- Ethical practices in management and research
- Comparative understandings of national and international policies for culture and the arts
- Cultural theory, cultural policy theory, relevant sociological theory and theories of management
- The ability, through written and spoken discourse, to deal with the conceptual and theoretical complexity of culture and its management
- A Diversity of practical and reflective management skills to be effective cultural entrepreneurs and leaders of cultural organisations.
- Practical and reflective management skills to be effective cultural entrepreneurs and leaders of cultural organisations
- The analytical and research skills to bring about informed, constructive change in cultural policies at national and local levels
- To understand your idividual style, strengths and weaknesses as managers so that you can be better leaders of cultural organisations
Internships Available
This course is available through the following application route(s)
The MA Cultural Policy and Arts Management is aimed at graduate students and experienced cultural sector practitioners seeking the skills to be effective managers and leaders in the arts and heritage fields. Lectures are carried out in small seminar rooms where active participation in debate with lecturers and guest lecturers is encouraged.
The critical and practical content of the programme challenges students to analyse the conceptual frameworks and cultural contexts that generate cultural policies, while acquiring the skills to be effective leaders and managers in the cultural field. The competencies acquired provide graduates with an excellent multi-disciplinary qualification that is highly regarded among sectoral employers, in Ireland and internationally.
- A dynamic learning environment in which a diverse group of fellow-students (from different countries and with different cultural and art form backgrounds) pursue their shared goal of being effective managers and thinkers in the cultural field
- Access to a wide range of top cultural sector managers in Ireland who contribute to the course as guest lecturers
- A rich mix of theoretical approaches to culture, combined with the practical skills to be an effective manager
About This Course
Because the course is not art-form specific, graduates end up working for a wide variety of cultural organisations: arts organisations, museums, galleries, policy bodies, film companies, government organisations and so on. Some graduates work for themselves, for instance as curators, musicians or running small cultural businesses.
Those with a strong academic interest in a policy field may choose to pursue further research at doctoral level.
The highly valuable transferable skills provided on the course (especially in management, marketing, law and finance) make students eligible for a much wider range of job opportunities (for example in the broader field of the creative industries).
Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.
Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CULP40140 | Dissertation | 2 Trimester duration (Spr-Sum) | 30 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CULP40280 | Work Experience | 2 Trimester duration (Spr-Sum) | 10 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CULP40010 | Business 1 (Management) | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CULP40320 | Finance | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CULP40330 | Arts Marketing to Engagement | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CULP40340 | Research Methods | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CULP40350 | Cultural Policy 1: Comparative | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
LAW42250 | Law of Cult Pol&Arts Mgmt | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CULP40240 | Cultural Policy 3 Arts Lives | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CULP40270 | Business 3 (Strategic Plan) | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CULP40310 | Cultural Policy 2: Ireland | Spring | 5 |
Jeff Poulin, USA
Arts Education Coordinator with Americans for the Arts
Doing the MA in Arts Management and Cultural Policy (2012/2013) was the single best academic choice I have made for my career. Balancing the robust course offerings to expand my knowledge of the arts and cultural field with the international networking opportunity through classmates and lecturers, gave me with the right combination of theoretical and practical tools to succeed at any job I might apply for. Working in both Ireland and the United States, the international and comparative scope to the way arts and cultural policy were taught made me a credible candidate in every interview that I took. I have now landed in my dream job, and it is due to the foundation that the MA course laid for me that I am able to see the impact on my career, and my prospects in the arts and cultural field.
Muireann O’Sullivan
Operations Manager at The Little Museum of Dublin
MA 2018
Coming from a background in Chinese and economics, the MA provided me with the right mix of theoretical and practical skills to become a credible candidate entering the arts and cultural sector. Its structure appealed to me as it provided ample opportunities to network with industry professionals. Students of the MA come from a variety of backgrounds, which enhances the learning experience and makes for a very interesting and challenging year. Before I submitted my thesis, I secured a managerial role in one of Dublin’s most vibrant cultural institutions, the founders of which I was introduced to when they guest lectured on the course. For me, the MA was both a wise choice and a launch pad for my career.
MA Cultural Policy & Arts Management (Z041) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 9330
nonEU fee per year - € 22600
***Fees are subject to change
EU fee per year - € 9330
nonEU fee per year - € 22600
***Fees are subject to change
Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.
- A primary degree at 2.1 level (Second Class Honours, Grade One) is normally required. However, all applicants will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, and relevant or extensive work experience will be taken into account.
- Transcripts should accompany an application, including grades for each subject taken in the primary degree.
- Some experience working in a cultural organisation in whatever capacity.
- Name and contact details of two referees.
- Admission is subject to interview either in person, by video skype, or telephone.
- Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.
These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes
How to Apply
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Cultural Policy & Arts Management:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | Z041 Cultural Policy & Arts Management Master of Arts Full-Time Commencing September 2025 Graduate Taught |
* you can change options at the top of the page