Researcher

Work activities would include: advising clients on the nature of the research required, sourcing materials and documents through detailed archival searches and collating your findings.

Clients of historical researchers can be academics, students, authors and journalists, as well as members of the public interested in researching their family or local history.

The length of research undertaken can vary from a day or two to a number of months.

Many art historians work on a freelance basis as independent researchers and charge clients by the hour.

Others are employed by arts agencies and associations who offer specialist services.

Although this work is open to all graduates, the following subjects may increase your chances: literary studies; English; history; information science/management; modern European languages; modern non-European languages; computing science.

Significant pre-entry paid or voluntary work experience is expected and often required before commencing a postgraduate course.

Potential candidates will need to show a genuine interest in art history and good computing and IT skills and an interest in applying new technology to archival practice.

Short courses in areas such as paleography and historical research are available through the Institute of Historical Research (IHR). The Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies offers a number of training programmes.

The National Archives maintains a list of independent historical researchers and their specialisms.