What to do with a History degree

Explore the careers you might be interested in going into after studying a History degree.

Students visiting the Victoria and Albert Museum in London

What can you do with an undergraduate History degree?

History degrees give you critical and transferable skills that help equip you for the workplace. 

If you decide to study at Sussex, you can choose from a range of modules. Find out more about our courses and course content.

Already at Sussex? Visit our careers site.

What jobs can you get with an undergraduate History degree?

Jobs may include, but are not limited to: 

  • archaeologist
  • archivist
  • broadcaster
  • charity worker
  • [jobs in] the civil service and government
  • copywriter
  • editorial assistant
  • [jobs in] education
  • exhibitions officer
  • heritage manager
  • historic buildings inspector
  • [jobs in] politics and international development
  • librarian
  • marketing executive
  • museum curator
  • [jobs in] the media
  • policy officer
  • social researcher
  • teacher.

If you haven’t studied a degree yet, and you’re considering a History course, you may want to browse our: 

Skills

You may develop skills including:

  • attention to detail 
  • research
  • written communication
  • self-confidence
  • flexibility (such as adapting your research and working iteratively)
  • teamwork. 

At Sussex, you can further develop your study skills by signing up for a range of workshops, tutorials and online resources.

Work experience and placements

Getting work experience or doing a placement at a museum or gallery is a great way for you to explore the role, and make you more attractive to a potential employer.  

At Sussex, during your degree, you can choose to apply for one of the below: 

  • a professional placement
  • an integrated placement if it is a requirement for a course.

This may help you gain skills and work experience before you graduate. Find out more about placements and internships at Sussex

You might also want to look for work experience opportunities at: 


What can you do with a Masters in History?

You might want to pursue a career in any of the above jobs. Or you could think about continuing your education further. At Sussex, we offer research (PhD) degrees in History.

You may then be able to go into an academic career, including roles such as:

  • researcher
  • higher education lecturer
  • professor. 

For more information about careers after a History degree, see the Prospects website.

If you’re a current Sussex student, see more advice from our careers section.

  • publishing and the media
  • the Civil Service, the Government and non-governmental organisations
  • heritage and museums.