Museum Curator

Typical Salary

£20,000 To £40,000

Typical Hours

38 to 40 a week

weekends on a rota

How To Become a Museum Curator

You can get into this job through:

a university course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role

College / University

You'll usually need a degree and a postgraduate or professional qualification relevant to your area of interest to become a curator. Subjects include:

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

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

a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

Apprenticeship

You may be able to start by doing an advanced apprenticeship in heritage and cultural operations.

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

Routes into this Career

You could work as an assistant curator, conservator or education manager before becoming a museum curator.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

an interest and knowledge of history
knowledge of English language
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
knowledge of the fine arts
knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
to be flexible and open to change
the ability to use your initiative
the ability to work well with others
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

In your day-to-day duties you may:

select, buy or borrow items
organise records, catalogues and indexes
make sure exhibits are stored under the right conditions
arrange conservation and restoration
help visitors to interpret and enjoy exhibits and collections
organise publicity and fundraising
give talks

Working Environment

You could work in a museum.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career Path & Progression

Career Path & Progression are not listed for this job.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Professional and industry bodies

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

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a museum curator from the Museums Association.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.