COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA Arts, Festival and Cultural Management programme develops advanced knowledge and practical skills in cultural leadership, policy, project management, fundraising, sustainability, and research, preparing students for management roles across the arts, festivals, and wider cultural sector. Students study Strategy and Sustainability within Cultural Organisations, which examines economic, social, and environmental sustainability challenges while developing strategic thinking and leadership capabilities to support the long-term success of cultural organisations. Contemporary Debates in Cultural Policy provides a critical understanding of cultural policy and its influence on arts and creative industries, encouraging students to evaluate contemporary policy issues and their implications for cultural management. Designing Qualitative Research equips students with the methodological knowledge and research skills required for postgraduate-level inquiry, including literature reviews, research design, and proposal development, laying the foundation for the final dissertation project. The Fundraising, Finance and Development module focuses on financial management, fundraising strategies, sponsorship, and resource development, enabling students to understand how cultural organisations secure and manage funding effectively. Planning and Marketing Cultural Projects develops practical skills in project planning, marketing, implementation, and evaluation, allowing students to engage with realistic cultural project scenarios and gain insight into the operational realities of the sector. Managing Relationships in the Arts and Cultural Sector examines stakeholder engagement, organisational relationships, leadership, and professional practice, while incorporating industry-based learning experiences, field visits, and contributions from experienced cultural managers. The programme concludes with a substantial 60-credit Dissertation Project that can be tailored to individual interests and career aspirations. Students may choose a traditional 12,000-word research dissertation, a business-planning project such as a feasibility study accompanied by a 5,000-word critical reflection, or a practical cultural project supported by a portfolio of evidence and reflective analysis. Throughout the course, students develop academic rigour, professional competence, strategic awareness, and independent thinking while gaining a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing contemporary cultural organisations. Overall, the programme combines theory, research, and industry-focused practice to prepare graduates for leadership and management careers within arts organisations, festivals, museums, cultural institutions, creative enterprises, and policy-making bodies across the cultural and creative industries.