Learn
Young people and students
Start shaping your future in the museums sector. Build confidence, develop practical skills and work alongside professionals who can help you understand what matters to you and where you want to go next.
Our work-experience and internship opportunities are designed to help you understand how museums work and what roles might suit your skills and interests. We prioritise requests where a placement forms part of a credited course, and applications are reviewed quarterly so your enquiry will be considered at the right time. When you get in touch, we’ll send you a short form asking about your studies, interests and availability. This helps us understand what you hope to gain and which teams may be able to support you. While we can’t offer paid placements, you may be able to access funding through your school, college or university.
Applying for a placement at Manchester Museum
Who can apply
Anyone aged 16+ who is looking for museum experience. Priority is given to credited course placements.
What we look for
Your interests, your availability and how the placement supports your learning or career pathway.
How it works
We review requests four times a year. Once you email us, we’ll send you a form and guide you through the process.
Practical details
Placements can be part-time or full-time, depending on your needs. Opportunities are unpaid, but you may be eligible for support from your school, college or university.
Facilities for you
-
The café on the ground floor can be accessed through the Main Hall or from Oxford Road. It serves delicious vegetarian food and drink all day so you can work, chat or have some quality alone time in comfort. There is also a coffee bar in the Main Hall and a picnic area with plenty of seating.
-
This is a space for people to come together to learn, share ideas, build communities and make plans. You’ll meet education groups, charities, artists, writers, social enterprises, staff and students working collaboratively with a shared commitment to environmental and social justice. It is usually open to visitors 2-4pm Tuesday-Saturday.
-
There are spaces throughout the museum to gather and connect. At the heart of the South Asia Gallery, floor 1, is a room for small-scale performances, filmic experiences and participatory activities. In the Chinese Culture Gallery, floor 1, beneath a night-sky constellation, is a space for people to meet for conversations and performances. The museum is also a unique, inspiring place to hold an event and you can find out more here.