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Archivist
Curator, records manager, archives officer
Archivists preserve and manage historical and cultural records. They also make collections available to researchers and the public.
Average salary (a year)
£23000
Starter
£45000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
38.0 to 40.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
between 8am and 6pm
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a university course; an apprenticeship
University
You'll usually need a degree and postgraduate training to do this job. Most degree subjects are accepted for postgraduate study, but you may find it useful to take a degree like
history, museum studies, information science, languages, law
After you complete your degree, you can do a postgraduate qualification in archives and records management recognised by the Archives & Records Association (ARA).
It's very important to get some work experience with record collections, which will help when you apply for a postgraduate course.
Contact organisations that hold archives to find work experience opportunities.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course
Apprenticeship
You could apply for a place on an Archivist and Records Manager Level 7 Apprenticeship.
This usually takes 3 years to complete as a mix of learning in the workplace and study with an approved university.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
    Volunteering
    Volunteering in archives or records will help when you apply for courses and jobs.
    It's also a great way to find out if a career as an archivist is for you.
    More Information
    Professional And Industry Bodies
    You can join the Archives & Records Association and get access to industry news, professional development courses and networking events.
    The IRMS offers events, resources and the opportunity to apply for accreditation once you have several years' experience in the role.
    Further Information
    You can find more details about careers and training in archives from the Archives & Records Association.
    What it takes
    Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
    Skills and knowledge
    You'll need:
      To be thorough and pay attention to detail
      An interest and knowledge of history
      Analytical thinking skills
      Administration skills
      The ability to use your initiative
      Customer service skills
      The ability to work well with others
      Concentration skills
    Digital Skills Level
    to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
    What you will do
    Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
    Day to day tasks
    As an archivist, you could
    use archive management software to date, catalogue and index materials, store materials correctly and keep them in good condition, work with specialists like conservators to preserve collections, create and set up processes to digitise records and materials, help individuals and organisations use the archives, give talks and organise presentations, displays and exhibitions, negotiate the buying or donation of archive material
    Working environment
    You could work in an office or at a client's business.
    Career Path & Progression
    Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
    With experience, you could work with large and prestigious collections held by national archives and museums, businesses, church foundations and charities.
    You could also take on particular responsibilities, such as
    team management, supervising archivists and assistants, dealing with funding bids and advising on strategy and planning, specialist research, handling the legal requirements around record keeping
    Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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