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

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 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.

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
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

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

You could work in an office or at a client's business.