Why QMU ?
This is a flexible course that lets you develop your skills and gain valuable new knowledge while working .
Enjoy the support of staff and encouragement of fellow students . Our small class sizes are perfect for sharing experiences and fostering new ideas .
Real-world assignments are designed to develop and consolidate your new key skills .
Learn on a campus just six minutes by train from the heart of the world ’ s greatest festival city .
Modules
Contemporary Debates in Cultural Policy ( 20 credits )/ Designing Qualitative Research ( 20 credits )/ Leadership , Governance and Strategy ( Not-for-profit ) ( 20 credits )/ Fundraising , Development and Finance ( 20 credits )/ Arts Management in Practice ( OR Evaluating Arts and Cultural Projects ) ( 20 credits )/ Planning and Marketing Cultural Projects ( OR another relevant module from the School of Arts , Social Sciences and Management ) ( 20 credits ).
For the MA , you will also complete the Dissertation Project ( 60 credits ).
The modules listed are correct at time of publication ( September 2020 ) but are subject to change . In the event that modules change , QMU will seek to use reasonable endeavours to ensure that there is no detrimental impact on students .
Placements
The course does not require a formal placement , but we do require students to take up industry-based learning opportunities to assist their learning and to put the theory into practice . These industry-based learning opportunities are offered by many of the world-famous organisations that are based in Edinburgh ( e . g ., the Edinburgh International Festival , or the International Film Festival ). Although we support students to find opportunities , you are required to secure your own arrangements in line with your personal interests . As we are in Edinburgh , the world ’ s first and best ‘ Festival City ’, there are no end of opportunities in this regards , and we are well regarded by our industry peers : many of our alumni now work in these organisations and advocate for us . If you are already working in the sector , you can use your existing employment as the site for your industry-based learning .
Entry requirements
A UK honours degree or equivalent OR significant work experience in cultural organisations or festivals .
International : Where your honours degree has not been studied in English , you will be required to provide evidence of English language competence at no less than IELTS 6.5 with no individual component score less than 6.0 .
Other information
Exit awards : MA ( 180 credits )/ PgDip ( 120 credits )/ PgCert ( 60 credits )
Single module study : Available . Register as an associate student to study single modules in areas of interest . Contact Anthony Schrag ( aschrag @ qmu . ac . uk ) for further information .
Delivery : At QMU with some industrybased learning
Duration : 1 year full-time OR 2-7 years part-time
Start date : September 2021 and January 2022
Application deadline : None . See pages 153-154 for more information on how to apply .
Class sizes : Normally , there are around 30 to 35 students enrolling on the course each year .
Fees : See pages 160-161
More information : Dr Anthony Schrag ( aschrag @ qmu . ac . uk ), Programme Leader or Admissions ( admissions @ qmu . ac . uk )
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Anna Hainsworth MA Arts , Festival and Cultural Management
‘ The modules in strategic management , finance and marketing have been the most interesting . The finance element was brilliant at providing a solid basis for understanding accounts and how the financial side of a cultural organisation works . It ’ s made dealing with budgets less daunting and I feel confident speaking to senior colleagues about finance issues .’
‘ The marketing module was great as it was delivered by someone working in the sector and gave very practical advice on marketing events . It also introduced me to the theory behind marketing , which has been really helpful when making a case to my colleagues for us to adopt certain marketing strategies and approaches .’
‘ The course has given me more confidence in my abilities . Before I felt I could probably do things but didn ’ t quite know where to start or what they would entail . Now I feel more prepared for the next step in my career .’