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You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

You'll often need a degree in a relevant subject like:

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

You might also find it useful to have a postgraduate qualification in museum and gallery studies, or in a particular style or period of art or history.

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

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

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/

Apprenticeship

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

This could lead into museum or gallery assistant or educator jobs. With further training and several years' experience, you could apply for curator roles.

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

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

Work

Most people begin their career as an assistant curator, conservator or education manager before becoming a museum or gallery curator.

More 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 or gallery curator from the Museums Association.

View all vacancies in this region

You could work in small independent museums and galleries to large public sector and national institutions like the Tate or British Museum.

There are lots of different opportunities to move on in the sector from business management to public engagement and education roles. You will need to plan your continuous professional development and take advantage of the training available in the sector to advance your career.

The Museums Association and Creative Choices have more information about this job.