Scope of MA in History: Top 10 Ranking Jobs For Freshers & Experienced

Did You Know? An MA in History can lead to high-paying roles beyond academia! One such role is a Political Risk Analyst, where you evaluate how historical, political, and social trends affect global markets and investments. In India, Political Risk Analysts can earn 4.8L annually, with top professionals in major firms or think tanks earning even more.

An MA in History is crucial for job roles that require connecting past events to today’s world. For example, understanding colonial history can shed light on modern global inequalities and international conflicts. 

In 2025, as debates on race, borders, and identity grow, historical insight is crucial. It’s a strong foundation for careers in market research, journalism, public policy, or cultural work, fields that value deep analysis and a well-informed perspective on current events.

In this blog, you’ll learn the scope of MA in History in 2025, the real-world skills it builds, and how it can lead to meaningful careers beyond the classroom.

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What is the Scope of MA in History? A Simple Guide and expertise required for leadership roles

In India, the scope of an MA in History is expanding, with opportunities in fields like education, research, museums, government, and media. The ability to analyze historical trends and their impact on the present is highly valued in today’s world.

 

Here are some key reasons underscoring the scope of MA in History:

• Develop strong research and analytical skills.
• Gain expertise in historical events and their implications.
• Open career opportunities in teaching, research, and public history.
• Contribute to preserving cultural heritage and influencing policy.
• Access diverse jobs for MA History graduates in media, museums, and government.

In 2025, professionals with leadership and management skills will be in high demand. If you're looking to develop these skills and explore of scope of MA in History, here are some top-rated courses to help you get there:

• DBA in Digital Leadership
• Advanced General Management Program
• Professional Certificate Program in Business Analytics & Consulting

What are the Top 10 Career Opportunities after an MA in History

The scope of MA in History is vast, with a wide range of career options in various industries. History graduates possess valuable skills in research, analysis, and communication, which are essential in many fields. Whether you're interested in teaching, preserving cultural heritage, or shaping public policy, there are numerous MA in history jobs to explore.

History graduates can find fulfilling work in sectors like academia, research, cultural institutions (such as museums and archives), media, and government. With the ability to interpret historical events and trends, they can contribute to education, cultural preservation, media storytelling, and policy-making.

 

Here are the top MA History jobs in India, along with their average annual salaries:

Career	Average Annual Salary (INR)
Content Writer	INR 3.7L
Historian	INR 4.6L
Research Analyst	INR 5L
History Professor	INR 7L
Cultural Heritage Manager	INR 8.6L
Policy Analyst	INR 9L
Archivist	INR 10L
Museum Curator	INR 12L

Note: The salaries mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary depending on the location, experience, and employer.

Here’s a more in-depth version of the 10 career paths that highlight the scope of MA in History:

1. Content Writer

Content writers with a history background bring accuracy, context, and narrative depth to articles, educational materials, and branded content. They may write for publishing houses, edtech companies, heritage brands, or digital platforms that require fact-based, story-driven content.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough historical research tailored to the target audience.
• Write clear, engaging copy for blogs, educational portals, or video scripts.
• Adapt historical narratives for SEO-driven digital platforms or pedagogical objectives.

Example: A content writer at a EdTech firm writes K-12 history modules using storytelling techniques, while another at Live History India develops feature articles on regional heritage and forgotten figures.

2. Historian

Historians specialize in analyzing and interpreting the past using archival research, fieldwork, and historiographical methods. They contribute to public understanding of the past, write academic books, or provide historical insight to institutions and media.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct primary research using sources like manuscripts, oral history, and archival material.
• Write papers, monographs, or public history articles.
• Contribute to historical preservation projects or policy research.

Example: Dr. Ruchika Sharma, a PhD in medieval Indian history, frequently appears on media platforms like Netflix documentaries or Instagram to bring academic history into public discourse.

3. Research Analyst

History graduates in research roles use their ability to analyze patterns and events over time to offer insights into policy, economics, or society. Their critical approach helps interpret long-term impacts of historical decisions in present-day contexts.

Responsibilities:

• Analyze historical data to inform modern trends or strategic decisions.
• Write policy briefs or think tank reports with contextual grounding.
• Assist with designing qualitative research projects.

Example: A research analyst at the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) examines how colonial land tenure systems affect modern rural governance structures in India.

4. History Professor

Professors teach at colleges or universities, mentor students, and contribute to scholarly research. They play a key role in shaping how the next generation understands and questions the past.

Responsibilities:

• Teach undergraduate or postgraduate courses in thematic or regional history.
• Supervise student dissertations and research papers.
• Conduct original research and publish in peer-reviewed journals.

Example: A professor at Ambedkar University Delhi teaches gender in South Asian history while also collaborating with NGOs on curriculum design for marginalised communities.

5. Cultural Heritage Manager

These professionals oversee the documentation, preservation, and promotion of tangible and intangible heritage. They often coordinate between government bodies, NGOs, local communities, and international organizations.

Responsibilities:

• Lead heritage conservation projects and audits.
• Develop educational programs and exhibitions.
• Advocate for community-led conservation practices.

Example: Working with INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) to restore an 18th-century temple while documenting oral traditions associated with it.

6. Policy Analyst

History graduates bring deep analytical and contextual insight into social, cultural, and international policy. Their ability to trace roots of contemporary issues helps inform equitable and historically sensitive policies.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct contextual research to advise public policy proposals.
• Analyze historical policy decisions and their long-term outcomes.
• Present findings in concise, accessible policy briefs.

Example: A policy analyst at the UNESCO India Office helps design educational reforms by reviewing historical disparities in curriculum development.

