Museum Curator
What is the work like?
As a museum curator you would manage collections of objects of artistic, scientific, historical and general interest.
Your work would include:
- selecting, buying or borrowing items
- organising records and catalogues – usually on computer
- making sure exhibits are stored under the right conditions
- arranging conservation and restoration
- arranging displays and exhibitions
- managing budgets
- organising publicity and fundraising
- liaising with staff in other museums
- giving talks to groups
- supervising staff.
In large museums you may have one specialism. In a small general museum you would have wider responsibilities.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You would usually need a degree and a postgraduate certificate, diploma or masters degree in museum or heritage studies.
If you want to specialise in a particular area, such as fine art or archaeology, it will help if you have a degree in a relevant subject.
To get onto a postgraduate course you would need a degree and relevant experience. See the Museums Association (MA) website for a list of recognised postgraduate courses. Entry requirements vary so you should check with colleges or universities.
Volunteering is a good way of gaining experience. You can find addresses of museums in The Museums Yearbook (published each year, and usually available in reference libraries). You could approach them directly to see if they have voluntary opportunities. See the Museums Association website for advice on finding opportunities.
Some of the large museums offer a limited number of curatorial traineeships, which are detailed on their websites.
You may be able to get into museum work through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. To find out more about Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
What further training and development can I do?
When you are employed as a museum curator you can work towards:
- NVQ Level 2 in Museums, Galleries and Heritage (Heritage Care and Visitor Services)
- NVQ Level 3 in Cultural Heritage Operations
- NVQ Level 4 in Cultural Heritage
- NVQ Level 5 in Cultural Heritage Management.
You can also do:
- in-service courses run by area museums councils – see the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council website for details
- the Museums Association programme of professional development courses leading to the Associateship of the Museums Association (AMA).
Where can I go for more information?
Victoria HouseSouthampton Row
London
WC1B 4EA
Tel: 020 7273 1444
London
SE1 1RQ
Helpline: 0800 093 0444
London
E1 6NW
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Curators can earn between £16,000 and £20,000 a year.
- Senior curators can earn between £27,000 and £36,000.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work 36 to 37 hours a week on a rota, probably including some weekends. Part-time hours may be available.
Your working environment would depend on the type of museum, but you would usually work indoors. You may need to do some lifting and carrying, moving crates and boxes of exhibits.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a keen interest in history and in your specialist area
- good organisational and decision-making ability
- accuracy for cataloguing objects
- computer skills
- planning, administration and budgeting skills
- creative flair for displays and exhibitions
- strong communication skills
- an understanding of how to make information accessible to the general public.
What opportunities are there?
Employers include national museums funded by the government, regional and local museums funded by local authorities, university museums, and independent and specialist museums.
You may need to move around the country to gain experience and to progress, especially if working in a smaller museum with fewer opportunities for promotion.
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