StudyQA — Master: Creative Industries and Arts Organisation

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This innovative degree programme in Creative Industries and Arts Organisation at Queen Mary University of London offers students a comprehensive foundation in the dynamic fields of creative enterprise, arts management, and cultural sector development. Designed to equip graduates with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, the programme explores the evolving landscape of the creative economy and the vital role that arts organisations play within it. Students will engage with a diverse curriculum that covers key areas such as arts marketing, fundraising, strategic planning, project management, policy development, and audience engagement. The course emphasizes critical analysis of contemporary issues facing arts organisations and creative industries, encouraging students to develop innovative solutions and entrepreneurial mindsets.

Throughout the programme, learners have opportunities to participate in hands-on projects, internships, and collaborative initiatives with leading arts institutions and cultural organizations. This practical approach ensures that students gain real-world experience and build professional networks, preparing them for a wide range of careers in arts administration, cultural policy, event management, and creative enterprise development. The programme also encourages interdisciplinary thinking, combining insights from arts and humanities with business practices, enabling graduates to adapt to the ever-changing creative sector.

By the end of their studies, students will have developed a strong understanding of the operational, financial, and strategic aspects of arts organisations. They will be capable of designing and implementing effective programmes that promote cultural engagement and support artistic innovation. The programme aims to produce graduates who are not only capable managers and leaders within the creative industries but also passionate advocates for arts and culture in diverse communities. With external speakers, industry visits, and networking events integrated into the curriculum, students will remain connected to current industry trends and opportunities. Overall, this degree prepares students to make meaningful contributions to the arts and creative sectors, fostering sustainable growth and cultural vitality in society.

This programme is available for one year full-time study. The course is comprised of both compulsory and elective modules. To encourage the interdisciplinary nature of the course you are required to take electives outside of the School of Business and Management. Therefore, you will have the opportunity to undertake elective modules relating to specialised areas, including Drama, Film/Media and Geography. In collaboration with partner organisations and with degrees of co-supervision, as and when possible, being handled by both QMUL academics and sector practitioners, you will gain practical experience in business and public engagement strategy, organisational behaviour, and global value chain ecologies in arts and cultural organisations in London. You will also form groups and co-create a specific research brief for one organisation. This research work will feed your dissertations /project submission (Assessed Essay submitted in semester 3; placement to be conducted over three semesters)

Semester 1

Compulsory modules

Leadership Seminar (BUSM067) - non credit bearing
Organising in the Creative and Cultural Industries (New) (BUSM165)
Introduction to Creative Industries and Arts Organisation (New) (BUSM171)

Elective modules

History of Cultural Industries (New) (BUSM163)
Introduction to Marketing Management (BUSM137)
Contemporary Theatre and Performance (DRA7001)
Performing Mental Health (DRA7010)
Cine-Museology: Theorising Cinema and the Museum (FLM610)
Contemporary French Cinema (FLM6205)
Documentary Film: Theory and Practice (FLM7201)
Cultural Geography in Practice (GEG7122)
Cities, Space and Power (GEG7123)
Advanced Readings in Geography (GEG7101)
Geographical Thought and Practice (GEG7120)

Core modules:

Dissertation in Creative Industries and Arts Organisation (BUSM169)
Professional Practice in Creative Industries and Arts Organisation (Semester 1, 2 &3) (BUSM172)

Semester 2

Compulsory modules

Leadership (BUSM067) - non credit bearing
Applied Methods (Masterclass) (BUSM170)

Electives modules in SBM

Organisational Development and Transformation (BUSM109)
Entrepreneurship (BUSM134)
Project Management (BUSM141)
Leadership in the Social and Public Sector (BUSM149)
Funding and Financing in the Creative and Cultural Industries (New) (BUSM161)
Innovation and Global Competition (BUSM177)

MA students will be able to take up to four modules outside of SBM.

