History is one of the most exciting subjects offered at university.
It is offered at undergraduate, honours and postgraduate level.
History is much more than the study of the past: it is the study of how and why the past has meaning in the present.
The study of history helps us to recognise the distinctive forces that have shaped our own society and determined our particular place within it.
In a rapidly changing 21st century, it is more important than ever to understand human diversity, the complexity of cultural and social structures, and the processes of change.
Resources for History students
In Dunedin students have access to the following resources:
- The Hocken Collections, which holds nationally significant archival, photographic, and art collections
- Archives New Zealand holds government-related records, and has a Dunedin office
- Toitū Otago Settlers Museum is an important resource for local history, photographs, and portraits
- The Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand Archives is the national repository for the Presbyterian church
- Dunedin City Council Archives hold records and a photographic collection of importance to the city
- Dunedin Public Library has the McNab Collection specialising in New Zealand material and the Reed Collection specializing in medieval manuscripts and early printed books
- The Dunedin Public Art Gallery is a rich resource for art historians, as are the host of galleries and art spaces within the city
- Special Collections, University of Otago Library, holds rare books and manuscripts from the pre-1800 period, as well as material relating to the 19th and 20th centuries