[1] Ross joined the teaching faculty at Otago in 1934, after his master's thesis on Te Pūoho's raid was judged the best in New Zealand in its year.

His Master's thesis, a study of Te Pūoho's epic raid on southern Ngāi Tahu, "revealed an interest in Māori history that was generations ahead of its time".

As part of his research, he followed Te Pūoho's "astonishing journey" on foot, including crossing the Haast Pass many years before the current road was built.

[1] Ross worked as assistant lecturer in the History Department from 1934 until 1940, gradually taking over more and more of the teaching responsibilities as Professor Elder's eyesight deteriorated.

According to Erik Olssen in his obituary of Ross, "both works remain the standard authorities on their subject" and they increased awareness of "the implications of our geographic and historical situation and of the dual racial origins of our people", which meant that New Zealanders needed to take "a keen interest in the islands of the South Pacific".

As professor during a time of rapid growth in New Zealand universities, Ross was very influential in setting the direction of the Department of History for the following decades.

The Military Cross was awarded in 1943 for his actions in the battle of Takrouna, where as Captain, he drove a wireless vehicle through severe fire to establish communications with supporting artillery units.

The Angus Ross Prize is awarded annually by the Otago University Council, on the recommendation of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities), to the best student in at least four 300-level history papers in the same year.

[18] On the other side of New Zealand's political divide, the National Party deputy Prime Minister Hugh Templeton credited Ross's teaching and support for securing him a Rhodes Scholarship.