Historian

Tasks & duties

Historians may do some or all of the following:

• decide on a topic to research or receive a topic from a client
• gather information from a wide variety of sources, including fieldwork and interviews
• organise, analyse and interpret information
• write reports or deliver presentations on research findings
• write books for publication
• teach history
• be involved in the preparation of museum displays and websites
• be involved in the identification, protection and research of historic places
• be involved in research for media including current affairs and past events
• present evidence to the Waitangi Tribunal
• advise government departments

Skills & knowledge

Historians need to have:

• knowledge of the culture, history and society of the people being studied
• knowledge of the Maori language if specialising in New Zealand history
• research skills, including the ability to analyse and interpret information
• oral and written communication skills, including interviewing skills
• people skills
• planning and organisational skills
• project management skills

Entry requirements

To become an historian you need to have a Master of Arts or a Master of Social Sciences majoring in history. However a Doctorate in history is preferred.

Secondary education

A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter tertiary training. Useful subjects include English, history, art history, classics, sociology, geography, or languages.

Training on the job

Historians gain further skills on the job.

Useful experience

Useful experience includes research or writing, or library or archive work. Historians should also be widely read and have experienced a range of New Zealand's culture and heritage, especially Maori culture and language.

Related courses

Classics
History

For more information, please refer to Career Services.