Your degree in Medieval Studies

Skills you’ll develop

During your Medieval Studies degree, you’ll learn about medieval and early modern societies around the world, to understand how the past shapes the present. You’ll also acquire multidisciplinary skills to support your career in a global world after UBC.

These skills may include:

  • Learning and applying interdisciplinary approaches to analyze evidence, including primary and secondary sources
  • Explaining how the study and engagement of the past and present demands interdisciplinary training 
  • Critically thinking about and analyzing concepts related to global societies during the medieval and early modern periods
  • Applying problem-solving to key issues in the study of global societies
  • Engaging research methods to find and draw connections between various types of textual, material, visual, and oral evidence to reconstruct narratives of past events, developments, and human societies
  • Writing clearly and in a way that demonstrates a well-structured communication style and an appreciation of the values and beliefs of past societies
  • Communicating and presenting interpretations of evidence to public, non-specialist audiences and explaining the enduring relevance of the past to the present day, such as through themes of medievalisms, (mis)appropriations of the past, and cultural heritage

Explore career possibilities

Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including museums, libraries, education, publishing, communications, cultural and non-profit organizations, tourism, and government work.

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 or 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 or Information consultant
  • Museum administrator
  • Museum educator
  • Records technician
  • Research assistant
  • Restoration technician
  • Student services advisor
  • Teacher or Professor
  • Tourism industry consultant
  • Technical writer
  • Trade officer
  • Translator

Make the most of your program

Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities, develop your skillset, and help you clarify your values and interests.

  • UBC Medieval Studies Program
    Stay up to date with current course offerings, internal and external opportunities for students, or review current program requirements for majors and minors.
  • UBC Medieval Studies Program Instagram
    Stay up to date with current program events, upcoming courses, and other medieval and early modern studies-related opportunities on social media.
  • Departmental research opportunities
    Check out current research and short-term employment opportunities at the Medieval Studies program website or reach out directly to affiliated faculty members to ask about potential opportunities.
  • Medieval Academy Blog
    Browse resources and job opportunities for medievalists.
  • University of Toronto medieval resources
    Engage with your interests in medieval languages, manuscripts, and fine art through specialised libraries and archives.

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.

Connect with alumni

Learn about possible career paths by browsing alumni stories or viewing the profiles of UBC Medieval Studies graduates on LinkedIn.

As you read, take note of interesting job titles, organizations, and experiences you may want to explore. If a particular story or profile aligns with your goals, consider reaching out for an informational interview.

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.