Arts, Festival and Cultural Management at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh - UCAS

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Course summary

This MA is the only postgraduate degree of its kind in Scotland. It is designed as a conversion degree and we welcome applications from those who have not studied management previously. The course’s flexible study options and diverse curriculum make it particularly suitable if you are already working in the sector or wish to do so when studying. How will arts and cultural managers shape the futures of their fields? This course will help you become the person to answer that question. On this long-established and forward-thinking MA you will graduate with a better understanding of the management of cultural organisations and the individual factors that influence the environment in which they function.

Modules

Contemporary Debates in Cultural Policy (20 credits) - This module will provide students with a critical understanding of key cultural policy debates that impact the work of managers in the cultural and creative industries. They will look at policy in a critical manner and assessments include a short article as well as a longer essay examining the function of policy in regards to the cultural sector. Designing Qualitative Research (20 credits) - This module will prepare students to undertake a postgraduate research project by developing their knowledge and understanding of qualitative research methodologies and methods. Students will interrogate their own assumptions of knowledge production and research, and the assessment (a Lit Review and Research Proposal) can be used as a mechanism to prepare for the dissertation project Leadership, Governance and Strategy (Not-for-Profit) (20 credits) - This module will provide students with a critical understanding of the principles and practices of leadership, governance and strategic management pertinent to the management of not-for-profit organisations. Students will examine different leadership strategies and critically interrogate how governance forms and guides cultural organisations. The assessments include an essay and a strategic analysis. Fundraising, Finance and Development (20 credits) - This module will equip students with a critical understanding of the principles and practices of fundraising, development and financial management. The assessments invite students to examine financial support mechanisms (eg, completing a funding application or designing a sponsorship pack) as well as financial literacy exam. This module marks our course as quite unique in this regards. Arts Management in Practice (20 credits) - This module will support students to become reflective practitioners, confident in their ability to employ and adapt theory in relation to the organisational contexts in which they may work. Students will attend field trips and receive experts in the field who will talk about their practical realities as cultural managers. This is the module that also houses the ‘industry based experience’ element Evaluating Cultural Projects (20 credits) - This module will provide students with the knowledge and understanding to effectively design and execute the evaluation of arts and cultural projects. A very student-driven module, this is an optional choice instead of Arts Management in Practice and can only be taken if a real-time Cultural Project is occurring that the student can access. Managing and Marketing Cultural Projects (20 credits) - This module will provide students with a critical understanding of the principal skills, techniques and practices necessary to manage and market a cultural project. This modules looks at the practical realities of managing and marketing cultural projects and learning occurs around hypothetical projects that the students plan and market in groups. Dissertation Project (60 credits) - Through undertaking a self-directed project that suits their strengths, interests and career aspirations, students will have the opportunity to 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; or A Business-planning document (eg a Feasibility study) along with a 5000 word critical reflective essay; or a Cultural Project with associated portfolio of evidence and 5000 word reflective essay. The modules listed are correct at time of posting (October 2021) 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.

Assessment method

Teaching comprises a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, case studies, simulation exercises, field trips and projects, as well as a period of industry-based learning. Assessment throughout the course will take a variety of forms, including essays, reports, exams, group and individual presentations, as well as a dissertation or project for the final MA component.

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

  • Course does not award QTS

Entry requirements

A UK honours degree or equivalent OR significant work experience in cultural organisations or festivals. International: 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.


English language requirements


Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Republic of Ireland £865 Module
EU £2035 Module
England £865 Module
Northern Ireland £865 Module
Scotland £865 Module
Wales £865 Module
Channel Islands £865 Module
International £2035 Module

Additional fee information

Module fees are per 20 credit module. Part-time dissertation fees are as follows: UK/Scot £1,300 International/EU/EEA £3,305
Arts, Festival and Cultural Management at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh - UCAS