Museum curators manage collections of objects of artistic, scientific, historical and general interest.

In large museums they may have one specialism. In a small general museum they have wider responsibilities.

Museum curators' work include::

• selecting, buying or borrowing items
• identifying and researching items
• organising records and catalogues - usually on computer
• making sure items are stored in the correct conditions
• arranging conservation and restoration of items
• arranging displays and exhibitions
• managing budgets
• organising publicity and fundraising
• liaising with staff in other museums
• giving talks to groups
• supervising staff.

Hours and Environment

Museum curators usually work 36 to 37 hours a week on a rota, probably including some weekends. Part-time hours may be available.

The environment depends on the type of museum and how busy it is, but the work is usually indoors. There may be some lifting and carrying involved, moving crates and boxes of exhibits. A driving licence is often necessary.

Skills and Interests

To be a museum curator you should have:

• a keen interest in the past and in the specialist area you’re working in
• good organisational and decision-making ability
• accuracy for cataloguing objects
• computer skills
• planning, administration and budgeting
• creative flair for devising displays and exhibitions
• strong communication skills
• an understanding of how to make information accessible to the general public.

Entry

To become a curator you will usually need:

• a degree;  and
• a post-graduate 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  degree course you will usually need:

• five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3); and
• two A levels/Advanced Highers/three Higher grades or their equivalent. Some courses specify particular subjects and grades.

An Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses.

Please check with colleges or universities for their exact entry requirements.

To get onto a  postgraduate course you will need: 

• a degree; and 
• relevant experience.

As with degree courses, you should check with universities for their entry requirements.

The Museums Association (MA) website has a list of the postgraduate courses they recognise. Please see the Further Information section of this profile for a link to the website. 

Voluntary work is a good way of gaining experience. To find opportunities for volunteering:

• have a look at 'The Museums Yearbook' (published annually and usually available in reference libraries) for addresses of museums that you could approach
• check the Museums Association website which has advice on finding voluntary opportunities.

A few curatorial traineeships are available in some of the large museums.

Training

When you are employed you can work towards:

• NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in Heritage Care and Visitor Services
• NVQ/SVQ Level 3 in Cultural Heritage Operations
• NVQ/SVQ Level 4 in Cultural Heritage
• NVQ/SVQ Level 5 in Cultural Heritage Management.

You can also do:

• in-service courses run by area museums councils. Details of the councils are on Museums, Libraries and Archives Council website. Please see Further Information for a link
• the Museums Association programme of professional development courses which lead to the Associateship of the Museums Association (AMA).

Apprenticeships may be available for those under the age of 24. In England these are currently Apprenticeships (level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeships (level 3). To find out more about these, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Apprenticeships may be different in other areas. For further information see Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland

Opportunities

Employers include:

• national museums funded by the government
• regional and local museums funded by local authorities
• university museums
• 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.

There may also be opportunities to work overseas.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only. Pay scales vary for curators depending on whether they work for a large national museum or a small local one.

New entrants may start on around £17,5000.
With experience, earnings may rise to more than £20,000.
Senior curators may earn between £27,000 and £36,000 per year.

Salaries in London are usually higher.

Further information

Victoria House
Southampton Row
London
WC1B 4EA
Tel: 020 7273 1444 24 Calvin St
London
E1 6NW 11 Southwark Street
London
SE1 1RQ
Helpline: 0800 093 0444