Graduate Diploma in Management (Arts and Cultural Management)
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2020
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- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Humanitarian Visa holders)
Program Code
DGAC
SATAC Code
4GD111 (Internal/External)
Study as
Full-time
or part-time
Mode
On-campus/Online
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Entry requirements
Applicants are required to have one of the following:
- A completed bachelor degree* from a recognised higher education institution or equivalent; or
- A completed graduate certificate* from a recognised higher education institution; or
- A Diploma or Advanced Diploma in a relevant field of the arts and two years relevant professional experience; or
- A minimum of five (5) years relevant professional experience.
Degree overview
- Offered in conjunction with the Adelaide Festival Centre, this is the only degree of its kind in South Australia, and the first Arts and Cultural Management qualification in the Asia-Pacific.
- Develop the skills, experience and knowledge for a professional role in the field of arts and cultural management.
- Work with the Asia-Pacific Centre for Arts and Cultural Leadership – a UniSA and Adelaide Festival Centre joint venture at the forefront of the arts and in engagement with the Asia-Pacific.
- Connect with a senior business leader through our Executive Partners Program.
- Apply for the annual Ruth Rentschler Arts and Cultural Management Grant to help with your study costs.
- Study a curriculum informed by above world-class research in Management1.
- The University of South Australia Business School is in the top one per cent worldwide2 and has been awarded an overall five stars for excellence in the QS Stars Ratings 2019.
- UniSA is No.1 in SA for postgraduate employment outcomes in Business and Management3.
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 2UniSA Business School is one of just ten institutions in Australia and 187 globally to be accredited by EQUIS (from over 16,500 worldwide). EFMD, October 2019. 3QILT: Graduate Outcomes Survey Course Experience Questionnaire 2016-18 – Full-time Employment Indicator. Public SA-founded universities only.
Snapshot
Develop the skills, experience and knowledge for a professional role in the vibrant arts sector with the only qualification of its kind in South Australia.
This exciting graduate diploma will provide you with a strong understanding of contemporary management theory and how it applies to the various elements of the creative arts and cultural industries. You will develop leadership and problem-solving abilities while studying the arts environment.
Our summer and winter schools offer exciting study and learning opportunities. With options such as intensives, internships and global study tours, you can spread your study load across the year, increase your exchange opportunities and fast track your degree. If you wish to go onto further studies you can use this qualification as a pathway into the Master in Management (Arts and Cultural Management).
What you'll learn
The Graduate Diploma in Management (Arts and Cultural Management) is made up of 8 courses. You will complete two courses in your specialisation: Arts Environment, and Arts and Cultural Leadership and Governance. You will also complete four Business School core courses and two electives. Through these you will develop skills and expertise in areas that include:
- Festivals and Events
- Marketing Management
- Arts and Cultural Audiences
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums. So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study when at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- examinations
- individual projects and essays
- research plans and reports
- essays and assignments
- group projects and discussion papers
Global opportunities
International exchanges and intensive study-tours open doors to new possibilities and experiences, and our Business School has strong connections with prestigious universities in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Travelling and studying with leading academic staff and your peers is a wonderful opportunity to develop first-hand knowledge of the international business environment. You’ll find the experience invaluable for your personal and professional development, giving you a global perspective.
UniSA has links with universities worldwide. You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests. Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Once you are a current student, you will be able to explore various study tours and exchanges and take advantage of Student Mobility Grants to make going on an overseas exchange or study tour achievable.
Research
UniSA’s joint venture initiative – the Asia-Pacific Centre for Arts and Cultural Leadership - has established a number of partnerships around the Asia-Pacific with universities, arts centres and arts and cultural institutes. The Centre develops collaborative research projects that grow leadership and management expertise in the arts and culture in our region. Some examples of previous and current research projects include:
- China-Australia arts and cultural exchange
- audience study of the Hong Kong Arts Festival
- audience studies of the Adelaide Festival Centre’s Cabaret, OzAsia and Guitar Festivals
- arts and cultural workers in the informal economy in the Asia-Pacific region
- the role of artists and creative practice in organisational innovation
- music and cities: how place and space influence music creation and performance
- governance and the arts in Australia and Asia
Why Graduate Diploma in Management (Arts and Cultural Management)
Offered in conjunction with the Adelaide Festival Centre, this degree equips students with the diverse business skills and knowledge required to manage successful arts and cultural organisations, programs, festivals, events and venues.
