MA Arts, Festival and Cultural Management

Program Overview

The MA Arts, Festival and Cultural Management program equips students with the knowledge and skills to manage cultural organizations and festivals effectively. It offers flexible study options, an industry-focused curriculum, and expert teaching staff. Graduates are qualified for various management positions within a broad spectrum of cultural organizations and festivals, both in the UK and internationally.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

MA Arts, Festival and Cultural Management

is a long-established and forward-thinking program designed for individuals who want to shape the future of the arts and cultural sector. This program focuses on developing your understanding of cultural organization management and the factors influencing their environment.

Objectives:

• Equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to manage cultural organizations and festivals effectively.
• Provide a comprehensive understanding of the contemporary issues impacting the management of arts organizations and festivals.
• Develop practical management skills essential for a successful career in the field.

Program Description:

• Flexible study options: Available full-time, part-time, or by single module study, cater to individuals already working in the sector or seeking employment.
• Career-oriented education: Qualifies graduates for various management positions within a broad spectrum of cultural organizations and festivals.
• Small class sizes: Fosters an environment for sharing experiences, fostering new ideas, and building strong community among students.
• Industry-focused curriculum: Emphasizes the relationship between theory and practice, ensuring graduates become reflective practitioners aware of the realities of cultural management.
• Expert teaching staff: Diverse faculty with extensive experience and expertise in the theory and practice of cultural management, offering a broad perspective on the subject.
• Location Advantage: Situated within six minutes of "the world’s greatest festival city," Edinburgh, the program benefits from rich learning experiences, internship opportunities, and future employment prospects.
• International Student Community: Students from across the globe provide diverse perspectives and networking opportunities.
• Balanced Learning Approach: Combines theoretical and practical learning, including industry-based experiences and real-world assignments, for skill development and knowledge consolidation.
• Industry Input and Links: Benefits from strong connections with national cultural agencies and industry professionals, keeping the program current with key developments and providing access to practical opportunities.
Outline:

Structure and Exit Awards:

• MA (180 credits)
• PgDip (120 credits)
• PgCert (60 credits)
• Associate Student: Complete single modules for CPD (Continuing Professional Development)

Teaching, Learning and Assessment:

• Methods: Lectures, seminars, tutorials, case studies, simulation exercises, field trips, projects, and industry-based learning.
• Assessment: Essays, reports, exams, group and individual presentations, a dissertation or project for the final MA component.

Placements/Industry-based learning:

• No formal placement required.
• Students encouraged to pursue industry-based learning opportunities for practical application of theory.
• Strong industry connections in Edinburgh provide placement opportunities.

Teaching Hours and Attendance:

• Specific timetable varies based on study mode (full-time, part-time, single module).
• All teaching occurs on Thursdays or Fridays.
• Part-time students only require on-campus attendance for one day per year of study.
• Each module involves 20 hours face-to-face teaching per 10-week semester.
• Timetables usually available to matriculated students one month before studies commence.

Class Sizes:

• Approximately 30-35 students enroll each year.

Teaching Staff:

Please see the program webpage for staff information (subject to change).

Modules:

• Strategy and Sustainability within Cultural Organizations (20 credits) Supports critical reflection on economic, social, and environmental sustainability in the arts and cultural sectors.
Develops strategic knowledge, skills, and competencies for a more sustainable future.
• Contemporary Debates in Cultural Policy (20 credits) Provides a critical understanding of key cultural policy debates impacting the work of managers in the cultural and creative industries.
• Designing Qualitative Research (20 credits) Prepares students to undertake a postgraduate research project by developing knowledge and understanding of qualitative research methodologies and methods.
• Fundraising, Finance, and Development (20 credits) Equips students with a critical understanding of the principles and practices of fundraising, development, and financial management.
• Planning and Marketing Cultural Projects (20 credits) OR another relevant module from the School of Arts, Social Sciences and Management (20 credits) Provides a critical understanding of the principal skills, techniques, and practices necessary to manage and market a cultural project.
• Students select one of the following:
• Leadership and Arts Management in Practice (20 credits)
Provides a critical understanding of the principles and practices of leadership and management in arts and cultural organizations. Supports students in becoming reflective practitioners confident in their ability to employ and adapt theory in relation to their work contexts. Includes field trips and expert speakers discussing their practical realities as cultural managers.
• Evaluating Cultural Projects (20 credits) Provides students with the knowledge and understanding to effectively design and execute the evaluation of arts and cultural projects.
• Dissertation Project (60 credits) Through a self-directed project that suits their strengths, interests and career aspirations, students undertake a substantial piece of work that will develop their academic rigour, professional skills, independence and self-direction.
This can be:
• A 12,000-word research dissertation
• A Business-planning document (eg a Feasibility study) along with a 5000-word critical reflective essay
• A Cultural Project with an associated portfolio of evidence and 5,000-word reflective essay

Note:

Modules listed are correct as of October 2023, but are subject to change. Assessment: Assessment methods include essays, reports, exams, group and individual presentations, a dissertation or project. Specific details on assessment for individual modules will be provided in module information sheets, which can be accessed once you are registered for a module. Teaching: The program utilizes a combination of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, case studies, simulation exercises, field trips, and projects. This diverse approach caters to different learning styles and provides students with varied experiences to enhance their understanding and skill development. The program boasts an expert teaching team with extensive experience and diverse perspectives on cultural management. This ensures students are exposed to a broad range of knowledge and insights. Additionally, the program's location in Edinburgh, a hub of cultural activity and festivals, provides access to industry experts who share their practical experiences and insights with students. Careers: Graduates are qualified for various management positions within a wide spectrum of cultural organizations and festivals. Previous graduates have successfully pursued careers in theatres, performing arts organizations, galleries, local government, cultural agencies, and festivals across the UK, Europe, and internationally. Potential career paths include producing, fundraising, marketing, programming, audience development, and many other roles within the cultural industries. The program equips students with the skills and knowledge to excel in these roles, fostering their professional development and opening doors to exciting career opportunities. Other:

• The program welcomes international students and offers opportunities to connect with peers from across the globe.
• Students can choose from a variety of modules to tailor the program to their interests and career goals.
• The program emphasizes practical application of theory, providing students with real-world experiences to enhance their employability.
• The program maintains strong industry links, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce and secure fulfilling careers in the cultural sector.