Arts & crafts

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• volunteering
• applying directly

University

Many arts administrators are graduates but it's not essential. Most subjects are accepted though you may have an advantage with a degree in:

• arts management or arts administration
• events and entertainment management
• business studies

Employers value arts experience, knowledge and commitment as well as your degree. You should try to get relevant work experience through societies, volunteering, placements, internships or year in industry schemes.

Your university careers service can advise on suitable opportunities.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

College

You could do a course at college that would give you some of the skills and knowledge to apply for trainee arts administrator roles. As well as courses in creative or performing arts you could also consider subjects like:

• Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Business Administration
• Level 3 Certificate in Event Management

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

Apprenticeship

You could get into this job through a general administration or events route, like an intermediate apprenticeship in administration or an events assistant intermediate apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

Volunteering and work experience

Develop a network of contacts and show employers your commitment to the arts through volunteering or temporary work. You could:

• help with student or community drama productions or concerts
• work front of house or at box offices at arts centres, cinemas or theatres
• get involved in community arts festivals and projects

You can search for opportunities near you on sites like:

• The Arts Society
• NCVO
• Do IT

Direct application

You could apply for jobs if you've got experience or qualifications in office administration, fundraising or marketing. An interest in the arts would also be helpful.

More information

Further information

You can find more advice about working in the arts through Arts Council England, and Creative Lives.

You can also find out more about working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

View all vacancies in this region

With experience, you could become an arts officer or manager.

You could also take on freelance work or become a consultant.