What can I do with a degree in History?

What can I do with a degree in History & Military History?

A degree in History or Military History from the University of Kent provides you with strong analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills. Graduates are well-prepared for a diverse range of careers that value research, persuasive writing, and the ability to evaluate complex evidence making you highly employable across various sectors. Get ideas and inspiration here before booking a one-to-one session with a Careers Adviser.

Careers in History

The following roles are examples of career paths available to graduates of History and Military History programmes, making use of skills in research, critical analysis, argument construction, and written communication.

Archivist Acquire, preserve and manage historical documents and records, often in libraries or museums.

Heritage Manager Manage and promote historical sites and cultural institutions/landscapes for future generations.

Museum/Gallery Curator Develop and manage exhibitions and collections with educational and cultural value to engage audiences and educate.

Historian Research, analyse, and interpret historical events for academia, media, or government.

Military/Intelligence Analyst Use historical context or intelligence to assess security issues, strategies, and defence planning and protect national security. Roles are often within public services or government.

Civil Service Fast Streamer Work on government policy-making and operations using critical thinking and analytical skills. The Fast Stream us an accelerated leadership programme where experience is gained through placements across 17 schemes.

Journalist Investigate and write or broadcast informed commentary and stories using research skills.

Teacher or Academic Share passion for history through education and research, and preparing others for their next steps.

Alternative career paths

Many graduates work in sectors where historical knowledge is valuable but not directly applied such as: Analyst roles, research and public services.

Policy Officer Analyse historical trends and undertake research to shape public policies and influence decisions.

Political Risk Analyst Assess international stability, economic stability, crime levels , threat if conflict etc., sometimes using military and historical insight.

Solicitor (with further study) Use your ability to construct arguments and assess evidence critically to provide legal support and advice to clients.

Marketing Executive Apply narrative-building and audience awareness to brands that drives profit, promotes products and services.

HR Officer Draw on communication and interpersonal skills to ensure organisations meet workforce objectives.

Data Analyst Apply research, analytical and interpretation skills to analyse and interpret large datasets to help make informed decisions.

Where do University of Kent graduates work?

This is a selection of organisations that have employed University of Kent graduates in the past. There are many more possible employers in these and other industries. 

Central & local government: The Civil Service, Kent County Council, Ministry of Defence, The National Archives,
Museum & historical organisations: Imperial War Museums, Science Museum Group, Canterbury Cathedral, English Heritage, National Trust, Powell Cotton Museum
Media: BBC, Sky
Schools, universities, and research institutions

Find a job

The Careers and Employability Service provides information and advice on job searching to University of Kent students and recent graduates. This includes a vacancy database advertising a range of graduate jobs, placement year and vacation work/internships.

Tips to stand out

Take part in extra-curricular activities: Get involved in student societies such as the UKC History Society, Military History, and American History.

Gain real-world experience: Volunteer at a museum or historical sites to develop connections and work-place skills or undertake a summer internship, placement, or Year in Industry.

Network: Use LinkedIn and Kent’s Career Mentoring scheme to build connections with alumni and professionals to gain insights into your target roles and industries. Further network and collaborate via LinkedIn groups or through work experience.

Build a strong digital presence: Start a blog, podcast, or social media page around history topics.

Year in industry

A year in industry can have a big impact on your employability. By gaining real-world experience and learning key skills in the workplace, and pairing these with the knowledge you gain on your degree, you can become a highly employable candidate in the labour market. The year can be based in the UK or abroad, including your home country if you're an international student, and contribute to your final degree. At The University of Kent, many courses include an optional year in industry between your second and final year, where you undertake graduate-level work related to your studies.

Work experience

Further study

Some students go on to specialise or pursue professional qualifications. You might consider:

MA in History, Military History, Public History, or Museum Studies
PGCE (teaching qualification)
MSc in International Relations, Politics, or War Studies
Law conversion courses (SQE)

Postgraduate Courses at Kent

Prospects – Postgraduate Study

Find a Masters

Popular Searches

Your studies

Student life

Support

Careers