Performing arts

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• volunteering
• applying directly

University

Many arts administrators have a university degree but it's not essential.

Most subjects are useful but you may have an advantage with a degree in:

• arts management or arts administration
• events and entertainment management
• business studies

Work experience at university

Employers value experience, knowledge and commitment to art as well as your degree.

You should try to get work experience through volunteering, placements, internships or year in industry schemes. Your university careers service can help you find work experience opportunities.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

For 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/

College

You could do a course at college to get some of the skills you need to apply for trainee arts administrator roles.

As well as courses in creative or performing arts, you could also consider subjects like level 2 or level 3 business administration and event management.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• search for courses|/find-a-course

Apprenticeship

You could also become an arts administrator by doing an intermediate apprenticeship in business administration or an events assistant intermediate apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

For 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

Volunteering and work experience

You could develop a network of contacts, volunteer or find temporary work to show employers you're committed to the arts.

You could:

• help with student or community drama productions or concerts
• work as a customer assistant at arts centres, cinemas or theatres
• get involved in community arts festivals and projects

You can search for opportunities near you with:

• The Arts Society
• NCVO
• Do IT

Direct application

You could apply for jobs if you've got experience or qualifications in office administration, fundraising or marketing.

It would also be helpful if you can show you're interested or passionate about art.

More information

You can find more advice about working in the arts through Arts Council England and Creative Lives.

You can also find out more about working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

More information

View all vacancies in this region

With experience, you could become an arts officer or manager.

You could also take on freelance work or become a consultant.