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Royal Historian

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Being a Royal Historian isnt a job you just apply for in the newspaper! Its more like a very special kind of historian who focuses all their energy on studying and writing about the British Royal Family, its history, and its impact on the country. They might research old documents, letters, and even objects to understand how kings, queens, and their families lived, what decisions they made, and how they influenced Britain through the centuries. Their work helps us understand our past and how it shaped the present. This role often involves deep research in archives like the National Archives or the Royal Archives at Windsor Castle, analysing old records, and sometimes even interviewing people. They might write books, articles, or even help create exhibitions for museums. Its all about telling accurate and fascinating stories about royal history, from ancient monarchs to the present day. You need to be really good at digging for facts, understanding context, and writing clearly to share your discoveries with others.

Royal Historian

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📊 Statistics

Typical Salary Range

There isnt a specific job title just for 'Royal Historian' in the UK. Historians working in related fields (like academic researchers, museum curators, or archivists) might earn between 25,000 and 45,000 pounds per year as they gain experience. Very senior or specialized historians could earn more.

Number of Positions

Specific roles titled 'Royal Historian' are very rare and often honorary or project-based. However, there are many roles for historians in the UK in universities, museums, archives, and heritage organisations. Overall, the number of dedicated historian roles is quite small, making it a competitive field.

Required Education

To become a professional historian, you would typically need a university degree in History, usually followed by a Masters (MA) and often a PhD (Doctorate) if you want to work in academia or highly specialised research. This means many years of study after school.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Archivist

An archivist looks after old documents, maps, and photographs, making sure they are kept safe and organised for people to learn from in the future. They might work in a castle, museum or special library.

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Curator

A curator works in a museum or art gallery, choosing which historical objects to display and writing descriptions to tell people about them. They help tell stories from the past through the items people can see.

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Heritage Manager

A heritage manager helps look after historic buildings, sites, or even whole towns. They make sure these places are preserved for everyone to enjoy and learn from, often working for organisations like the National Trust.

Build Your Love for History

Read All About It

Dive into books, documentaries, and websites about British history, especially royalty. The more you read, the more you'll discover what excites you!

Start with engaging non-fiction books designed for young readers about famous kings and queens, historical events like the Tudor period or the Victorian era, and the history of royal palaces. Websites like Historic Royal Palaces or the Royal Family's official site can offer great insights and fun facts. Watch historical documentaries and dramas, but always remember to question and check the facts presented.

Visit Historical Places

Go to castles, palaces, and museums. Seeing where history happened makes it much more real and exciting!

Explore iconic UK sites such as the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Windsor Castle, or Edinburgh Castle. Many museums, like the British Museum or the National Museum of Scotland, have incredible collections related to royal history. Pay attention to the stories behind the artefacts and imagine what life was like for the people who lived and worked there hundreds of years ago.

Start Your Own Research Project

Pick a historical figure or event you find fascinating and try to learn everything you can about it.

This could be a project for school, or just something you do for fun! Maybe you've always wondered about a particular queen, or what happened during a specific historical battle involving royalty. Try to find different sources of information and see if they agree. This is a mini version of what a real historian does!

Get Serious About Your Studies

Choose Relevant Subjects at GCSEs

When you choose your GCSEs, make sure to pick subjects that will help you learn more about history and research skills.

History is the most obvious choice, as it provides a strong foundation in historical periods and analytical skills. English Language and Literature are also very important for developing strong writing and communication skills, which you'll need to share your research. Other subjects like Latin, Modern Foreign Languages, or even Geography can sometimes be helpful for understanding different cultures and historical contexts.

Study History at A-Level

Continue your history journey by taking History at A-Level, where you'll learn to analyse information in more detail.

A-Level History will teach you how to critically evaluate different sources, understand different interpretations of the past, and write detailed essays. These are essential skills for any historian. You'll also learn more about specific periods and themes in history, which can help you narrow down your interests even further. Consider combining it with subjects like English, Politics, or a Modern Language.

Go to University for History

The best way to become a Royal Historian is usually by studying History at university, often at a Russell Group university.

A degree in History (BA Hons) is the standard pathway. Look for universities with strong History departments and research interests in royal history or specific historical periods you're passionate about. During your degree, you'll delve deep into various historical topics, learn advanced research methods, and develop your critical thinking and writing skills to a very high level. Some universities also offer joint honours degrees that combine History with subjects like English, Archaeology, or Politics.

Gain Experience & Specialise

Pursue Postgraduate Study

After your first degree, many Royal Historians go on to do a Master's (MA) and often a PhD, focusing on a specific area of royal history.

A Master's degree allows you to specialise in a particular period or aspect of royal history, like 'Tudor Queens' or 'Stuart Monarchy'. A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is a research degree where you conduct original research and write a long thesis on a very specific topic, often making a new contribution to historical knowledge. This level of specialisation is usually required for academic positions or roles with prestigious historical organisations. You'll work closely with expert supervisors during this time.

Volunteer or Intern at Relevant Organisations

Get hands-on experience by volunteering or interning at places like royal palaces, archives, or museums.

Organisations such as Historic Royal Palaces, the National Archives, or local historical societies often have volunteer or internship opportunities. This experience is invaluable for understanding how historical research is done in practice, working with primary sources (like old letters and documents), and networking with established historians and curators. It also shows potential employers your dedication and practical skills.

Build Your Reputation and Network

Share your research, attend historical conferences, and connect with other historians to make a name for yourself.

Start by presenting your research at student conferences, then aim for national or international history conferences. Publishing articles in historical journals, even student journals at first, is a great way to get your work noticed. Join historical associations, follow prominent historians, and use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with people in the field. Networking is key to hearing about opportunities and collaborating with others.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Royal Historian. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.

Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.

Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.

These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!

Sample Qualifications

The role of a Royal Historian involves extensive research, analysis of historical documents, and often the preservation and interpretation of records, which aligns most closely with the scientific and investigative aspects found in a 'Biomedical scientist' from the given list, as other options are entirely unrelated military or animal care roles.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You can study for a biomedical science degree.

Your course should be accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Laboratory work experience

To work as a biomedical scientist, you must register with the HCPC. To register you'll need to have completed work experience in an accredited laboratory.

Some degree courses include work placements. If your chosen course does not include accredited work experience, you'll need to find a laboratory placement. You could do this during a sandwich year or after you have finished your degree.

Armed forces degree sponsorships

If you're interested in becoming a biomedical scientist in the armed forces, you can find out about degree sponsorships from the:

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
  • 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology and chemistry

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Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Biomedical Scientist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, if you're working in the health service or in a research lab facility.

This apprenticeship takes around 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

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Work

You may be able to get into biomedical science as an NHS trainee.

You'll need at least 2 A levels in science subjects or an equivalent qualification, like a Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science.

Places are sponsored by NHS employers and you'll study for an accredited biomedical degree while you work.

Other Routes

You could apply to join the NHS Practitioner Training Programme if you're working in the health service.

On this programme you'll complete an IBMS accredited degree in healthcare science, known as life science.

If you're working at the level of a biomedical scientist but not registered with the HCPC, you may be eligible to start the process of having your experience, competence and knowledge assessed by the IBMS. If the assessment is successful, you will be awarded a Certificate of Competence by Equivalence.

Once you have this, you can apply for registration as a biomedical scientist with the HCPC.

More Information

Registration

Career tips

When you apply for NHS jobs and training, you'll be expected to have an understanding of how NHS values apply in your work.

Further information

You can find more advice on becoming a biomedical scientist from the Institute of Biomedical Science and Health Careers.

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