern World
HIST 4125 - The History of Environmental Ideas in Canada and the United States

History degree map

Degree maps are navigational tools, designed to help you make the right choices throughout your bachelor of arts degree. They cover information pertaining to your studies, provide study tips, career guidance, suggestions for involvement, advice on go abroad activities and on your well being.

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Career opportunities

A bachelor of arts degree, with a major in history, prepares students for a variety of careers including:

• public administration
• journalism
• business administration/management
• civil service
• international affairs
• education
• libraries and archives (information studies)
• law

Note: some of these careers may call for supplementary education or preparation in the form of graduate studies, experiential learning or professional courses and exams.

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