What can you do with History?

Costume designers research the time period, location, and social context of a production to create historically accurate or convincingly styled costumes. Understanding how clothing, fashion, and culture have changed over time is essential, especially when working on period dramas or historical programmes.

Heritage officers work with buildings, monuments, and sites that are valued for their historical importance. They research archives, understand how places have changed over time, and use historical knowledge to make decisions about what should be preserved and why.

Media researchers often dig into historical events, archives, and primary sources to build the factual backbone of documentaries and factual programmes. The research skills developed in history – evaluating sources, cross-referencing evidence, and constructing a clear narrative from complex material – are used daily in this role.

Museum curators research, identify, and interpret objects and artefacts that tell stories about the past. A strong understanding of historical periods, events, and contexts is essential for building meaningful collections and designing exhibitions that bring history to life for visitors.

Art valuers research the historical context of artworks to determine their age, origin, and significance. Understanding different historical periods, cultural movements, and how societies changed over time helps them place a piece accurately and assess its importance.

Furniture restorers often work with antique pieces and need to understand the historical period a piece comes from – including the styles, materials, and construction methods that were used at the time. This knowledge helps them make restoration decisions that are faithful to the original craftsmanship.

Museum attendants need a strong understanding of history to give talks about exhibitions and answer visitors' questions about the objects on display. Whether the museum covers ancient civilisations, local heritage, or social history, being able to put exhibits in context makes a real difference to the visitor experience.

Security Service personnel draw on historical knowledge to understand the roots of conflicts, terrorism, and espionage. Studying how past events have shaped current security threats helps analysts put intelligence into context and anticipate future risks.

Antique dealers need a deep understanding of different historical periods to identify, date, and authenticate objects. Knowing about social, economic, and cultural history helps them understand why certain items were made, who used them, and what makes them valuable.

Fine artists draw on historical events, cultural movements, and the work of past artists to inform and inspire their own creations. Understanding the context behind different art movements – from the Renaissance to modernism – helps them develop their own artistic voice and position their work within a broader tradition.

Prop makers research the time period of a production to make sure every object looks historically accurate. Whether it's a Victorian letter opener or a 1960s telephone, understanding how everyday objects looked and were used in different eras is essential for creating believable props.

Tourist guides give detailed talks about the history, purpose, and architecture of buildings, monuments, and other sites. They need to research and remember historical events, people, and periods so they can bring places to life for visitors and answer questions confidently.

Architects often work on restoring and conserving existing buildings, which requires an understanding of historical building styles, construction methods, and cultural significance. Knowledge of architectural history also informs and inspires new designs.

Army officers study military history to learn from past campaigns, strategies, and leadership decisions. Understanding how conflicts have developed and been resolved helps them think critically about tactics and the broader context of their operations.

Barristers research past cases and legal precedents to build their arguments, much like historians examine sources and evidence to construct an account of events. The skills of evaluating evidence, understanding context, and building a well-supported argument transfer directly to legal work.

Civil Service managers benefit from understanding how government institutions have evolved and how past policies succeeded or failed. Analysing historical evidence and constructing well-reasoned arguments are skills that transfer directly to policy work.

Court legal advisers work within a legal system built on centuries of precedent and tradition. Studying history develops the skills of analysing sources, constructing arguments from evidence, and understanding how institutions have evolved – all of which are directly useful in legal work.

Judges interpret laws that have developed over centuries, and much of UK law is based on historical precedent. Understanding how legal systems, rights, and institutions have evolved helps judges place current cases in their proper context.

Primary school teachers cover historical topics such as the Romans, Victorians, and ancient civilisations as part of the national curriculum. A good grasp of history helps them tell compelling stories and help children understand how the past connects to the present.

Royal Marines officers benefit from understanding military history, including past conflicts, strategies, and the evolution of warfare. Studying how previous campaigns succeeded or failed helps inform modern tactical thinking and leadership approaches.

Solicitors research legal precedents and case law, which involves tracing how laws have developed over time. History builds skills in analysing sources, constructing arguments from evidence, and understanding how past events shape current legal frameworks.

Trade union officials benefit from understanding the history of the labour movement, workers' rights, and how industrial relations have shaped modern employment law. This context helps them draw on past struggles and successes when making the case for change.

Broadcast journalists often need to place current events in their historical context to explain why a story matters. Understanding how to research, evaluate sources, and construct a clear narrative from complex information are skills historians and journalists share.

Equalities officers benefit from understanding the historical context of discrimination, civil rights movements, and how equality legislation has evolved over time. This background helps them explain why certain protections exist and why ongoing vigilance is needed.

Immigration officers benefit from understanding the historical context behind migration patterns, including the UK's relationship with other countries and how immigration policy has evolved over time. This background helps when dealing with complex cases involving different nationalities and regions.

Interior designers often draw on historical design movements, architectural styles, and period features when working on projects – especially in older buildings. Understanding the history of design helps them create spaces that are sympathetic to a building's character or reference a particular era.

Legal executives benefit from understanding how the legal system has developed over time, since much of English law is built on historical precedent and case law. The skills of analysing sources, constructing arguments, and evaluating evidence are central to both history and legal work.

Librarians often support researchers with access to archives and historical document collections. Understanding how to work with primary sources and how historical records are organised helps them guide users through these materials.

Newspaper or magazine journalists often need to place current events in a broader historical context to help readers understand why something matters. Studying history also builds strong skills in researching sources, evaluating evidence, and constructing clear, well-supported arguments – all core to investigative journalism.

Palaeontologists piece together evidence from the deep past to build a picture of how life on Earth has changed over time. The skills of interpreting incomplete evidence and constructing narratives from fragments are shared with historians, even though the timescales are very different.

