As a Military Historian in the UK, your primary role involves researching, interpreting, and presenting the history of warfare, military institutions, and their societal impact. This can encompass a vast timeline, from ancient conflicts to modern operations, and cover various aspects such as strategy, tactics, technology, logistics, and the human experience of war. Many military historians work in academia, conducting research, publishing articles and books, and teaching university students. Others find roles in museums, heritage organisations, government departments (like the Ministry of Defence or the National Archives), or as independent researchers and consultants. The work often involves extensive archival research, travelling to historical sites, analysing primary sources, and contributing to public understanding through lectures, media appearances, or exhibitions. Strong analytical skills, meticulous attention to detail, and excellent written and verbal communication are essential for success in this field. Being a Military Historian in the UK is a rewarding path for those passionate about understanding the past and its influence on the present. It demands a high level of academic rigour, typically requiring a postgraduate degree, such as an MA or PhD in History, Military History, or a related field. While academic positions are highly sought after and competitive, there are also opportunities within the heritage sector, contributing to the preservation and interpretation of military sites and artefacts. You might also find yourself working with documentary makers, publishing houses, or even in roles that inform policy analysis through historical context. The role requires a deep commitment to ongoing learning and an ability to critically engage with complex historical narratives.
For entry-level roles in academic or museum settings, starting salaries can range from 25,000 to 30,000 GBP per year, depending on the institution and specific role.
With significant experience, a military historian working in higher education (e.g., as a lecturer or senior researcher) could expect to earn between 35,000 and 55,000 GBP. Professorial positions can exceed 60,000 GBP.
While precise figures are hard to pinpoint due to the niche nature and varied employment sectors, academic and research roles for historians (including military historians) typically see a few hundred postings annually across UK universities, museums, and heritage organisations. Competition is often high.
An archivist collects, appraises, catalogues, and preserves historical records and documents for organisations like museums, universities, and government bodies. This role involves meticulous research and organisation, often specialising in military collections, making you a guardian of historical truth.
A curator specialising in military collections works in museums or heritage sites. Your role would involve researching, acquiring, and displaying artefacts related to military history. This could range from battlefield archaeology to uniform preservation, creating engaging exhibitions for the public.
A heritage consultant specialising in military sites advises organisations on the preservation, management, and interpretation of historical military locations, such as battlefields, barracks, or airfields. This involves fieldwork, historical research, and preparing reports to ensure these sites are protected and understood.
Start by pursuing an undergraduate degree in History, War Studies, or a related humanities subject at a reputable UK university.
Focus on developing strong research, analytical, and writing skills. While any history degree can be a starting point, specialising in a relevant field like 'War Studies' or 'International Relations' with a historical focus can be beneficial. Look for programmes that offer modules in military history, strategic studies, or specific historical periods of interest to you. Engage with your professors, attend seminars, and aim for a strong 2:1 or First-Class Honours degree, as this is often a prerequisite for postgraduate study.
Actively seek opportunities during your degree to hone your research methodologies and source analysis.
This involves more than just reading textbooks. Participate in research projects, write extended essays, and learn how to critically evaluate primary sources (e.g., historical documents, letters, maps, oral testimonies) and secondary sources (e.g., scholarly articles, books). Familiarise yourself with different historical methodologies, such as social history, cultural history, or diplomatic history, and consider how they apply to military contexts. Understanding historiography – the study of historical writing – is also crucial.
Join relevant student historical societies and read academic journals to immerse yourself in the field.
Becoming a member of societies like the Historical Association or even specific university history clubs can provide networking opportunities and access to lectures and events. Regularly read key academic journals such as 'The English Historical Review', 'Journal of Military History', or 'War in History' to stay abreast of current scholarship and understand the types of arguments and evidence used by professional historians. This helps you grasp the academic discourse and identify potential areas for your own research.
Pursue a Master's degree, ideally specialising in Military History, War Studies, or a closely related field.
An MA or MPhil is often a crucial step for a career as a military historian, especially if you aim for academia or advanced research roles. It allows you to delve deeper into a specific period, conflict, or theme. This is where you'll begin to develop your own original research project through a dissertation. Choose a programme with strong faculty expertise in your areas of interest. Your performance at this level is key for progressing to doctoral studies, which are often essential for academic positions.
