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Arts and Cultural Management at University of Manchester - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

This pioneering programme is ideal if you work in the arts and cultural management sector and want to undertake advanced research that builds on your professional knowledge and is based in or led by your practice. The structure of the programme will enable you to develop your career while simultaneously undertaking a research project leading to a doctoral qualification. This PhD is one of a suite of professional practice-focused doctorates overseen by our Institute for Cultural Practices and the department of Drama. It aims to engage experienced professionals in advanced research and reflects the need for structured forms of professional development and reflective practice across the arts sector. Previous and current doctoral projects include:

  • the history of heritage funding;
  • audience development and the professionalisation of arts marketing in contemporary theatre;
  • addressing the gender gap in contemporary music industries;
  • the role of the arts manager in mediating participatory and socially engaged art works.
The programme takes explicit account of the professional practice-base of the candidate. This is integrated as a central knowledge base for the research project and supports the development of dynamic knowledge outcomes. These outcomes can have an impact across academic and non-academic contexts. The programme supports the development of reflective practice that can respond to and influence the complex unpredictable and shifting social and cultural contexts within which practitioners operate. The programme will introduce you to a range of dynamic and challenging concepts and methods with which to reflect critically and constructively on your professional practice. You will be supported through a bi-annual residential programme in addition to standard supervisions that sustain the cohort for peer learning. The PhD is frequently undertaken part-time to provide time for engagement in professional practice. Together with your fellow students, you will investigate the principles of reflective practice and practice-based research. You will engage in research methods training and group learning about relevant areas of social and cultural theory. This pedagogical approach enables your professional context to become your primary research resource.

Entry requirements

- Bachelor's (Honours) degree at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent); and - Master's degree in a relevant subject – with an overall average of 65% or above, a minimum mark of 65% in your dissertation and no mark below 55% (or overseas equivalent) - Any strong relevant professional experience will be considered on a case by case basis

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

For fees for entry in 2025, please view the course listing on our website.

Sponsorship information

There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers, details of which can be found via the links below. To apply for University of Manchester funding, you must indicate in your application the competitions for which you wish to be considered. The deadline for most internal competitions, including AHRC NWCDTP and School of Arts, Languages and Cultures studentships is 13 January 2025. All external funding competitions have a specified deadline for submitting the funding application form and a separate (earlier) deadline for submitting the online programme application form. You will need to be nominated by your proposed supervisor for a number of our scholarships. Therefore, we highly recommend you discuss these funding opportunities with your supervisor first, so they can advise on your suitability and ensure you meet nomination deadlines.

Arts and Cultural Management at University of Manchester - UCAS