Heritage and culture sector
The heritage and culture sector offers rich and varied career paths for students passionate about history, storytelling and public engagement. From museum curation to cultural heritage management, roles in this field contribute to preserving and interpreting the past for future generations.
While postgraduate study in areas like heritage studies can support entry, practical experience—often gained through volunteering or internships—is key. With strong links to national institutions and local organisations, the UK remains a global leader in heritage, making this a rewarding sector for those seeking impact and meaning in their work.
Our Shakespeare family homes are exciting, busy spaces where confidence and creativity are key for welcoming visitors from all over the world.
Shakespeare Birthplace trust
Explore opportunites and events
Explore heritage and culture events, including employer-led events, alumni panels, skills workshops, and networking sessions.
Browse current graduate roles, internships, and placements in heritage, culture and related fields.
Gain work experience
Work experience is essential for entering the heritage and culture sector, where practical skills and industry insight are highly valued. Most roles are accessed through volunteering, internships or part-time work, often with museums, archives or heritage organisations. Being proactive early on in your university life helps build networks and strengthen applications on graduation.
- Volunteer with local museums, archives or conservation projects.
- Apply for internships or seasonal roles with UK heritage organisations. Look out for roles in the Heritage & Culture sector on the B-Experienced Internship Programme.
- Check whether you are eligible for the Professional Skills Module. You will access exclusive roles in the Heritage & Culture sector as part of this module.
- Join student societies or take part in campus and local events and exhibitions to develop relevant skills.
Explore more on the University of Birmingham Work Experience and Internships page.
You may be eligible to apply for work experience bursaries through The University of Birmingham. For more details visit the internship funding pages.
Graduate and employer insights
Celebrating Shakespeare is at the heart of everything we do. This includes our creative directorate bringing together collections, learning and research to deliver research-led programmes, alongside our operations directorate. Our Shakespeare family homes are exciting, busy spaces where confidence and creativity are key for welcoming visitors from all over the world.
Shakespeare Birthplace trust
Many of our University of Birmingham graduates have gone on to build exciting careers in the heritage and culture sectors. Explore their stories for inspiration and consider connecting with them on LinkedIn to learn more about their journeys and professional insights.
John Sewell
History of Art BA
Founder and CEO of Cosimo Art
Read John's Story
Josh Robson
International Heritage Management MA (Online)
Senior Operations and Events Executive at Historic Royal Palaces
Read Josh's Story
Frankie Rhodes
Shakespeare Studies PhD / MA by Research
Volunteer Officer at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
Read Frankie's Story
Lauren O’Brien
Music BMus
Supporter Engagement Executive at the Natural History Museum
Read Lauren's Story