7. Archivist

Archivists manage and preserve collections of rare documents, photographs, manuscripts, and digital records. They ensure accessibility while safeguarding authenticity and cultural value.

Responsibilities:

• Restore, catalogue, and digitize historical documents.
• Implement archival standards and digital database systems.
• Facilitate access for researchers and the public.

Example: A graduate at the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library oversees digitization of letters from the Independence movement for public access.

8. Museum Curator

Curators develop and manage exhibitions, interpret historical objects, and enhance visitor engagement. They collaborate with academics, artists, and cultural institutions to tell compelling stories through displays.

Responsibilities:

• Select and organize artifacts for thematic exhibits.
• Research and write exhibition catalogues and panels.
• Develop educational outreach and interactive tours.

Example: A museum curator at the Partition Museum in Amritsar curates immersive exhibits based on oral histories and artifacts donated by families who lived through the event.

9. Genealogist

Genealogists specialize in tracing family histories through historical documents, oral traditions, and regional archives. They may work with private clients, law firms, or media companies.

Responsibilities:

• Collect and analyze records such as land deeds, marriage certificates, and immigration logs.
• Build genealogical charts or family trees.
• Present research in the form of reports or narrative histories.

Example: A genealogist helps an NRI client trace ancestral land ownership in Gujarat back to British revenue records from the 1800s.

10. Historical Consultant (Film & Media)

These consultants work on period films, web series, and documentaries to ensure historical accuracy in sets, dialogue, costumes, and story arcs. They bridge academic rigor and creative storytelling.

Responsibilities:

• Verify historical details in scripts and storyboards.
• Advise costume designers and set decorators on time-appropriate aesthetics.
• Consult on plot plausibility and cultural context.

Example: A consultant advises on the web series “Rocket Boys,” ensuring accuracy in portraying the socio-political climate of post-independence India.

Also Read: Best Career Options After MA in India for 2025

With a good understanding of the scope of MA in history, let’s look at some of the leading employers for MA in History graduates.

What are the Leading Employers for MA in History Graduates in India?

There is a good scope of MA in History across various sectors, including education, government, media, cultural institutions, and research organizations. These employers value the research, analytical, and communication skills that History graduates bring, which are vital for roles in preserving history, educating the public, and shaping public policy.

Here are the Top 10 Employers offering job opportunities for MA in History graduates in India:

Employer	Industry
Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR)	Research, Academia
National Museum, New Delhi	Museum, Cultural Heritage
Archaeological Survey of India	Archaeology, Heritage Conservation
Delhi University	Education, Academia
Government of India	Public Policy, Government
Times of India	Media, Journalism
Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH)	Cultural Heritage, Non-Profit
State Archives	Archives, Public Records
British Council, India	Education, International Relations
UNESCO	International Organization, Cultural Heritage

Also Read: Salary Of MA History: Various Career Options & Salary Details of MA History Students

Next, let’s look at some of the employer requirements for graduates in MA in History.

What are the Eligibility Criteria for MA in History?

To pursue an MA in History in India, candidates must meet certain eligibility requirements set by most universities and institutions. These requirements generally focus on academic qualifications and may vary slightly between universities. 

Below are the general eligibility criteria for enrolling in an MA in History program:

1. Bachelor’s Degree: 

• You must have a Bachelor's degree in History or a related field (such as Political Science, Sociology, or Anthropology) from a recognized university. 
• Some universities may accept graduates from any discipline if they have a strong academic background.

If you already have a Bachelor’s degree, you can improve your employability by pairing it with upGrad’s Post Graduate Diploma in Management. It offers an immersive learning experience through live sessions, industry-led projects, and practical assignments. 

Also Read: Career Options In History Here Are Some Of The Career Options In History

2. Minimum Marks:

• Most universities require a minimum percentage (usually around 50-55%) in your undergraduate degree. 
• However, this can vary depending on the institution.

3. Entrance Exam:

• Some universities conduct an entrance exam for admission to their MA in History program.
• It may include general knowledge, history-related questions, and sometimes an interview.

4. Age Limit:

• There is generally no age limit for pursuing an MA in History.
• However, some institutions may have specific age criteria for certain scholarship programs

To make a successful career in History, you will need to sharpen your business communication skills. This is where upGrad’s free Mastering the Art of Effective Communication course can help you. You will earn to overcome modern communication barriers, build impactful verbal and non-verbal skills, and express ideas confidently in any setting.

Also Read: MA vs. MS Degrees in 2025: Differences, Benefits, and Choosing the Right Path

Next, let’s look at how upGrad can help you meet the requirements for a career in History.

How Can upGrad Help You Build a Career in History?

The scope of MA is history in today’s job market is growing, and an MA in history provides valuable skills in research, critical thinking, and cultural analysis. This degree opens up various career opportunities and allows graduates to contribute to preserving heritage, shaping public policy, and educating others.

upGrad makes pursuing an MA in History more accessible and flexible than ever. With expert-curated courses, personalized mentorship, and real-world case studies, upGrad helps you gain practical insights alongside academic knowledge. 

Here are some additional free courses that can help you:

• Business Communication Masterclass
• Fundamentals of Communication
• Building Digital Transformation Strategies
• Getting Stay Interviews Right
• How To Be Emotionally Intelligent at Work

If you're unsure where to begin or which area to focus on, upGrad’s expert career counselors can guide you based on your goals. You can also visit a nearby upGrad offline center to explore course options, get hands-on experience, and speak directly with mentors! 

If you’re ready to explore the exciting scope of History and start your journey toward a fulfilling career, schedule a free career counseling session with us today!

Reference Link:
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/geo-political-risk-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,26.htm