Elective Modules in Drama

Theatre and Performance Theory (DRA7006)
Performing Mental Health (DRA7010)
Contemporary Theatre and Performance (DRA7001)

Elective Modules in Geography

Cities, Space and Power (GEG7123)
Cultural Geography in Practice (GEG7123)
Art, Performance and the City (GEG7102)
Geographical Thought and Practice (GEG7120)
Research Design and Methods (GEG7102)
Advanced Readings in Geography (GEG7101)

Elective Modules in Film

Film Archeology (FLM604)
Contemporary French Cinema (FLM6205)
Film and Ethics (FLM6207)
New Independent Indian Cinema (FLM6208)
Ecocinemas: Nature, Animals and the Moving Image (FLM609)
Cine-Museology: Theorising Cinema and Museum (FLM610)
Documentary Film: Theory and Practice (FLM7201)

A good upper second class honours degree or equivalent in any subject. Some basic quantitative skills and some elementary prior knowledge of accounting would be an advantage. IELTS 7.0 (with 6.0 in writing) or equivalent is required.

Candidates are expected to have good English language ability and to meet our minimum English language requirements. If you do not meet language or scholarly requirements, it might be possible for you to undertake foundation or pre-sessional programmes that will prepare you for the masters programme at Queen Mary's Mile End Campus in London.

The Creative Industries and Arts Organisation program at Queen Mary University of London offers a range of funding options to support students throughout their studies. Tuition fees vary depending on the student's domicile and the specific course structure, with home/EU students eligible for different rates compared to international students. Scholarships and bursaries are available from the university, aimed at both domestic and international applicants, which can significantly reduce the financial burden. These financial awards are often merit-based or need-based, reflecting the applicant’s academic achievements or financial circumstances. Additionally, Queen Mary University offers several external funding opportunities, including grants from arts councils, cultural organizations, and industry-sponsored scholarships targeted toward students pursuing careers in the creative industries.

Students are encouraged to explore government loan schemes, which for UK students typically include the Student Finance England, applicable for tuition fee support and maintenance loans. International students are advised to seek scholarships from external bodies and explore private fundings or sponsorship programs relevant to their country of origin. The university’s financial aid office provides comprehensive guidance on application procedures, deadlines, and eligibility criteria for various funding options. Part-time work opportunities are also available within the university campus or in the surrounding area, providing students with additional income sources to support their studies. Furthermore, some programs may include paid internships or placements as part of the curriculum, offering practical experience alongside financial compensation.

Students are advised to plan their finances early and consult the university’s official resources to ensure they are aware of all available funding options. The university’s Finance & Loans Service offers personalized advice on managing tuition fees, applying for financial aid, and budgeting for living expenses. Overall, the comprehensive support network aims to enable students to focus on their academic and professional development without undue financial stress.

Contact hours

Undertaking a Masters programme is a serious commitment, with weekly contact hours being in addition to numerous hours of independent learning and research needed to progress at the required level. When coursework or examination deadlines are approaching independent learning hours may need to increase significantly. Please contact the course convenor for precise information on the number of contact hours per week for this programme.

Learning and teaching

Teaching for all modules includes a combination of lectures, seminars and a virtual learning environment. You can expect two to three hours of contact time per module, per week.

Independent study

For every hour spent in classes you will be expected to complete further hours of independent study. Your individual study time could be spent preparing for, or following up on formal study sessions; reading; producing written work; completing projects; and revising for examinations.

The direction of your individual study will be guided by the formal study sessions you attend, along with your reading lists and assignments. However, we expect you to demonstrate an active role in your own learning by reading widely and expanding your own knowledge, understanding and critical ability.

Independent study will foster in you the ability to identify your own learning needs and determine which areas you need to focus on to become proficient in your subject area. This is an important transferable skill and will help to prepare you for the transition to working life.

Assessment

Teaching for all modules includes a combination of lectures, seminars and interaction with the Virtual Learning Environment. A wide range of assessment techniques are used, including coursework examinations and a dissertation. Coursework may take the form of an individual and/or group assignment, individual and/or group presentations or invigilated tests. Examinations take place in May or early June. Students must achieve an overall pass in the taught element in order to progress to their dissertation which must also be passed for a degree to be awarded.