Museum curator

You can start by doing a degree in a subject like:

• fine art or art history
• museum or heritage studies
• archaeology or ancient history
• classics
• natural sciences
• anthropology
• education

You can also study for a postgraduate qualification in museum and gallery studies, or in a particular style or period of art or history. This may give you an advantage when applying for jobs.

Some universities will require a relevant first degree to apply for a postgraduate course. Others may accept most subjects but expect you to have a lot of work experience to back up your application.

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

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 may be able to apply for a Curator Level 7 Apprenticeship with a cultural or heritage organisation.

This can take around 3 years to complete and combines on-the-job training with off-site learning.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

You may be able to work as a collections assistant, education officer or conservator, before becoming a museum or gallery curator through training and promotion.

Paid or unpaid work experience in a museum, gallery or heritage property is usually essential to apply for courses and jobs.

Career Tips

Digital skills are becoming increasingly important in this career, for example for cataloguing and archival purposes, and producing online and interactive content for wider public engagement. Any skills you can develop through work or volunteering will be helpful.

Professional and Industry Bodies

You can join the Museums Association for professional development and to make industry contacts.

Further Information

You can learn more about how to become a museum or gallery curator from the Museums Association.

As a museum or gallery curator, you could:

• plan exhibitions and educational projects
• make sure exhibits are safe, stored securely and in the right conditions
• arrange conservation and restoration of items
• research and identify items in collections
• oversee projects to digitally catalogue collections
• help visitors to interpret and enjoy exhibits and collections
• organise promotional publicity, events and fundraising campaigns
• give talks to professionals, school children, students and the public
• train or supervise staff and volunteers

You could work in a museum or at an art gallery.

Your working environment may be physically active.