Arts Management, Policy and Practice MA

Year of entry: 2026

Course length: 12 Months Full-Time | 24 Months Part-Time

About the course

Our interdisciplinary MA in Arts Management, Policy and Practice provides the knowledge and skills to manage and coordinate arts organisations, programmes and events across the creative and cultural industries.

You will explore the fundamental aspects of what it means to be an arts manager, covering business and financial management, audience development, marketing, programming and cultural policymaking.

You will develop your knowledge and understanding of the history, theory and practice of arts management and acquire direct experience and insights through opportunities to hear from and work with arts managers from across the sector through guest lectures, workshops and placement opportunities.

This course consists of taught units and a dissertation, bringing together theory and practice in a range of management areas including:

· Business strategies, financial management and governance

· Audience development, marketing and evaluation

· Production and programming

· Policymaking and strategic leadership

· Industry experience and research

These examples are based on 2025/26 options and are subject to change each year.

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This course consists of taught units and a dissertation, and brings together theory and practice in diverse areas including:

Production and programming
Policy-making
Strategic management and leadership
Finance and resource development
Marketing
Audience development
Engagement and Participation
Education
Research
Evaluation

These are example course units based on 2025/26 options and are subject to change each year.

Where will your degree take you?

As well as going into further research, our postgraduates pursue successful careers as managers, administrators, policy-makers or practitioners in various branches of the arts, cultural and creative industries.

Opportunities exist in:

The public, private, and voluntary sectors
Cultural venues, theatres, opera houses, concert halls, arts centres, museums and galleries
The media, communications, PR and marketing
Orchestras, theatre companies and dance companies
The Arts Council, British Council, local authorities, tourist boards and various funding bodies

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Swarnali Nag

MA Arts Management, Policy and Practice

‘’During my placement as an intern in the Directorate of Communications, Marketing, and Student Recruitment at the University of Manchester, I had the incredible opportunity to significantly develop my skills, gain hands-on experience, and broaden my understanding of key industry practices. This role allowed me to contribute meaningfully while learning from experienced professionals in a dynamic environment. I am deeply grateful to the University of Manchester's Arts Management, Practice and Policy programme for providing me with this invaluable opportunity.’

Alison DiDonato

Development Association, Arts Council of Princeton

MA Arts Management, Policy and Practice

‘’During the MA Arts Management, Policy, and Practice course I was able to gain broader knowledge and significant practical experience, particularly during my work placement at non- profit In Place of War (IPOW). My experience in Manchester allowed me to understand and explore the creative fabric of a city. I gained invaluable practical skills, great friends, and am now able to work toward spreading arts in my community in a meaningful way.’’

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