MA Professional Practice: Cultural Policy and Leadership (online) at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama

Programme overview

A part-time online MA (180 credits) for early and mid-career practitioners in the creative and cultural industries who want to strengthen leadership capabilities and engage critically with cultural policy. Classes are typically held once a week in the evening (UK time) in term time, and the programme is open to students worldwide. Two optional residency weeks at Central are held in October and April. The award is a Master of Arts in Cultural Policy and Leadership.

Duration: 1 year part-time only (online) | Intake: October 2027 (subject to validation) | Study mode: online / part-time | Location: London, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Four main modules: Critical Reflection: Professional Practice (10 credits), Policy and Practice (15 credits), Cultural Leadership (15 credits) and a Sustained Independent Project (60 credits). Term 1 covers cultural policy, organisational innovation and critical reflection on professional practice; Term 2 covers cultural leadership, governance and organisational change.

Career pathways

Graduates are prepared to lead cultural organisations, influence cultural policy and shape the creative and cultural industries.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants will normally hold an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as drama, theatre, performance studies, arts management, cultural policy, business, economics or politics; applicants from other disciplines are considered where they can demonstrate relevant professional experience. Applicants will normally have several years of experience in the creative and cultural industries. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in lieu of formal academic qualifications is considered under the School's admissions regulations. Application requires a CV and a personal statement (maximum two sides of A4) covering current professional practice and leadership responsibilities, projects led, engagement with cultural policy or organisational change, key questions to explore and future development. Shortlisted applicants are invited to a 30-minute online interview.

Intake: October

Duration: 1 year part-time (online)

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