Stonemasons who specialise in heritage conservation repair and restore historic buildings, monuments, and architectural features. Understanding the history of different building styles and periods helps them match original techniques and materials when carrying out restoration work.

Town planners are involved in conserving old buildings and archaeological sites, which requires an understanding of historical significance and heritage. Knowing how towns and cities have developed over time helps planners make sensitive decisions about what to preserve and how to integrate new development.

Visitor attraction general managers frequently work at museums, monuments, castles, and sites of cultural or historical interest. Having a good understanding of history helps them develop engaging exhibits, interpret the site's story for visitors, and work credibly with curators and heritage organisations.

Arts administrators working in museums and galleries often deal with historical collections and exhibitions. Understanding historical periods and contexts helps them interpret collections, write informative materials, and engage meaningfully with curators and visitors.

Criminologists benefit from understanding how attitudes to crime, punishment, and justice have changed over time. Historical context helps explain why certain laws exist and how past policies have shaped the criminal justice system we have today.

Exhibition designers often create displays for museums, galleries, and heritage organisations, where understanding historical context is important. Knowing how to research and interpret historical themes helps them design exhibitions that are accurate and meaningful.

Immigration advisers benefit from understanding the historical context of migration, colonialism, and conflict that shapes why people move between countries. This background knowledge can be important when building asylum cases that reference conditions in specific regions.

Paralegals benefit from the research and analytical skills that studying history develops, such as evaluating sources, constructing arguments from evidence, and understanding how past events shape current laws. Much of UK law is rooted in historical precedent, so this background can be genuinely useful.

Actors frequently perform in period dramas or plays set in specific historical contexts, from Elizabethan England to wartime Britain. Understanding the social norms, events, and daily life of different eras helps them portray characters in a way that feels true to the time.

Bookbinders who specialise in restoration and conservation work with antique books and historical documents. Understanding the history of bookmaking, printing techniques, and the cultural significance of different texts helps them approach repair work with the right knowledge and care.

Booksellers benefit from a broad knowledge of history when recommending historical fiction, non-fiction, and specialist titles. Those working with rare or antiquarian books need to understand the historical context and significance of the works they sell.

Film critics research archival information about films and film-makers, and need to understand the history of cinema and how it reflects broader cultural and social change. Placing a film in its historical context often strengthens a review and gives it greater depth.

Glassmakers who repair or conserve existing pieces – such as stained glass windows in historic buildings – need to understand the historical context and techniques used in the original work. Knowledge of art history and architectural heritage helps them approach conservation with sensitivity and accuracy.

Library assistants often work with archive materials, local history collections, and research enquiries that require an understanding of historical context. Knowledge of history helps them assist customers who are researching past events, family history, or historical documents.

Make-up artists research the styles, fashions, and beauty standards of different historical periods to create authentic looks for period dramas and productions. Understanding social and cultural history helps them design make-up that is accurate and convincing on screen.

Musical instrument makers and repairers who restore or reproduce period instruments need to understand the historical context in which those instruments were originally made. Knowing about different eras of craftsmanship and musical tradition helps them produce authentic restorations.

Religious leaders draw on the history of their faith – its origins, key figures, conflicts, and evolution over centuries – to give context to their teachings. Understanding how religion has shaped societies and been shaped by historical events enriches their ability to lead and educate.

Screenwriters often write stories set in specific historical periods or inspired by real events. Researching and understanding historical contexts, social attitudes, and how people lived in different eras helps them create scripts that feel accurate and immersive.

Set designers often research specific historical periods to create authentic-looking environments for period dramas and productions. Understanding architecture, furniture styles, and everyday life in different eras helps them design sets that feel convincing and accurate.

Sports commentators regularly reference past events, records, and legendary moments to add context and depth to their commentary. Being able to research, recall, and weave historical facts into a live broadcast is a key part of what makes commentary informative and engaging.

Tattooists and body piercers benefit from understanding the history and cultural traditions behind body art across different societies. Knowing the origins and meanings of symbols, styles, and imagery helps them advise clients and create designs that are respectful and well-informed.

Thatchers frequently work on historic and listed buildings where they need to respect traditional construction methods and heritage requirements. Understanding the history of building techniques and architectural styles helps them carry out repairs that are sympathetic to the original structure.

Tour managers often give talks about places of interest or brief clients on the historical significance of destinations they visit. A good knowledge of history makes these talks more engaging and helps tour managers answer the kinds of questions travellers frequently ask.

Tourist information centre assistants often work in areas rich in historical interest, such as castles, monuments, and museums. Understanding local history helps them give visitors more detailed and engaging information about the places they are exploring.

Translators need deep cultural knowledge of the countries and communities whose languages they work with. Studying history builds an understanding of how societies, politics, and cultural references have developed – context that is often essential for translating texts accurately.

TV presenters frequently cover historical topics or need background context when reporting on current events. Some presenters specialise in history programming, where the ability to research, interpret, and communicate stories from the past in an engaging way is central to the role.

Wardrobe assistants often work on period productions where costumes need to reflect a specific era accurately. Understanding historical clothing styles, social customs, and how people dressed in different time periods helps them source or create authentic-looking garments.

Watch and clock repairers who specialise in antique timepieces need to understand the historical context of the pieces they restore, including the techniques and materials used in different periods. This knowledge is especially important when working with museums, auctioneers, or private collectors.

Writers frequently research historical periods, events, and social contexts to bring authenticity to their work, whether writing historical fiction, non-fiction, or journalism. The research skills developed in history – evaluating sources, constructing arguments, and understanding cause and effect – are directly useful in a writing career.