Work Experience Programme

Durham University Library and Collections offer work experience for one set week in July of each academic year, open to Year 12 and 13 (or equivalent) students. We invite applications from post-16 (sixth form and college students) who are interested in History, Archaeology and in learning more about careers in the heritage sector.

Dates for next programme: Monday 14^th – Friday 18^th July 2025

Number of Placements Available: 18

Applications Open: Thursday 20^th February 2025

Applications Close: Friday 28^th March 2025 at noon

Final Decision: Friday 11^th April 2025

What you will do

During your time with us, you may spend time with staff from a variety of teams such as Archives and Special Collections, Conservation, Museum Curatorial and Learning and Engagement.

Work Experience Example Timetable

We are a multi-site team, so your work experience will be too! You could be based at Durham Castle, Museum of Archaeology, Durham University Archives and Special Collections (Palace Green Library) and The Oriental Museum

The aim of our work experience is to offer an insight into the careers and opportunities available within the heritage sector, while giving you the chance to contribute to the delivery and development of our services.

What we will be looking for

• An enthusiasm and passion for museums, archives and/or broad heritage sector
• A friendly, willing and creative team player
• Curiosity and willingness to “have a go”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you support a placement for another week?

Unfortunately, not. We are passionate about providing a really fantastic and wide-ranging experience and this involves bringing together many people from different teams throughout the university’s museums and archives teams. We are only able to do this by focusing on set weeks.

I have interests other than history, Archaeology, and heritage sector careers. Can I still apply?

If your interests do not match these subjects, you may find a more suitable placement elsewhere. Do take a look at our example timetable though, as you may decide that the skills you would gain would be useful or interesting.

Work Experience Example Timetable

I am in Year 10 and 11, can I still apply?

This work experience is offered only to Year 12 and 13 or equivalent college aged students. However, we would encourage you to visit, enjoy and continue to take an interest in museums, heritage and archives and apply when you are in Year 12 or 13.

I am not an underrepresented student in higher education. Does that mean I won’t get a place?

We do not know how many students will apply each year, so it is impossible to say. What we can say is that showing us on your application form how interested and motivated you are will be something that could really help you get awarded a place.

When will you let me know if I have a place?

We usually contact successful candidates first. In 2025, we hope this will be around early April. We hold off from letting anyone else know as sometimes people have changed their mind and turn down a place. We always have a reserve list so we can offer all 18 places. It takes a few days for us to confirm acceptance of places. Once we have this, we will let everyone know. We aim for the latest for you to hear in 2025 to be Friday 11^th April.

What will the dates for the work experience programme in 2026 be?

Monday 13^th – Friday 17^th July 2026