Cultural Policy & Arts Management

University College Dublin

Ireland, Dublin

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Home/Ireland/Dublin /University College Dublin/Cultural Policy & Arts Management

University College Dublin

Ireland , Dublin

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Credit point

90 Points

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines25-Sep-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

EUR 22,600 / year

Next Intake 25-Sep-2026

Cultural Policy & Arts Management

About

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

Requirements

Entry Requirements

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.

English Program Requirements

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Taught Master's: A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. The non-academic version is not accepted.

Research Programmes: A minimum overall score of 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. The non-academic version is not accepted.

IELTS Indicator: A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band. This test will be accepted for 2022/23 and 2023/24 intake.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Taught Master's: A minimum score of 100 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.

Research Programmes: A minimum score of 90 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.

TOEFL iBT Home: A minimum score of 100 is required with a score of at least 20 in each section.

Duolingo Test of English (DET)

UCD has approved the use of the Duolingo Test of English (DET) for the 2024/25 intake.
An overall score of 130 will be accepted with no section below 110.

Please note that this does not apply to the CEMS MiM / MSc in International Management. In the case of the CEMS MiM the Duolingo English Test will not be accepted.

Career

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).