A History of the University of Melbourne's History Program
William Edward Hearn was appointed as one of the original four professors at the University of Melbourne in 1854. Details of his career are part of a gallery featuring other notable members of the History program through the 19th and 20th centuries.
The study of history has been part of the curriculum of this University since it began teaching in 1854. Under Sir Ernest Scott, Professor of History from 1913 to 1936, the History Department pioneered teaching and research in Australian history. His successor, Professor Max Crawford, made this the most influential department of History in the country, and former staff members such as Manning Clark, Hugh Stretton, Geoffrey Blainey, Margaret Kiddle, Lloyd Robson, Geoffrey Serle and others have left a lasting impact on our understanding of the Australian past. Since 1960 the History program has expanded its expertise in European, Asian, Middle Eastern and American history and in new approaches to the past, such as feminist history.
In 1940 the History Department launched the journal Historical Studies: fifty years later it remains the leading historical journal in Australia under the title Australian Historical Studies. Undergraduate and graduate students began the Melbourne Historical Journal and still sustain it. The History program also publishes several successful series of historical publications (see the Journals web page for more information).
In January 2007, the Department of History joined the Centre for Classics and Archaeology, the Australian Centre, the Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation and the Centre for Jewish History and Culture to form the School of Historical Studies, bringing with it increased opportunity for cross-disciplinary engagement. It has the largest Honours School (usually with about 70 enrolments) and Postgraduate School in Australia (there are around 160 candidates doing Masters and PhDs), helping us to sustain a lively research activity in a wide variety of fields.
In 2011 the programs of Philosophy and History and Philosophy of Science joined the existing programs of Australian Studies, Classics and Archaeology, Conservation, History and Jewish Studies and Hebrew to form The School of Historical and Philosophical Studies.
The History of the University Unit
The University of Melbourne has a rich and fascinating past. Every building, every department, and every period of time has its own story. Some have been told over and over, while many remain unwritten. The History of the University Unit was established to promote and facilitate research and publication about these histories. It is funded by the Vice-Chancellor and administered by the School of Historical Studies.
The Unit organises four seminar/lectures per year and has a small program of publications in two series, Working Papers and Occasional Papers. In about April/May of each year, the Unit offers a number of research grants (usually up to $1000) to support the research, production and publication of works regarding the University's history. The Unit maintains a register of people who are working on aspects of the University's history and a series of research links, including an extensive bibliography, to assist researchers. If you would like more information about the Unit, if you would like to contribute in any way or if you would like to placed on the Unit's mailing list or work-in-progress register, please contact:
History of the University Unit
The Australian Centre
University of Melbourne VIC 3010
T: 03 8344 7454 / 8344 4154
F: 03 9347 7731
E: huu-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au