Student Engagement at Ipswich Museum

While Ipswich Museum is closed, we are keen to facilitate student placements when we can, particularly for students aged 18+ who are on courses that relate closely to the Museum’s collections and activities. The duration of a placement needs to allow a defined project to be completed – either part-time over an extended period or nearer full-time for a shorter period. These placements can be invaluable in helping the Museum team achieve high-quality projects, making various parts of the collections more accessible, whilst providing very useful career experience for students. These are not paid internships, but some modest expenses (e.g. for travel) can be covered, where possible.

If you are a university student and interested in a placement, please contact us by submitting this form Contact – Ipswich Museum

Kyle, a University of Plymouth zoology undergraduate student, who completed his placement recently, said:

‘Over the last two and a half months I have had the opportunity to undertake university placement work at Ipswich Museum. It has been a fantastic insight into the goings-on of a museum behind the scenes as well as the potential career prospects that could be available after my studies. During my time here, I have had a vast range of experiences working with the natural sciences collection. The museum team are all working towards deadlines for the redevelopment, and I have had the chance to help by getting hands-on with the collections; measuring, documenting, and digitalising an array of items for future use or display.

Whilst the museum itself may have been closed, I was able to experience the public engagement aspect of museum work through the ‘Love Bugs’ event which was held at Christchurch Mansion. This was a valuable experience as it allowed me to see what goes into making events a success and gave me an opportunity to share knowledge and discuss ideas with the public. Finally, each week I get to work with the conservation and decant team who have demonstrated how items are restored, packed, and moved professionally to ensure they avoid any damage. I have been able to clean and make boxes for many taxidermy birds and even got to help in the collection and manoeuvring of a bear and boar from Colchester Castle. Working on placement here has been great and everyone has been so friendly and welcoming.’

Dr Simon Jackson, Collections and Learning Curator for Natural Sciences, said:

‘Kyle Beckett is a University of Plymouth zoology student who undertook a work placement here as part of his undergraduate degree. His work proved invaluable assistance in collections documentation, conservation work and public engagement. During the placement, he learnt about various aspects of zoology, had opportunities to apply his undergraduate knowledge, and to experience new work such as in conservation. He developed skills and confidence in public engagement. He had a unique opportunity to experience the many different facets of working in a museum and learning about the sector more broadly.’