Sheila inspecting artwork

Volunteers

The University of Stirling Collections offers volunteer placements for students. These short-term placements are a great way to gain hands-on experience in a museum or gallery setting and are ideal for any students wishing to pursue a career in arts, heritage or museums. 

When can I volunteer?

We recruit volunteers at three points of the year, in 2026, volunteering blocks will take place: 

  • w/c 19 January - w/c 30 April 
  • w/c 25 May - w/c 3 August
  • w/c 14 Sept - w/c 30 November 

What do volunteers do?

Our volunteers do a whole range of tasks to help us with the day to
day running of the Collection. Examples have included:

  • researching artworks and writing blogs
  • making content for social media
  • helping with our outreach programmes
  • helping us with exhibition preparation
  • conservation and collections care tasks
  • cataloguing collections
  • delivering tours

How can I apply? 

To apply, send an email to Art.Collection@stir.ac.uk. Please include the following: 

  • Your course and year of study 
  • Which volunteer block you'd like to apply for
  • Why you are interested in applying and what kinds of experience you are hoping to gain

You don't need any previous experience to volunteer with us, but please do tell us if you have had any previous experience that you think is relevant. 

 

I started volunteering with the art collection during the 3rd year of my undergraduate degree and have continued for over 2 years, now having completed my masters in Heritage. Volunteering has given me a great opportunity to learn skills and gain experience in a museum/gallery environment. I've been able to learn how to use archive databases, check the condition of artworks and learn more about art in general. I've really enjoyed the range of tasks and activities I've been able to complete or assist with which have ranged from creating blog posts and accessible image descriptions to assisting with outreach events and activities.
Emily Young, Art Collection Volunteer