Like all our masters programmes, this programme comprises of core and optional elements. At its core are two modules which develop your understanding of arts management, cultural leadership and heritage studies – you’ll explore the concepts of ‘heritage’ and ‘history’, different methodological and theoretical approaches to heritage and the institutions involved in presenting ‘heritage’ to a wider audience. You’ll also examine theoretical concepts in the emerging field of arts management and the challenges faced by arts managers and cultural leaders. Privileged access to our arts and cultural partners will give you an insight into the challenges of bringing theory and practice together. All MA students in the School take two core modules which develop the research skills to complete research projects such as your essays and dissertation. This will build to a symposium in Semester 2 where you present some of your own research, and a dissertation which enables you to undertake research in a topic of interest to you. In addition, you’ll choose from a range of optional modules from the School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies and the School of Performance and Cultural Industries. These will include the opportunity to complete a placement in either arts management or heritage. As a part of the degree students are encouraged to build a portfolio of project work to support future job applications.

This programme is still relatively new, and it’s designed to equip you to fill a gap in the current market and become a cultural leader of the future. We encourage you to build up a portfolio of project work to help with future job applications, and you have opportunities to gain practical work experience. As well as the in-depth subject knowledge you’ll gain, you’ll improve your skills in research, analysis, communication and critical and cultural awareness. You’ll also benefit from the contacts gained through work with partner organisations and the Centre for Critical Studies in Museums, Galleries and Heritage. Graduates from our School have gone onto work as heads of collections, curators and educators in a range of organisations such as local authority museums, national heritage organisations like the National Trust and charitable trusts. They’ve also found success in arts marketing and public relations. Others have also continued with their research and PhD level, many of whom work in academia in the UK as well as the US, Hong Kong and Korea.