What can I do with a degree in History?

Employers of Exeter alumni with a degree in History

History graduates from the University of Exeter have joined a wide range of employers. Some recent example include*:

*Graduate Outcomes data taken from full-time, first-degree students completing in 2017/18 to 2021/22.

Skills

An Exeter History degree will support you to develop a range of important specialist, technical, soft and transferable skills needed to succeed and thrive in your graduate career.

• Appreciate the different factors that influence the activities of groups and individuals in society.
• An understanding of key historical and political events that have shaped the world.
• Critical reasoning and analytical skills, exploring and learning with curiosity. Identify, analyse and interpret complex information drawn from a variety of sources.
• Prepare and present a coherent argument by selecting and ordering relevant evidence and communicating findings in a structured, with clarity and authority.
• Digital fluency: the ability to use digital tools and platforms, navigate key online platforms, critically evaluate online information, and effectively engage in online communication.
• Research: conduct qualitative and quantitative research using different tools, such as information and communications technology and sources, demonstrating intellectual rigour throughout.
• Innovative problem solving: formulating and advocating solutions and drawing independent conclusions.
• Teamwork: proactively collaborate, build authentic relationships, engage in groups, provide constructive feedback and positively influence group direction.
• Self-Motivation: independent taking of initiative, setting of goals, and perseverance in learning and solving challenging problems.
• Teamwork: effective collaboration within teams, sharing of knowledge, and contribution to achieving common goals.
• Time Management: prioritisation of tasks, efficient management of workloads, and deadlines.

Further Study

Around 32% of Exeter History graduates go on to pursue further study within 15 months of completing their undergraduate degree*.  Some recent routes include**:

• MA Archaeology
• Economic and Social history MPhil
• Graduate Diploma Law
• MA International Heritage Management
• MA English Literary Studies       
• MA History / History of Art / Global History / History and International Relations
• MA/MSc International Relations
• MA Medieval Studies/ MLitt Medieval History
• MPhil History
• MSc Empires, Colonialism and Globalisation
• MSc Social Research Methods
• MSc Sustainable Development
• MSc Theory and History of International Relations
• PGCE Secondary History & other subjects

Some went on to study degrees outside of the field including:

• MA Applied Security and Strategy
• MA Conflict, Security and Development
• MA Creative Arts in Education
• MA Broadcast Journalism
• MA Journalism
• MA Publishing
• Masters in Public Administration
• MSc Applied Data Science and Statistics
• MSc Development Management
• MSc Environment Politics and Development
• MSc European and Global, Political Science and Government
• MSc Global Energy and Climate Policy
• MSc Global Governance
• MSc International Business
• MSc International Human Resource Management
• MSc Management
• MSc Psychology
• PGCE Primary

Useful resources:

• Find a Masters
• Masters Compare
• Masters Portal
• Prospects
• University of Exeter PG Study

*Graduate Outcomes data taken from full-time, first-degree students completing in 2017/18 to 2021/22.

**Individual course names were taken from the University of Exeter's Career Destination survey (2017/18 to 2022/23) for full-time, first-degree students.