CAREERS AND VOLUNTEERING

Undergraduate Bursary Scheme

Applications for the 2025 undergraduate scheme are now open.

The Undergraduate Bursary Scheme is designed to give undergraduate students hands-on experience working in a museum of natural history.
The scheme accepts applications from students from underrepresented backgrounds who are ordinarily resident in the UK.

Please click here for more information including details of projects, eligibility and how to apply.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Thursday, 20th February 2025.

There will be an online information session about the bursaries on Tuesday 28th January 2025, 13.00-14.00, via Zoom. Click here to register for the session.

Oxford Summer Internship Scheme

Every year, the Museum participates in the Oxford Summer Internship Scheme, providing Collections and Research placements to Oxford University undergraduate students. Applications for the 2025 undergraduate scheme will open soon. Learn about the Oxford Summer Internship Scheme.

Research Placements

The Museum hosts STEM Research Placements during the summer holiday for secondary students in Years 12 and 13 from under-represented backgrounds. Placements are typically 2 weeks in length and can cover a wide range of disciplines, supported by specimens from the Earth and Life collections.

For further details, please email education@oum.ox.ac.uk

Natural Science and Heritage Scheme

The Natural Science and Heritage Scheme is a paid opportunity for students in Year 12 and 13. The scheme runs during the summer holidays, and invites applicants from diverse backgrounds to find out more about the museum - particularly its public-facing roles. Participants are able to get hands-on experience of developing activities for museum visitors, with a focus on events that appeal to diverse families. Learn more about the Natural Science and Heritage Scheme.

Get in touch

Please send any enquiries to Hannah Betts – hannah.betts@oum.ox.ac.uk

Natural Science and Heritage Scheme

The Natural Science and Heritage Scheme is a paid opportunity for pupils in Years 12 and 13. The scheme runs during the summer holidays and invites applicants from diverse backgrounds to find out more about the museum - particularly its public-facing roles. Participants are able to get hands-on experience developing activities for museum visitors with a focus on events that appeal to diverse families. Applications for the 2024 Natural Science and Heritage Scheme are now closed.

Natural History Investigators

Each year the Museum runs a club for key stage 4 students. Investigators interested in the natural world have an opportunity to meet in the Museum and pursue an extended project of their choice. Investigators meet on Saturdays from 10:30 to 12:30 for 10 weeks, and work on their personal projects. Investigators have access to special Museum objects and experts in the field. They develop their work into a display or activity to be included in the Museum’s annual family science fair in March. Investigators are also able to submit their work for a British Science Association CREST award. Click here to find out more about Natural History Investigators or contact education@oum.ox.ac.uk.

Youth Forum

The Museum’s Youth Forum is a group of young people aged between 14 and 19 who are involved in designing and setting up activities and events. They work with the public and create opportunities for other young people to engage with the museum. Youth Forum members have the opportunity to go behind the scenes and are involved in planning new developments in the museum, including exhibitions. Click here to find out more about the Youth Forum.

Nuffield Research Placements

The Museum hosts Nuffield Research Placements, for those aged between 16 and 19, over the summer holidays. Placements are hosted in the fields of zoology, entomology and geology. Projects cover a wide range of disciplines, from collections-based curation and research to insect ecology and ecosystem services. Previous project titles include 'Darwin's Insects in the Hope Entomological Collections', 'Burchell’s African Insect Collection' and 'Dung Beetle Ecology'. Applications for placements are submitted via Science Oxford. Find out more about Nuffield Research Placements or contact education@oum.ox.ac.uk.