You will work with the Asia-Pacific Centre for Arts and Cultural Leadership – a UniSA and Adelaide Festival Centre joint venture at the forefront of the arts and in engagement with the Asia-Pacific. A focus of the centre is to train and educate younger arts and cultural managers, and also more senior leaders, to world-class levels.
You will study the arts environment, and arts and cultural leadership and governance. As a graduate, you can rest assured that yours is a globally competitive degree that is respected internationally for its quality and relevance to industry. You will be equipped with the knowledge and experience to succeed as a leader within the arts and cultural sectors, enabling you to address the challenges of sustainability that build relationships with audiences and industry stakeholders to enhance cultural vitality.
An enriching student experience
Our flexible delivery and extra-curricular opportunities are designed to suit your lifestyle, preferred way of learning and career interests. You can benefit from a blend of online and on-campus study, part-time or full-time learning, Summer and Winter School intensive courses, mentoring and networking opportunities with industry, and leadership skill development. You can also explore accelerated learning pathways and seek program support from our Business Student Hub.
Your career
Upon graduation, you will be well-equipped for a role in all areas of the arts and cultural sector.
You could consider roles such as gallery manager, festival director, theatre manager, artistic director, executive producer or corporate partnerships manager in settings such as:
- museums, galleries, zoos and aquaria
- performing arts and theatrical companies
- arts centres and venues
- festivals and events
- arts funding agencies such as government arts departments and councils
- small artist cooperatives
- entrepreneurial companies that stage events, touring performances and exhibitions
- government organisations
- entertainment businesses
- new media organisations
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
Scholarship for student leadership
$7,000 for a full year is available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.
International travel grants
Receive up to $2500 total in travel grants to participate in our Study Overseas programs. UniSA has agreements with over 80 institutions globally.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and areas that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.
Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, a perfect location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
The Business Student Hub is a convenient, central support service for Business School students, from first year through to graduation. The team provides expert advice on study options, elective choices and any academic difficulties. It also helps with referrals to support services across the University. The Business Student Hub is there to facilitate your life at university, so you get the most out of your UniSA experience.
Our student support services will make your life at university easier. We want you to be successful, and if you need help, we're here to assist. We provide a full range of support services, including:
- academic counselling
- personal counselling
- social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
- common rooms
- prayer rooms
- security officers
- services offered through our student association, USASA
When you become a UniSA student you can contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and any other questions you might have.
24/7 digital environment
This degree is offered online. With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle. You can:
- study online, including accessing videos and course resources
- participate in virtual classrooms
- submit your assignments and get feedback online
- use forums and discussion boards for team work and communication
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Please note some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any requirements like this are detailed on individual course pages.
Your program director
I have more than 20 years experience working in governance, management and marketing in the non-profit sphere at local, state, national and international levels. I have also conducted management, marketing and governance research for visual arts organisations and performing arts organisations among others. I use this experience to create an innovative and relevant curriculum for students.
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How do I apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.
For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form. -
What credit can I receive for previous studies?
Credit transfer or advanced standing
You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
Recognised prior learning
If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.
How do I get credit?
Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.
Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.
Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.
We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!
There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.
You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
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Where can I get further information?
It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.
Find a course or a provider
TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.
More information on university admission
Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.
Questions about your application
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.
What others are saying
My graduate diploma in arts management was invaluable for consolidating knowledge and experience I'd gained on-the-job, and exposing me to wider arts management practice from around Australia and internationally. Since graduating I've worked in a range of programming, producing and operational roles for arts festivals and events including Melbourne Festival, Adelaide Fringe, Melbourne International Film Festival, Brisbane Festival, Christchurch Arts Festival, WOMADelaide, Ten Days on the Island and MONA FOMA.
Melanie Burge
Graduate Diploma in Management (Arts and Cultural Management)
