Heritage Officer

To become a Heritage Officer, you’ll typically need a relevant degree in heritage management, archaeology, history, or a related field. However, specific subjects and skills can help you prepare for a career in heritage management and gain admission to relevant degree programs. Here are some recommended subjects and skills:

1. History: history coursework can provide you with a foundational understanding of historical events, research methods, and the importance of preserving heritage.
2. English Language and Literature: Strong reading, writing, and communication skills are essential for documenting and presenting historical and cultural information.
3. Mathematics: While not directly related to heritage management, math skills are generally important for data analysis and budgeting, which can be relevant in this field.
4. Geography: Geography can be useful for understanding the geographic context of historical sites and cultural heritage.
5. Science: Depending on your specific interests within heritage management, knowledge of subjects like biology, chemistry, or geology may be beneficial.
6. ICT (Information and Communication Technology): Proficiency in using computers and software for research, data management, and presentation is important.
7. Foreign Languages: If you plan to work in an international context or with diverse cultural groups, learning foreign languages can be an asset.

Post School

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University
There are lots of subjects that can be useful for a career in heritage. Examples include:

• history
• geography
• cultural heritage studies
• building conservation
• architecture
• archaeology
• Earth or natural sciences

A postgraduate qualification can give you an advantage when you’re looking for jobs. You could study subjects like:

• heritage management
• historic conservation

As well as a degree you’ll also need relevant work experience in the heritage sector. It’s important to look for internships and work experience opportunities while you study. Many people get into paid roles through volunteering at first.

Apprenticeship
You can start out by doing a historic environment advice assistant higher apprenticeship.

In the UK, English Heritage, Historic England and the National Trust are developing this route as an alternative to going to university. You would start off as a heritage trainee or technician.

You may also gain relevant skills from an Archivist and records manager degree apprenticeship.

Work
You may be able to move into heritage officer work if you have relevant skills or experience in other professions. For example:

• construction project management
• local authority planning
• building surveying

Volunteering
Work experience and volunteering are really important for getting into this type of work. You can look for opportunities in the UK with organisations like:

• English Heritage
• Historic England
• National Trust
• The Heritage Alliance

You could try your local council as they may own historic buildings or sites. There may be opportunities in departments, such as planning or regeneration, where you could get useful experience.

In the UK, you can also search for private companies in the heritage sector through the Historic Environment Provider Service Recognition scheme. Some organisations have internship programmes to encourage people from black and minority ethnic communities to think about a career in heritage. For example Historic England summer placements.

Direct Application
You may be able to apply directly if you’ve got several years’ experience in a related industry like civil engineering, construction management, planning or conservation.