Buzz
Many individuals report UFO sightings, but does that qualify them as ufologists? tombud/Pixabay/CC0 Creative CommonsEssential Insights
- Becoming a ufologist lacks a formal roadmap due to its pseudoscientific nature, though many enthusiasts dive in through independent study, publishing, or public speaking.
- While no mainstream universities provide ufology degrees, aspiring ufologists can explore online programs and certifications for structured learning.
- Hands-on experience is attainable by affiliating with groups such as MUFON in the U.S. or BUFORA in the U.K. to take on roles like field investigators.
Nick Pope, a long-time civil servant at the U.K. Ministry of Defence (MoD), was handed an unusual task in 1991. Two years before "The X-Files" debuted, Pope was tasked with investigating every UFO sighting reported to the British government, a role that would later earn him the title of "the real Fox Mulder."
Today, Pope stands as one of the world's foremost UFO authorities, frequently speaking at events like Contact in the Desert and the International UFO Congress. He shares insights on government-led UFO investigations, conspiracy theories, and the declassification of secret documents. However, his expertise wasn't always a given.
"I began with absolutely no background in this field," Pope admits, noting that his four-year stint at the MoD's "UFO desk" was just one of many roles he held, and not driven by any prior fascination with UFOs.
His department handled 200 to 300 UFO reports annually. Pope's responsibility was to interview witnesses, collect detailed information about the sightings, including descriptions, locations, and timings, and then cross-reference these details with known explanations.
In 95% of cases, the sightings had mundane explanations, such as aircraft lights or weather balloons. However, even in the rare instances where no clear explanation existed, Pope's role was to minimize public and media interest, often dismissing the incidents as insignificant.
Pope believed it was his responsibility to absorb every piece of information available on UFO sightings and the prominent theories surrounding their origins, including outlandish conspiracy ideas. After stepping away from the UFO desk in 1994 but remaining with the MoD, he collaborated on a book with key witnesses from the Rendelsham Forest incident, often referred to as Britain's Roswell.
The book's popularity attracted attention from TV and film producers seeking expertise from an authentic UFO investigator. Pope retired from the MoD in 2012 and relocated to the U.S., dedicating himself fully to his role as a UFO authority. Beyond writing and speaking at events, he frequently appears as a guest on programs like "Ancient Aliens."
Pope prefers the term UFO investigator over ufologist. He acknowledges that his path to UFO expertise was unconventional. Unlike many of his peers in the UFO community, who were often motivated by personal encounters or a lifelong fascination with the paranormal, Pope's journey was more circumstantial.
"I sometimes feel out of place at these UFO gatherings," Pope confesses. "There are those who view me with suspicion, believing I'm still covertly employed by the government or involved in some form of disinformation scheme, as some conspiracy theorists suggest."
Becoming a Ufologist
There are no precise statistics on the global number of ufologists. Ufology, the study of UFOs, is regarded as a pseudoscience, despite governments historically investigating such phenomena. (The MoD's UFO project ended in 2009, though the U.S. government reportedly continues monitoring UFOs, as per the New York Times.)
Traditional universities do not offer ufology degrees, but online alternatives exist. The International Metaphysical University provides six ufology courses, including Introduction to Ufology, led by Richard Dolan, a renowned expert with a history degree from Alfred University. The 12-part course explores topics like "What are UFOs?," "Theories of Ancient Visitation," and "The Early Cover-Up," with fees ranging from $200 to $400 per course.
The university's "Career Options" section suggests ufologists can pursue roles as lecturers, authors, film consultants, or even political advocates focused on UFO disclosure or preparing for potential extraterrestrial contact. Additionally, careers as life coaches or hypnotists working with abductees are possible. Success in these fields likely depends on one's network and opportunities.
Other online institutions, such as the Centre of Excellence in the U.K. and the IMHS Metaphysical Institute, offer comprehensive ufology degree programs. Earning a Ph.D. in Ufology with a focus on abduction research could be a unique conversation starter, with costs under $2,000 for such advanced degrees.
Alternatively, aspiring ufologists can become certified UFO investigators. In the U.S., the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) seeks field investigators to examine the daily reports of sightings. Applicants must be at least 18 and pass a certification exam based on the field investigator manual. Similarly, the British UFO Research Organization (BUFORA) provides a comparable course for U.K. residents.
Pope expresses some doubt about these training and certification programs, as he believes many participants are ardent UFO enthusiasts whose personal beliefs might cloud their investigative objectivity. That said, Pope himself would be thrilled to uncover undeniable evidence of extraterrestrial life.
"I think the world would be far more fascinating if aliens were real, but that doesn't mean I'll actively try to prove it," Pope states. "I simply follow where the evidence leads."
Pope played a key role in ensuring the release of all documents from the British government concerning UFO sightings and investigations, starting from the establishment of the "UFO desk" by Winston Churchill. These records are now accessible to the public at The National Archives near London.
