Planning a Career in Museum Curating: History vs. Archaeology

If you are passionate about museums and aspire to become a museum curator, the question of which undergraduate degree to pursue can be quite daunting. With options such as history and archaeology available, it is essential to choose a path that aligns with your interests and career goals. Let’s explore the benefits of each and consider the broader context of career opportunities in the museum field.

The Value of a History Degree

Studying history equips you with a deep understanding of the past, its complexities, and the various cultures, societies, and historical events that have shaped the world. A degree in history provides a broad foundation that encompasses a wide range of topics, from medieval Europe to contemporary global issues. This diverse knowledge base can be highly valuable in a museum setting, as curators often need to integrate these various historical perspectives and narratives.

Why a History Degree is Beneficial

Broader Historical Context: A history degree offers a comprehensive understanding of timelines, periods, and interdisciplinary connections. This can be crucial when creating exhibits that connect different historical events and periods.

Critical Thinking and Research Skills: History programs emphasize analytical and research skills, which are indispensable for a museum curator. Curators must synthesize information from diverse sources to create accurate and engaging narratives.

Interdisciplinary Knowledge: A history degree often includes courses in related fields such as anthropology, sociology, and art history. This interdisciplinary approach can enhance your ability to create rich and multifaceted exhibits.

Furthermore, many history programs include internships or case studies that allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. These experiences can be invaluable for gaining practical skills and networking within the museum community.

The Strengths of an Archaeology Degree

On the other hand, studying archaeology provides a more focused look into the physical evidence of past human activities. This field emphasizes hands-on fieldwork, excavation, and the analysis of artifacts and structures. Archaeologists often work in the field, uncovering and documenting evidence of past cultures, which is a skill set that can be highly relevant to a museum curator role.

Why an Archaeology Degree is Beneficial

Field Experience: Archaeology degrees offer extensive fieldwork opportunities. Excavation and artifact analysis are key skills that you can bring to your role as a museum curator, especially if the museum deals with ancient or archaeological collections.

Laboratory Skills: Well-rounded archaeology degrees include laboratory courses where you learn to preserve, clean, and analyze artifacts. These skills are critical for managing and maintaining museum collections.

Site Management: Museums often house and curate archaeological finds. A background in archaeology can prepare you to manage these collections effectively and work closely with other professionals in the field.

In summary, an archaeology degree provides specific expertise in handling and preserving artifacts, which can be particularly useful for roles that focus on managing and showcasing archaeological collections in museums.

Leicester University’s Online Museum Studies Course

For those who cannot commit to a traditional course, Leicester University offers an excellent online museum studies program. This course is designed to provide a flexible and versatile learning experience, covering a wide range of topics related to museum management and curation. By pursuing an online degree, you can further your education without disrupting your current life and commitments.

The Leicester University online course includes:

Core Modules: Explore the fundamentals of museum curation, collection management, and public engagement.

Elective Modules: Choose from a variety of specialized topics, such as conservation, exhibition planning, and cultural heritage.

Case Studies: Learn from real-world examples and case studies that showcase successful museum practices.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals from the museum community, both locally and internationally.

This program is ideal for students who want to enhance their knowledge and skills in a flexible and remote format. It provides a practical and applicable education that can significantly boost your career prospects.

Consider Your Surroundings and Career Readiness

No matter which degree you choose, it is important to consider the specific needs of the local museum industry in your area. If there is a stronger demand for archaeology-related positions in museums, pursuing an archaeology degree can give you a competitive edge. Alternatively, if history is more in demand, a history degree might be more aligned with your job prospects.

Additionally, be prepared to travel if you want to gain experience and broaden your knowledge. Many university programs require fieldwork or internships that may take you away from your hometown. Being open to travel can enhance your educational experience and expose you to diverse museum environments.

By carefully considering your educational goals and the local job market, you can make an informed decision that will set you up for success in the competitive field of museum curation.