Members
History
History is about human beings, it is our story, our past. Historians can help us make sense of the modern world; by understanding the past they are able to rationalise the present and make predictions about our future. History helps us understand how and why people behaved the way they did and the impact that they have on our future. History students will develop a wide range of skills that employers love; in fact history has provided us with some of the movers and shakers of modern day Britain, from Gordon Brown to the head of MI6. Historians have the ability to make decisions based on evidence and put across their ideas in well structured arguments.
Above all, history is interesting and by choosing to study it you will be sure to find something that will fascinate you. If history is your passion and you can travel back in time and piece together the clues left behind, there are lots of careers that you can follow.
Archivist
Are you a hoarder? Do you find yourself keeping things like ticket stubs, old magazines and programmes? If you like to arrange your CD collection in alphabetical order and have an interest in history, then maybe you should think about becoming an archivist?
Archaeologist
Archaeologists study the land, photographs and historical records in order to locate suitable sites to dig. Once they have excavated their site, they study the finds to help them build up a picture of how the people of the past worked and lived.
Curator
Museum or art gallery curators are responsible for managing collections of art or objects of historical interest. They are also responsible for acquiring, researching and identifying the items in their collections. In addition, curators have to decide which items are put out on display and which items remain in storage. They must ensure that the items on display are arranged so that it is easy for the public to see them and that the objects are exhibited safely, so that they are preserved for the future.
Restoration or conservation officers
Restoration or conservation officers preserve and restore works of art, antiques, historical objects or buildings, keeping them in good condition for the future. This may require a careful scientific examination of the object using tools such as swabs, magnifying glasses, scalpels, microscopes and x-rays.
Want to know more?
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk - The National Archives website
www.britarch.ac.uk - The Council for British Archaeology