Skills you’ll develop
During your Medieval Studies degree, you’ll learn how to critically evaluate representations of the medieval and pre-modern world that are present in our world today and address ingrained misconceptions of this period in history. You’ll develop important skills while studying art, music, literature, history, and society.
These skills may include:
- Critically thinking about and analyzing concepts related to the medieval period
- Applying problem-solving to the examination of civilizations as a whole in both unity and diversity
- Researching to find and connect various types of textual, archaeological, and visual evidence to reconstruct stories of past events and cultures
- Attending to detail used in the analysis and presentation of evidence
- Interpreting primary and secondary sources based on available evidence
- Writing clearly, and in a way that demonstrates a well-structured communication style and an appreciation of the attitudes and beliefs of past cultures
- Persuasive public speaking and reasoning that draw upon an understanding of the historical development and cultural aspects of the medieval period
Explore career possibilities
Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including museums, libraries, education, publishing, communications, cultural and non-profit organizations, tourism, government, and others.
There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas.
Visit the Job Bank Canada website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field. Some career options may require further education or training.
- Archivist
- Auctioneer
- Biographer
- Charitable organization director
- Collections manager
- Communications specialist
- Community development worker
- Community programs director
- Copywriter
- Cultural anthropologist
- Curator
- Customs broker
- Documentarian/Filmmaker
- Editor
- Education policy analyst
- Event planner
- Foreign service officer
- Fundraiser
- Genealogist
- Heritage interpreter
- Historian
- Human resources specialist
- Interpreter
- Journalist
- Language school instructor
- Lawyer
- Librarian
- Literacy program coordinator
- Literary agent
- Marketing specialist
- Media/Information consultant
- Museum administrator
- Museum educator
- Records technician
- Research assistant
- Restoration technician
- Student services advisor
- Teacher/Professor
- Tourism industry consultant
- Technical writer
- Trade officer
- Translator
Make the most of your program
Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities and help you understand your values and interests.
- UBC Medieval Studies Workshop
Network with UBC students, faculty, and scholars from around the world at this annual meeting. - Departmental research opportunities
Reach out directly to faculty members to ask about potential research positions. - Medieval Academy Blog
Browse resources and job opportunities for medievalists. - UBC medieval resources
Dive into topics including research, art, music, architecture, literature, philosophy, religion, and others. - University of Toronto medieval resources
Engage with your interests in medieval languages, manuscripts, and fine art.
Build your network
Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.
The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.
- American Academy of Religion
- Association of Canadian Archivists
- Association of Canadian College and University Teachers of English
- Canadian Association of Professional Conservators
- Canadian Museums Association
- Canadian Public Relations Society
- Canadian Research Knowledge Network
- Canadian Society for the Study of Religion
- Canadian Society of Medievalists
- Classical Association of Canada
- Cultural Human Resources Council
- Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences
- International Medieval Society
- International Society of Medieval Canon Law
- Medieval Academy of America
- Medieval Association of the Pacific
- Medieval Chronicle
- Social Sciences and Humanities Council of Canada
- Society for Classical Studies
Connect with alumni on LinkedIn
Find UBC Medieval Studies graduates on LinkedIn to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths.
More information
Throughout your Arts degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Arts degree.