Discover how to lead arts and heritage organisations, so you can help preserve culture for people to enjoy for years to come.
The arts and heritage sectors are not only vital to the economy, they also foster a greater understanding of the cultures of yesterday and today, nourishing our sense of community and togetherness.
However, leaders need to adapt in the face of major challenges to ensure their institutions can survive and thrive by continuing to deliver enriching experiences.
With this course, you’ll develop your understanding of the changing political, policy and practice factors affecting the arts and heritage sectors of today, building strong foundations for leadership.
You'll explore the nature of heritage and how the meanings of objects, artworks, and buildings shift across different settings. Additionally, you'll examine the challenges facing arts managers and cultural leaders, and the changes that have led some museums to move towards the role of the manager over the curator.
You may also get the opportunity to engage in placements within settings that have previously centred around collections, digitisation, digital interpretation and community engagement.
Whether you’re considering a career in this sector or you’re a professional looking to enhance your skills, this course will develop your knowledge, understanding and practical experience to prepare you for your next step.
The skills I learnt to be a critical thinker and the experience from my placement will help me in being able to gain a job in this sector and problem-solve difficult issues within it.
Frances Dee, MA Arts Management and Heritage Studies
Why study at Leeds? Your culture hub: Leeds is a focal point for diverse and vibrant culture, with the Royal Armouries, Opera North, Leeds Playhouse, Northern Ballet and other museums, galleries and heritage sites located within the city. Engage with a thriving research community: You can share ideas with our networking events, links to alumni, conferences, seminars and reading groups. Put theory into practice: Optional modules allow you to gain first-hand experience of contemporary arts, museum and heritage practice, such as working in the Henry Moore Institute, National Science and Media Museum, Leeds Grand Theatre, and the Royal Armouries. Expert tutors: Learn from researchers and experts with rich backgrounds in arts management, theatre, arts galleries, museums and heritage. Real-world industry experience: Network with clients and gain consultancy experience as part of our 2-week online Global Industry Programme .
Explore Leeds Discover our campus, facilities and accommodation with our 360 virtual experience platform .
With immersive 360 experiences, image galleries, virtual tours, videos and day-in-the-life content, you can take a personalised, interactive tour of campus and explore the University's academic, social and residential environments from anywhere in the world.
You can get a feel for what it's really like to live, learn and belong at the University of Leeds – all from the comfort of home.