"Historians conduct research into past human activity including the history of countries, organisations, periods of time, buildings, cultural heritage, particular events, people, and ideas or issues."

An historian may perform the following tasks:

• examine, assess and interpret evidence of past events by consulting and studying the works of other historians and researchers; by using sources of information such as archives, diaries, manuscripts, reports, statistics, artefacts, letters, newspapers, magazines and journals; and by interviewing people
• organise the information, check it for accuracy, interpret details, suggest theories and make conclusions
• present findings and conclusions through reports, the media, journal articles, books, lectures and museum exhibitions
• act as an adviser or consultant to government, commercial and private organisations, societies, churches and individuals
• perform research and/or teach at institutions such as universities and schools.

Historians usually specialise in a particular geographical region or period of time and study aspects such as politics, culture, law, ideas, economics or sociology. Many history graduates find careers in other areas such as teaching, the media, the heritage industry, libraries, museums, archives, advertising, business and public administration.

Personal Requirements:

• an enquiring mind
• interested in human behaviour, society and politics
• interested in the lessons of the past
• a thorough approach to research and problem solving
• good written communication skills.

Graduates develop generic skills in:

• Written expression
• Capacity to analyse and interpret in a dispassionate and objective manner
• Critical thinking
• Knowledge application
• Problem solving
• Computer literacy
• Conceptual ability
• Creative self expression
• Decision making
• Data aquisition and analysis
• Communication
• Research techniques
• Marshalling facts in support of arguments
• Personal growth/critical self awareness
• Understanding of cultural differences

Relevant Degrees. These links will take you directly to the UTas handbook Bachelor of Arts (recommended majors - History, Classics)

For further information... Download the Humanities and Social Sciences brochure In Adobe Acrobat format Faculty of Arts Career Selector Contact the School of History and Classics for more information