What you will study?
This course covers key subjects related to the management and structure of the arts and cultural industries, with a particular focus on the relationships between creative skills and business strategy.
There are two compulsory core modules on this course and a range of additional module options covering more specialist areas of Arts Management. The core modules are 30 credits each and you are required to take a further 60 credits total in optional modules for a PG Diploma, plus a 60 credit Dissertation for the full MA.
Core modules:
Term 1
Arts Management – Term 1 (30 credits)
Develop the ability to critically examine and analyse the field of arts management from both a domestic and international perspective, including the not-for-profit and for-profit markets, structures of ownership and control in arts organization, sustainability and the implications for cultural heritage industries. Through a series of lectures, seminars and written assignments you will explore the key social, political and economic factors that influence arts management strategies across the public and commercial sectors.
Research Methods – Term 1 (30 credits)
Explore key research methods in media, culture and communication, and the practical issues that affect how they are carried out. Through in-depth discussion and experimentation with both qualitative and quantitative approaches to researching people, texts, institutions and media industries, you will develop advanced knowledge and skills that will not only enhance your learning but your future career and any further study you embark on.
Optional modules available in Term 2 (60 credits):
Media and Creative Industries (30 credits)
Develop the ability to critically analyse the changing economic forces and regulations which direct and constrain the choices of managers in various sub-sectors of the creative industries. Through a series of lectures, seminars and written assignments you will explore the key social, political and cultural factors that influence media management strategies across the public and commercial sectors.
Intellectual Property and Media Law (30 credits)
This module explores the laws regulating intellectual property rights and media with particular focus on issues of copyright, trademarks and patents. Through examination of UK laws, you will develop the knowledge and skills to relate the economic protection of intellectual property to the public interest in use of IP products such as television, newspapers and other media productions.
Directions in Creative Technology and Digital Media (30 credits)
This module enables you to explore, analyse and evaluate a variety of creative projects and the role of technologies and digital media in their realisation so that you can develop your own interests within the broad spectrum of creative technologies.
Working with the Creative Industries (30 credits)
Through exploration of a range of industry practices, organisational structures and business processes, you'll develop the knowledge and skills to understand, work and negotiate productively with the different needs and constraints of creative technical work and industry/business practice.
Managing and Marketing Events (30 credits)
This module enables you to develop a critical understanding of managing and marketing events in a wide range of contexts through designing, planning, managing and evaluating a real time event which attracts desired target audiences in the arts market.
Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Small Business Management (30 credits)
With a strong focus on innovation and creativity, this module will challenge you to think and act entrepreneurially and develop small business management skills through the review and application of theory and practice in the field.
Arts Marketing (15 credits)
This module explores the ideas and strategies you need to market effectively and efficiently to art audiences, from performing arts to museums, theatre, digital art, dance, music and literature. You will also gain critical insights on long-range marketing planning and related research methodologies.
Brand Management (15 credits)
This module will arm you with a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of brand equity and strategic brand management, as well as the concepts and techniques to improve long-term profitability of brand strategies.
Creative Communication Strategy (15 credits)
This module explores the use of creative advertising practices to enhance brand communication. Through creative teamwork that is designed to mirror real organisation in the creative industries, you will undertake assigned briefs for a range of business and consumer brands.
Term 3
Dissertation – Term 3 (60 credits)
Your final dissertation is an opportunity for you to take all the knowledge and skills you have acquired in the preceding modules and apply them to a substantial project and/or written dissertation. You can choose one of three options: either a written essay or report; or two-thirds written, one-third practical; or half written, half practical.
Attendance
Full-time students attend classes for two semesters beginning in September and complete their dissertation requirement by the end of the following September. Part-time students attend classes for four semesters and complete their dissertation requirement by the end of September in their second year.