Historian
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work regular business hours
- Usually work in offices and may travel nationally and internationally
- Need to be methodical, logical and communicate well
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Research the past
- Collect information from people
- Study old documents and records
- Analyse historical events and ideas
- Share information
- Prepare reports and presentations
- Teach social science students
Outlook
Demand for historians is often linked to specific projects rather than large numbers of permanent roles. In New Zealand, interest in local, Māori and Pacific histories, Treaty-related research, heritage protection and public access to records supports opportunities across heritage and cultural sectors. Digitisation is making collections easier to search and share, while AI may assist with organising material; careful human research and interpretation remain important.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Strong research and source-checking skills
- Clear writing for different audiences
- Careful attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to analyse evidence and differing viewpoints
- Cultural awareness and respect for tikanga Māori
- Digital research, archive and information-management skills
AUT programmes
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
Further study options
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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.