Study Master of Management (Arts and Cultural Management) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

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Australian students

Start Date
February
August

Campus
City West

Duration
2 year(s) full-time

Program Code
DMMC

SATAC Code
4CM172 (Internal)
4CM173 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Mode
On-campus

Fees
Commonwealth Supported

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 diploma* from a recognised higher education institution; or
- A completed graduate certificate* from a recognised higher education institution.
Applicants who have:
- completed a bachelor degree in a business or arts discipline; or
- completed a bachelor degree which includes a major in business, commerce, marketing, management or arts; or
- completed a graduate certificate in a business or arts discipline; or
- completed a graduate diploma in a business or arts discipline,
are eligible to enter the program with 0.5 EFTSL (18 units) Advanced Standing and complete the program in 1.5 years of full time study or equivalent part time study.
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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.
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.
Gain industry experience through internships offered at major arts organisations in Adelaide.
Build a solid foundation in management, then specialise in arts and cultural management taught by leading industry professionals and academics.
Apply for the annual Ruth Rentschler Arts and Cultural Management Grant to help with your study costs.
Connect with a senior business leader through our Executive Partners Program.
Qualify for Advanced Standing for previous qualifications and complete your degree in just 1.5 years.
Study a curriculum informed by above world-class research in Management¹.
The University of South Australia Business School is ranked 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

Prepare for success as a manager in the vibrant arts sector with the only qualification of its kind in South Australia.

In this exciting degree, you will develop an advanced 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, and the knowledge and skills to inform policy-making at government and peak industry body levels. Your studies will cover arts management, arts philanthropy, and arts and cultural events. You will learn the complex relationships between government, not-for-profit and private sponsorship of the arts.

You will benefit from a range of experience-based learning opportunities, including overseas study and business mentoring by a senior business leader through the Executive Partners Program. 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 already have a business degree or another related qualification, you could be eligible for Advanced Standing and complete this degree in just 1.5 years.

What you'll learn

The Master of Management (Arts and Cultural Management) is made up of 16 courses; eight arts and cultural management courses, two business and management courses and six electives. Through these you will develop skills and expertise in areas that include:

Arts and Cultural Leadership and Governance
Accounting for Management M
Marketing Management
Arts and Cultural Audiences
Arts Environment
Festivals and Events
Arts Management
Arts Philanthropy
Arts Law
Venues and Facilities Management

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
Arts and Cultural Leadership and Governance	BUSS 5436	4.5	Rule(s): 2,5
Accounting for Management M	ACCT 5011	4.5	Rule(s): 2,5
Marketing Management	MARK 5025	4.5	Rule(s): 2,5
Arts and Cultural Audiences	BUSS 5435	4.5	Rule(s): 2,5
Arts Environment	BUSS 5218	4.5	Rule(s): 2
Festival and Event Management	TOUR 5002	4.5	Rule(s): 2
Arts Management	BUSS 5020	4.5
Arts Philanthropy	BUSS 5021	4.5
Arts Law	BUSS 5202	4.5
Managing Venues and EventScapes	BUSS 5356	4.5
Elective		4.5	Rule(s): 1,2
Elective		4.5	Rule(s): 1,2
Elective		4.5	Rule(s): 1
Elective		4.5	Rule(s): 1
Elective		4.5	Rule(s): 1
Elective		4.5	Rule(s): 1

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
Recommended electives
The Principles and Practice of Tourism	TOUR 5001	4.5
Sport, Tourism and Events	BUSS 5358	4.5
Business Ethics	BUSS 5384	4.5
Social Media Management	COMM 5069	4.5
Advanced electives
Business Practicum G	BUSS 5396	4.5
Sustainable Destination Management	TOUR 5003	4.5
International Tourism: Predicting Markets and Opportunities	TOUR 5007	4.5
Project Management for Business	BUSS 5139	4.5
Entrepreneurship and Innovation	BUSS 5080	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. At least 1 elective course is required to be at an advanced level (please refer to the postgraduate electives list available at (https://i.unisa.edu.au/students/business/management/pg-electives/)

2. Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Management (Arts and Cultural Management) are eligible to be admitted directly into the Master program and will be given credit for the 8 courses already completed.

3. Students who have taken, for another award, a course which is substantially equivalent to a course from the program schedule, may be granted up to one third of the program in credit or may substitute a course of equal standing and unit's value, with the approval of the Program Director. Credit will only be granted for courses undertaken at postgraduate level in a qualification that has not been used as the basis for Advanced Standing.

4. The Program Director may approve variations to the program of studies for a student by substituting courses from the program schedule with courses from other graduate level programs in this or another university.

5. Applicants who have completed a bachelor degree in a business or arts discipline, or who hold a bachelor degree which includes a major in business, commerce, marketing, management or arts, or applicants who have completed a graduate certificate in a business or arts discipline are eligible to enter the program with 0.5 EFTSL (18 units) Advanced Standing in lieu of these courses and complete the program in 1.5 years of full time study or equivalent part time study.

6. A course from another Division can be studied only with the permission of the Program Director.

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 Leadership¹ - 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
music and cities: how place and space influence music creation and performance
governance and the arts in Australia and Asia

Why Master of 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 areas such as arts management and philanthropy, and arts and cultural events management. As a graduate, you can rest assured that this 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.

Real-world connections

UniSA’s joint initiative with the Adelaide Festival Centre places this master degree at the forefront of arts, culture and education in Australia. The Asia Pacific Centre for Arts and Cultural Leadership works to ensure Adelaide becomes the hub of arts and cultural partnership activities in the Asia Pacific region. This will further enhance your career prospects locally and abroad. We also host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

Executive Partners Program

Have you ever considered having a business mentor? As part of your studies, you can apply for our Executive Partners Program.

This is a unique opportunity for our postgraduate students to engage with highly successful industry executives to enhance their studies and career. Our Executive Partners are either active, semi-retired or recently retired business professionals who have a wealth of knowledge and want to help you achieve your goals.

Career outcomes

Your career

Upon graduation, you will be well-equipped for a management 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
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

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

go to the top of this page and make note of the relevant SATAC code (see below) then click Apply
you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

You may be eligible for Advanced Standing and complete the requirements of this qualification in less than 2 years. Please see entry requirements for further details. When applying through SATAC, please refer to the codes below. If you are uncertain about your eligibility for Advanced Standing, please include more than one SATAC code in your list of application preferences.

2 years - SATAC CODE 4CM172
1.5 year - SATAC CODE 4CM173

Advanced standing

Eligible applicants can complete this degree in 1.5 years of full time study (or the equivalent part time) with Advanced Standing. You may be eligible if you have successfully completed one of the following:

a bachelor degree in a business discipline
a bachelor degree which includes a major in business, commerce, marketing or management
a graduate certificate in a business discipline

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a Pathway

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.

More scholarships

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.

Learn more

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.

Learn more

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 campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.

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.

Prof Ruth Rentschler

Program Director

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Prof Ruth Rentschler

Program Director

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Ask UniSA

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.
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.
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.

More FAQs

What others are saying

I undertook an overseas internship as an elective in my Master of Management (Arts and Cultural Management) degree, enabling me to set myself apart from peers who have never ventured abroad and am better equipped to pursue career opportunities. Travelling to participate in an overseas Internship Program was one of the most enriching, challenging and exciting experiences I have undertaken.

Beth Shimmin

Master of Management (Arts and Cultural Management)