History of art : Job options

Jobs directly related to your degree

• Museum/gallery conservator - acquires, cares for, develops, displays and interprets a collection of artefacts or works of art in order to inform, educate and entertain the public. The emphasis of the role is moving away from a purely academic research function towards a wider-ranging career, which may include PR, fundraising, handling enquiries and education.
• Commercial art gallery manager - responsible for the commercial and artistic success of a gallery. This involves overseeing the diverse activities involved in running a gallery space. Responsibilities range from dealing with clients to installing exhibitions and the role demands a combination of artistic awareness, business acumen, interpersonal skills and practical abilities.
• Heritage manager - concerned with the conservation of a historical building, landscape, or heritage site. The role demands a balance between the preservation needs of the fabric and character of a property with the need to generate an income and run the site as a commercially viable business.

Jobs where your degree would be useful

• Arts administrator - provides support for arts and cultural organisations such as theatres, galleries, museums, arts festivals, arts centres, arts councils, regional arts boards, dance companies, community arts organisations, disability arts organisations and local authorities.
• Museum education officer - responsible for realising the potential of museum collections as learning resources for visitors and the wider community. The work includes developing learning opportunities, which may be either informal or curriculum based.
• Higher education lecturer - facilitates learning and carries out research activities in universities and some colleges of further education (FE). See also further education lecturer.

Other options

Relevant work experience is vital for most careers in the arts world. Paid and voluntary work are equally valuable. You are likely to have to do at least some voluntary work as the competition for paid jobs can be fierce.

Any work experience in the art world will be relevant, whatever you career ambitions. Education or outreach work, for example, will add value to a curatorial career. You may find opportunities through the Museums Association - Volunteering Opportunities  and the Association of Art Historians  has a voluntary work fund which may be able to help if you take an unpaid internship.

The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)  collaborative Doctoral awards encourage PhD students to gain work experience while furthering their academic career.

Although some of the jobs listed here might not be first jobs for many graduates, they are among the many realistic possibilities with your degree, provided you can demonstrate you have the attributes employers are looking for. Bear in mind that it’s not just your degree discipline that determines your options. Remember that many graduate vacancies don't specify particular degree disciplines, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here. Look at your degree... what next? for informed advice on career planning and graduate employment, or login/register with My Prospects to find out what jobs would suit you, a helpful starting point for self-analysis.

Explore types of jobs to find out more about the above options and related jobs.