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Curators care for collections, and these come in a variety of shapes and sizes - historic and modern, specialist and general, objects, buildings, plants and many, many more.
Curators are employed by heritage organisations such as us. They are also employed by museums, galleries, universities and by private collectors.
In the past curators tended to be heavily involved in academic research and specialisms. Nowadays many combine curatorial work with fundraising or other linked fields. Some are able to work freelance but this is not a common feature of the role.
Within the Trust, the role involves presentation of a collection, research, cataloguing, advising on acquisitions, and coordinating the work of staff and volunteers.
Curators in other organisations may also find themselves involved with fundraising, education events, organising exhibitions, and maintaining the items in their care.
The role ideally suits those who are passionate about history, thoroughly enjoy becoming engrossed in research and who are keen to share their discoveries.
Qualifications
As with most heritage careers, the job market is fiercely competitive and so a good honours degree is essential. A PhD in a specialist subject is likely also to be required.
Degree subjects are commonly in archaeology, archive/museum studies, classics, history or art. Specific types of curatorship, for example of geological collections or plant collections, would obviously need a relevant degree in that chosen subject.
In many fields a working knowledge of Latin will also be necessary.
University and training courses
A few of the larger museums may offer traineeships but most prospective curators attend a full-or part-time postgraduate course in museum studies. The organisations listed below provide information about the courses offered by universities.
There are also NVQs for work-based training available. These go up to levels 2-5 (to postgraduate level).
Finding work
Experience gained through voluntary or seasonal work in museums or heritage organisations will help when starting out.
Look for jobs in local/national newspapers, particularly The Guardian (Monday/Wednesday), Times Educational Supplement and in professional magazines such as Museums Journal or Museums Association Bulletin.
Useful organisations
Related careers
- Conservator
- Archivist
- Archaeologist
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