Master of Business (Arts and Cultural Management)

Entry requirements

Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements and individual circumstances. You must meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

Academic requirements

To be considered for admission to this degree, you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Completion of a bachelor's degree or higher in any discipline and at least three years of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent).
• Completion of a graduate certificate or higher in a related discipline and at least three years of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent).

*Definition of minimum work experience: must include at least two years (full-time equivalent) in a managerial or professional role (either paid or volunteer) in arts and/or cultural management with direct involvement in operational matters that could include budgetary, staffing, strategy, planning and implementation decisions.

English language requirements

• Bachelor's degree from a recognised English-speaking country.
• IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent.
• Other evidence of English language proficiency (contact the university for more information).

Non-academic requirements

All applicants must provide the following with their application:

• A current CV that demonstrates professional/managerial experience.
• Current contact details of two referees who can be contacted concerning your work experience.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The university aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning that exceeds the course's standard entrance requirements and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students must complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is greater. For certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.

You can also refer to Deakin's Recognition of Prior Learning system, which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.

Note: Recognition of Prior Learning into the Master of Business (Arts and Cultural Management) may be granted to students who have completed appropriate postgraduate studies in a related discipline. However, it cannot be given based on relevant work experience alone, as this is an entry requirement. It may be considered case-by-case in addition to formal postgraduate-level equivalent learning.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate after their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.

• Assess a broad range of specialised management approaches and their application to arts organisations, while contributing to new discipline knowledge and extending current arts management practice. 
• Determine appropriate communication strategies and techniques in the practice of arts management. 
• Apply the use of digital technologies in the practice of arts management. 
• Appraise and synthesise information to understand and apply theories of arts management and extend current practice. 
• Determine solutions to diverse current and emerging arts management challenges and issues. 
• Personalise reflections on arts management practice and plan professional careers. 
• Participate and collaborate with arts management practitioners. 
• Incorporate arts management theory and practice from a range of cultural and international contexts and address the requirements of ethical practice.

Career outcomes

Your qualification, in combination with your extensive industry experience, can prepare you for leadership and senior management roles across a range of settings, including:

• Performing and Visual Arts
• Festivals
• Community Arts and Cultural Development
• Publishing Houses
• Arts and Cultural Venues
• Touring Companies
• Screen Industries
• Museums and Galleries.

Many leaders within the industry are graduates of this course and have gone on to work in high-profile organisations such as:

• Australian Ballet
• Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)
• Regional Arts Australia
• Theatre Network Australia
• Creative Partnerships Australia
• Arts Centre Melbourne
• Opera Australia
• Melbourne Fringe Festival
• Museum Victoria
• National Gallery of Australia
• Federal, state and local government arts departments

This degree will also put you in a strong position to explore some of the industry's high-demand areas, including audience development, relationship management, festival programming, policy development, production and tour management, fundraising and development, digital content, and social media marketing.

Fees and FEE-HELP

Estimated first-year tuition fee in 2026: $31,600 (domestic full-fee paying place).

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of eight credit points (normally eight units) per year.

A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:

• The number of units studied per term.
• The choice of major or specialisation.
• Choice of units.
• Credit from previous study or work experience.
• Eligibility for government-funded loans.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.