Seek out opportunities to work with primary source materials in archives and special collections.
Practical experience with archival research is invaluable. This could involve visiting national archives (like The National Archives at Kew, or the Imperial War Museums archives), university special collections, or even international archives. Learning how to navigate catalogue systems, handle fragile documents, and extract relevant information efficiently is a core skill for any historian. Consider volunteering or interning at a museum, library, or heritage organisation to gain hands-on experience in cataloguing, preservation, and research assistance.
Identify and start exploring a specific area of military history that genuinely interests you and where you can make an original contribution.
While your MA dissertation will be a starting point, continually refine your research interests. This 'niche' could be a specific conflict, a particular military unit, a theme like logistics or propaganda, or the experience of a specific group within the military. A clear research niche makes you more attractive for PhD programmes, funding applications, and eventually, job opportunities. Attend academic conferences, present your research, and get feedback from established scholars to help solidify your area of expertise.
For most academic or senior research roles, a PhD in History or War Studies is typically required.
A PhD involves undertaking a substantial original research project, culminating in a thesis that makes a new contribution to knowledge. This is a rigorous process that typically takes 3-4 years full-time. During your PhD, you'll deepen your specialisation, publish your research in academic journals, present at conferences, and network extensively with other scholars. It also often involves teaching experience as a postgraduate teaching assistant, which is vital for academic career aspirations. Securing funding for your PhD is crucial, so research scholarships and grants thoroughly.
Actively seek opportunities to publish your research in academic journals, edited collections, or even as popular history articles.
Publication is paramount for career progression in history. Start by turning chapters of your MA dissertation or PhD thesis into journal articles. Peer-reviewed publications demonstrate your ability to conduct original research and contribute to scholarly discourse. Consider also writing for broader audiences, perhaps for historical magazines, museum blogs, or online platforms, to develop your public engagement skills and reach. Building a portfolio of published work is essential for securing academic positions or roles in heritage and public history.
Build a strong professional network and participate actively in the historical community.
Attend academic conferences, workshops, and seminars both in the UK and internationally. Engage with established historians, ask insightful questions, and introduce yourself. Join professional organisations like the Royal Historical Society or the British Commission for Military History. Volunteering for conference organisation or peer-reviewing for journals can also raise your profile. Building a network can lead to collaborations, job opportunities, and mentorship, which are all vital in a competitive field.
Responsible for managing and preserving historical documents and records, making them accessible for research, which is crucial for historians.
Selects, collects, researches, and presents artefacts and exhibitions, often specialising in specific historical periods or themes, such as military history.
Conducts in-depth research, publishes findings, and teaches at universities, often specialising in a particular historical field, similar to military historians in academia.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Military Historian. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
A Military Historian often possesses a deep understanding of military strategy, logistics, and campaigns, which aligns with the academic and operational knowledge expected of an Army officer, even if their role is primarily research-based rather than combat. While not a direct match, 'Army officer' is the closest role given the list, implying a connection to military expertise and possibly historical analysis within a military context.
You could get into this job through:
You can do a degree course before you apply for officer training although it's not essential.
Most subjects are acceptable.
You can also apply for an army officer internship before, during or after university. This gives you the chance to learn about the officer role and whether it's something you want to do.
You'll usually need:
You could work towards becoming an officer by doing a college course, for example in public services or A levels. You would then apply to the army for officer training.
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
You could start your army career by doing an HM Forces Serviceperson Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.
You would apply directly to the army to find the best apprenticeship route for you.
To do this apprenticeship, you'll need:
You can join the Army Reserve as a part-time officer to get some experience of what life is like in the regular army. You'll also learn new skills at the same time.
You'll need to:
If you're between 12 and 18 years old, you can join the Army Cadet Force.
You can apply directly for officer training.
You'll need to:
You'll also usually need a minimum of:
You'll be invited to talk to someone at your local army careers centre about the opportunities available. You'll then attend a 2-part assessment, which includes medical and fitness tests.
If you're accepted, you'll move onto formal officer training at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst in Surrey.
You'll find more information about becoming an army officer from Army Careers.
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