Historical Researcher
25AI EXPOSURE TODAY25
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST70%
NOT A FORECAST70%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£22,000 - £28,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY →
Historical Researcher
As a Historical Researcher, you are the detective of the past, uncovering hidden narratives that shape our understanding of history. Your work not only preserves cultural heritage but also informs present-day decisions, making it vital for education, policy-making, and societal development in the UK and beyond.
THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.
AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.
AI helps here, but has not taken over
AI exposure for this job is below 50 on our index, and the day-to-day work still leans on a person to decide, check and take responsibility. Nothing formally protects this job though, so the safest move is to keep building the judgement AI cannot yet copy.
Career progression path
1FIRST STEPJunior Historical ResearcherIn this entry-level role, you will assist senior researchers in gathering data and conducting preliminary analyses. You will learn the ropes of historical research methodologies and gain valuable experience working on various projects.£22,000 - £28,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-level Historical ResearcherAt this stage, you will take on more complex research projects, leading your own investigations and contributing to publications. Your expertise will be sought after in collaborative projects with museums and educational institutions.£30,000 - £40,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Historical Researcher/Project LeadIn a senior role, you will oversee major research projects, mentor junior researchers, and represent your organisation at conferences. Your work will significantly influence public understanding of history and contribute to academic discourse.£50,000+
The degree route
Courses in this career's subject area, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Philosophy and PoliticsUniversity of Bristol · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£30,000 median
🎓Classics and ItalianUniversity of St Andrews · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£27,500 median
🎓Classics and SpanishUniversity of St Andrews · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£27,500 median
🎓Modern Languages (French and Italian) and GreekUniversity of St Andrews · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£27,500 median
All History and Philosophy courses as cards →
There is more than one way in
You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.
Degree subjects that lead this way
Courses in this career's subject area, from the same register that priced the degree above. Subject-matched, not a guaranteed qualifying route: check each course's own entry requirements and any professional accreditation before you rely on it.
Classics (4 years)University of Cambridge · DegreeGerman and HistoryThe University of Warwick · DegreePhilosophy and PoliticsUniversity of Bristol · DegreeClassics and ItalianUniversity of St Andrews · DegreeClassics and SpanishUniversity of St Andrews · DegreeModern Languages (French and Italian) and GreekUniversity of St Andrews · Degree