Museum studies degree

I am a Y12 student studying biochem and psychology. I thought I wanted to do medicine which is why I chose these subjects but now I'm not sure I would enjoy it and am thinking about museum studies.

I've always loved the idea of working in museums and being a curator of natural history. Is it too late for me to choose this degree because of my A-level choices? Some courses I've looked at are museum studies and archaeology and I think a history A level is recommended for it. Obviously I haven't done this. What do you think?

And I'm still not 100% sure I don't want medicine as it suits a lot of my skills and I think I would enjoy it once I qualified as a consultant but the lifestyle before that wouldn't suit me as I love having a social life and keeping up my hobbies. Has anyone else felt the same and what did you do in that situation?

Reply 1

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

You can do a degree in various heritage related courses (archaeology, anthropology, museum/heritage studies, history of art, history and/or philosophy of science, and even many history courses, plus various regional studies courses, and related courses like classics, Egyptology, Ancient Near Eastern Studies etc) with your A-levels just fine. People go into those courses from all sorts of backgrounds.

I would note however the heritage and cultural/arts sector is challenging to get a foothold in - graduates usually end up paying a "passion tax" by having to accept lower paying roles for a while after graduating before they can move into more senior and curatorial positions. Also depending on the specific situation you may want or need to pursue a masters or PhD at some point in the process.

That said for "natural history" work in the museums sector you could well do a first degree in biological sciences and masters/PhD in some area of taxonomy and/or evolutionary biology/palaeontology (depending on your specific interests). This would require a scientific background at A-level (which you have) and is a bit of a different route. That said if your main interest is in human evolution you may find an archaeology and/or (biological/evolutionary/physical) anthropology degree closer aligned to that. Human sciences courses (the few that are around) may also facilitate an interest in human evolution.

Reply 2

Anonymous4402

As someone who is doing a masters for Museum Studies wanting to go into the industry, I know classmates who have a similar background and got into the program fine. It makes the courses interesting and diverse. Can't speak to getting a job but if you think you may be interested definitely intern or volunteer (obviously harder said then done if its unpaid) but that can help so you can ask questions of people about what to do with your interests. Good luck! :smile:

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