5 Misconceptions About Studying History

Thinking of studying History at university? Chances are, if you have been considering it, a sea of misconceptions have already come your way.

The moment you mentioned your proposed degree to friends and family, you no doubt received a barrage of well-meaning but unhelpful advice.

There is a myth that any arts degree will lead to a misery of unemployment or a narrow field of low-paid work. For someone just starting out on their employment journey, this vision can be hugely off-putting. Even if you persuade that well-intentioned family member that you are not in it for the money, the misinterpretations do not stop there.

Many people think history is boring. It might be that they had a bad experience in high school or have been put off by old-fashioned stodgy scholarship. Whatever their reasoning, a negative opinion from someone you trust can really put the brakes on your university strategy.

Before you give up on the study of the past entirely, take a look through these 5 Misconceptions About Studying History.

You Have To Become a Teacher

The pervasive idea that graduates of history can only look forward to a life spent in the classroom is not true.

While teaching is a perfectly worthy way to utilise your historical education, it is far from the only path open to you. According to THE, famous graduates of history include journalist Louis Theroux, ex-Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and actor Edward Norton.

The study of history sharpens up transferable skills which can point to the most varied of career paths. History graduates have pursued careers in academia, research, civil service, journalism, business, PR, marketing, and more.

History is also seen as one of the best preparations for a career in politics. Once again, this is not the only use for your degree but it shows how applicable the study of the past can be to our world today.

It’s Names and Dates

“History is boring. It is learning unconnected facts and dry dates. It isn’t relevant.”

No doubt, you have heard some of these damaging comments from friends or family when revealing that you are thinking about studying History.

Interestingly, all these misunderstandings actually come under one umbrella misconception: that there is one single concept of ‘history.’

Undeniably, there are historical facts. Yet, facts are just the skeleton on which the study of history rests. History is all about interpretation and analysis. Historians take these facts and use them as evidence to recreate and examine the past.

There is no right and wrong with history. If there were, we would have been done with this history thing a long time ago. Instead, we are still debating, analysing and learning.

It’s Theoretical

The image of history as a dry subject taught through dusty textbooks is one most prospective graduates will encounter. Not only is this misconception harmful but it is entirely untrue. History will teach you a range of real-world skills.

History is all about communicating ideas. Studying history can shape your ability to present your opinion both in writing and in presentations. You will learn to think critically about a problem and form your own interpretation from the facts. What could be more applicable to the working world?

Never underestimate how much the past influences the present. You will have the whole scope of human history from which to learn life lessons.

There Will Be No Exams

Studying an arts degree compared to a sciences degree nets you less contact hours and less exams.

There is a preconception that these vital statistics make the subject less worthwhile, less difficult.

Remember, education is not a competition. Within each type of degree, each individual subject is taught differently with different skills tested in different ways.

It is true that humanities subjects are weighted towards essays. By its very nature as an analytical subject, the skills you are nurturing involve proving you can present an argument articulately and this is easier to prove in a long piece of written work than ticking boxes in an exam.

However, there will be exams. This misconception needs to be completely erased if you want to study history.

An arts subject is not the easy path to graduation.

You Will End Up Unemployed

With 58.9% of History graduates employed, 21.8% in further study, and only 5.9% unemployed, the data does not back up the myth that the degree will not lead to a job.

The types of role that graduates go into are also varied. Prospects report a long list of possible sectors, as well as common employers which include: accountancy firms, banks, higher education institutions, law firms, and publishing companies.

The future after completing a History degree can be as varied as the degree itself.

Do not be put off by misconceptions. Do your research and you will conclude that a History degree might be the right choice.

Cat Dennis is a history graduate living and writing in Canterbury. For more, visit Cat’s blog.

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