Exhibition designer

You could study for a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

• spatial design (exhibitions)
• interior design
• three-dimensional (3D) design
• interior architecture
• theatre design

You may also find exhibition design options as part of some events management, and museums and galleries courses.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• a foundation diploma in art and design

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could apply to do a Scenic Construction Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship with an events design or scenery building company.

You could also apply to do a Collections Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, if working on specialist exhibitions in museums or galleries.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You may be able to get into this type of work as a junior design assistant. To do this, you are likely to need a qualification in art and design, like a diploma or an A level.

Experience in using computer-aided design (CAD) software packages would also be helpful.

You could volunteer to help set up exhibitions, for example with local arts festivals, galleries or libraries.

This would help you get practical skills, as well as an insight into the project management that goes on behind the scenes.

Career Tips

You'll need to put together a portfolio of your work to highlight your design skills to show at interview. Some work experience would also give you an advantage when applying for training and jobs.

Professional and Industry Bodies

You could join the Chartered Society of Designers , for professional development, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

As an exhibition designer, you could:

• discuss requirements with clients
• present your ideas as sketches, scale plans, computer-generated visuals and models
• produce final blueprints after discussions with clients
• handle orders for supplies
• work with technical specialists like lighting staff
• work with technicians to build and fit displays and installations
• project manage the set-up process from start to finish

You could work at events, at a conference centre or in an office.