Arts Policy and Practice

This programme offers a professional qualification to those seeking to further their careers in the management, marketing and administration of the Arts in Ireland and abroad. We welcome graduates seeking to further their education in the specific area of Arts management and policy, whilst equally offering practising artists, managers and curators the opportunity to develop their managerial and administrative skills and explore contemporary cultural trends. We strongly welcome applications from those with substantial and relevant professional experience.

The programme provides a wide range of modules that are balanced between practical training in the specific skills of Arts administration, and analysis of policy formation in the arts. Students come from diverse backgrounds including artists, administrators and managers, from both inside the Arts sector and beyond. The MA offers full-time and part-time options, taken over a 12- or 24-month period respectively. The year is divided into two teaching semesters (September to December and January to April) whilst the summer period is used to complete a six-week placement and a minor dissertation or curation project.

Module work includes the production of live campus events through the Arts in Action programme and also participation at the TG4 Gradam Ceoil awards. A tailored series of guest speakers introduces the class to respected practitioners within the cultural sector.

This programme offers a valuable work placement opportunity within an organisation of your choosing. Previous placements have included Galway International Arts Festival, Galway Arts Centre, the Arts Council, Royal Hibernian Academy, VISUAL , Model Art Gallery and various local authority Arts Offices. 

MODULES

•  Arts Forms
• Public Funding / Practitioners’ Approaches
• Basic Accountancy, Office Management
• Marketing the Arts
• Theatre in Ireland
• Key Issues/Education & the Arts
• Heritage Management
• Traditional Music
• Law (Copyright and Health & Safety)
• Visual Arts
• Placement and Final Report
• Minor Dissertation or Curation Project

Requirements

• NQAI Level 8 degree or equivalent H2.2. GPA 3.0 or international qualification. IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent if applicable. Students who do not meet the honours degree requirement but have a Level 7 degree (Merit 2) may be admitted to the PDip course with the possibility of progressing to the MA if they receive a minimum of 60% in their coursework during the year.
• 5 year University Diploma or New-style 4 year Bachelor Degree 
• Minimum Grade Required: 3.8 CGPA
• All applicants, whose first language is not English, must present one of the following qualifications in the English language. IELTS 6.5. TOEFL 92
• A personal statement
• Transcripts
• CV

Scholarships

• Postgraduate Masters Scholarship Scheme 2016 - School of Humanities
• Postgraduate Merit Scholarships

The Arts Policy and Practice program at the National University of Ireland is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the cultural, social, and political dimensions of arts and policy development. This interdisciplinary program combines theoretical inquiry with practical application, enabling students to critically analyze the role of arts in society and to develop innovative strategies for cultural engagement and policy implementation. Throughout the course, students explore various aspects of arts management, cultural policy formulation, and the societal impact of arts initiatives. The curriculum typically includes modules on arts administration, cultural economics, ethics in arts practice, and community arts development, among others. Additionally, students have opportunities to engage with local arts organizations and participate in internships, fostering real-world experience and professional networking. The program aims to cultivate versatile graduates prepared for careers in arts policy, cultural consultancy, arts management, and advocacy. It emphasizes critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and effective communication, equipping students with the skills necessary to influence cultural policy and to champion arts as a vital component of societal development. Graduates often pursue roles within government agencies, non-profit organizations, cultural institutions, and international arts bodies, contributing to shaping vibrant cultural landscapes locally and globally. The program may also support research activities, offering students a platform to explore specific interests within arts policy and practice in depth. With a focus on contemporary issues facing the arts sector, students are encouraged to think globally while acting locally, ensuring they are prepared for diverse challenges and opportunities in the evolving cultural economy.