Historian Legal, Social & Cultural Professionals
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Historians research, analyze, interpret, and present the past of human societies. They analyse documents, sources, and traces from the past in order to understand the past societies.
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Where Do I Start?
Scientific Research Methodology
The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a Historian
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialScientific Research Methodology knowledge
The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialPeriodisation knowledge
The categorisation of the past into defined blocks of time, called time periods, in order to make researching history easier.
Recommended Books
3 booksDividing Time -
EssentialHistory knowledge
The discipline that studies, analyses, and presents the events of the past related to humans.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialSource Criticism knowledge
Process of classifying various informational sources into different categories such as historical and non-historical, or primary and secondary, and evaluating those sources on the basis of their content, material features, …
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialHistorical Methods knowledge
The methods, techniques, and guidelines that historians follow when researching the past and writing history, such as the use of primary sources.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialApply Scientific Methods skill
Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialConsult Information Sources skill
Consult relevant information sources to find inspiration, to educate yourself on certain topics and to acquire background information.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialDo Historical Research skill
Use scientific methods to research history and culture.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPerform Scientific Research skill
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialWrite Scientific Papers skill
Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialResearch The Past In Recorded Sources skill
Analyse recorded sources such as government records, newspapers, biographies, and letters in order to uncover and interpret the past.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of {{ profession.optional_skills|length }} displayed)
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OptionalCultural History knowledge
Field that combines historical and anthropological approaches for recording and studying past customs, arts, and manners of a group of people taking into account their political, cultural, and social milieu.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalMuseum Databases knowledge
The tools and processes involved in working with museum databases.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalArchaeology knowledge
The study of the recovery and examination of material culture left behind from human activity in the past.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalArt History knowledge
The history of art and artists, the artistic trends throughout centuries and their contemporary evolutions.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalConservation Techniques knowledge
The procedures, instruments, techniques, materials and chemicals used in conservation and archiving.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalArchive Documentation Related To The Work skill
Select relevant documentation related to the ongoing or complete work and take steps to archive it in a way that ensures its future accessibility.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAssess Conservation Needs skill
Assess and list the needs for conservation/restoration, in relation to current use and planned future use.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalConduct Public Presentations skill
Speak in public and interact with those present. Prepare notices, plans, charts, and other information to support the presentation.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDevelop Scientific Theories skill
Formulate scientific theories based on empirical observations, gathered data and theories of other scientists.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDocument Interviews skill
Record, write, and capture answers and information collected during interviews for processing and analysis using shorthand or technical equipment.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalInterview People skill
Interview people in a range of different circumstances.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalManage Digital Archives skill
Create and maintain computer archives and databases, incorporating latest developments in electronic information storage technology.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalProvide Technical Expertise skill
Provide expert knowledge in a particular field, especially concerning mechanical or scientific subjects, to decision makers, engineers, technical staff or journalists.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalProvide Tourism Related Information skill
Give customers relevant information about historical and cultural locations and events while conveying this information in an entertaining and informative manner.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalWrite Research Proposals skill
Synthetise and write proposals aiming to solve research problems. Draft the proposal baseline and objectives, the estimated budget, risks and impact. Document the advances and new developments on the relevant …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAdvise On Historical Context skill
Advise on the historical context of a production, including historical facts, and contemporary styles.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCompile Library Lists skill
Compile exhaustive lists of books, magazines, periodicals, articles, and audio-visual materials on particular subjects.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalConsult Iconographic Sources skill
The branch of history that analyses images in order to describe past societies, customs, and cultural movements.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCreate Collection Conservation Plan skill
Create a comprehensive, high-level overview conservation plan for the collection.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDetermine Authorship Of Documents skill
Determine the author of a document by comparing signatures and handwriting through handwriting analysis.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalEscort Visitors To Places Of Interest skill
Bring tourists to places of interest such as museums, exhibitions, theme parks or art galleries.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalMaintain Museum Records skill
Keep museum records current and in conformity with museum standards.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalManage Tourist Groups skill
Monitor and guide tourists ensuring positive group dynamics and address areas of conflict and concern where they occur.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalReconstruct Modified Documents skill
Decipher and reconstruct the content of modified or partially destroyed documents.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalSearch Historical Sources In Archives skill
Search archives in order to find the sources needed for historical research.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalStudy A Collection skill
Research and trace the origins and the historical significance of collections and archive content.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalSupervise Projects For The Conservation Of Heritage Buildings skill
Supervise protection and restoration projects of cultural heritage. Use own expertise to make sure the project runs smoothly.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalTeach History skill
Instruct students in the theory and practice of history and historical research, and more specifically in topics such as history of the Middle Ages, research methods, and source criticism.
Course recommendations coming soon.