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    MSc
    2025 start September 

    Creative and Cultural Industries Management

    Management School, Faculty of Social Sciences

    Our MSc Creative and Cultural Industries Management programme draws on the research, knowledge and workplace experience of a talented team of academics, who offer an excellent understanding of the business demands of managing creative enterprises and cultural organisations in the modern world.
    Three students walking through Kelham Island.

    Course description

    On our Creative and Cultural Industries Management MSc you'll learn the critical skills and essential knowledge you need to become a successful manager in the cultural and creative sector. You may also have the option to undertake an organisational project, giving you real-world work experience within a creative organisation.

    The city makes this programme unique. Sheffield is an exciting place to specialise in the creative and cultural industries thanks to its internationally renowned museums and galleries, thriving music scene, and one of the largest regional theatre complexes outside London. The city regularly hosts high-profile exhibitions as well as stages its own events in several pop-up and DIY venues. Sheffield boasts a vibrant creative industries quarter and frequently sends its theatrical productions to the West End.

    This course provides general training in management with an emphasis on understanding and managing creative enterprises and cultural organisations. Students are encouraged to make use of Sheffield’s strong creative and cultural brands such as Museums Sheffield, S1, Showroom Cinema, and Sheffield Theatres. 

    Cultural field trips to experience creative programmes at various destinations are an integral part of this course, and guest speakers working in the sector provide professional expertise. Volunteering opportunities in the sector may also be available. You can also apply to base your dissertation on a project with a high-profile arts organisation or event in the city.

    Accreditation

    The Management School is Triple Crown accredited by AMBA, EQUIS and AACSB.

    Modules

    A selection of modules is available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. From May of the year of entry, formal programme regulations will be available in our Programme Regulations Finder.

    Core modules:

    Accounting and Financial Management

    This module is designed to provide knowledge and understanding of the roles of accounting and financial management in modern business organisations. The module will introduce students to the objectives, techniques and limitations of accounting for the purposes of external accountability and internal decision-making and control. The module will also introduce students to the objectives, techniques and limitations of financial investment appraisal and provision of financial resources.

    15 credits
    Introduction to Critical Theories and Concepts in the Creative and Cultural Industries

    This is a core module that introduces and defines what we mean by the Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI), not least exploring their role in society. From theatres, to museums, to the music industry, to film, this module explores ideas around the purposes of, and changes and challenges to the CCI sector. The module provides an overview of critical theories and concepts within CCI, and seeks to equip students with the necessary knowledge and tools to assess critically the advantages and disadvantages of existing frameworks, and apply these to understand and research the Creative and Cultural Industries today.

    15 credits
    Cultural Marketing

    Cultural Marketing aims to develop students' understanding, knowledge and analytical skills in relation to marketing and consumption practices within the Creative and Cultural Industries (CCIs), and specifically in relation to the CCI business context, types of CCI organisations and marketing management practices. The module content includes theoretical approaches to marketing and consumption practices in a range of CCI sectors, for example, film, fine art, music, literature, and heritage.

    15 credits
    Digital Cultural and Creative Industries

    This module aims to develop students' understanding of the relationship between digital technologies and cultural and creative industries, looking at production, distribution, audience measurement and future trends. Students will synthesise knowledge from CCI theory, up-to-date industry examples and guest speakers who work at the forefront of these digital transformations. Students will be equipped with the skills to critically evaluate the use of technologies in CCIs, to address their opportunities, risks and potential harms.  

    Firstly, we will explore how cultural and creative production is facilitated by different technological innovations and developments. We will look at how CCIs such as game design, museum curation and music have been shaped by numerous technological innovations. We will also examine how digital production influences work and consumption within contemporary CCIs.  

    Secondly, we will look at the ways in which CCI distribution is facilitated by digital intermediaries. We will look at social media platforms, streaming services and livestreaming platforms, and examine industries related to social media content creation, influencer culture and the promises of 'DIY' production. We will particularly focus on how the algorithmic distribution of cultural products has shaped cultural and creative industries. We will also examine how digital intermediaries shaped the funding models of CCIs, and what impact this has on the sector. 

    Lastly, we will look at how digital media has shaped the sustainability and futures of cultural and creative industries. We will look at how technologies such as VR and AI could end up transforming how we access, and work in CCIs - both now and in the future.

    15 credits
    Research Methods

    The unit provides an introduction to a wide range of research methods used in management research. It prepares students for their dissertation by helping them to make an informed choice of objectives and methods (design, data collection and analysis) for thier own research. It also prepared students to review the literature and critically evaluate the methods used by others, to consider ethical issues around research and to prepare a plan for their dissertation research.

    15 credits
    Project Dissertation

    This unit requires the student to research a topic appropriate to the field of management. The topic chosen by the student must receive approval from a supervisor. A dissertation written by the student should be delivered to the School at the conclusion of the study. The study, and the resulting dissertation, may take the form of an academic research or of a managerial problem-solving exercise. In either case, it requires the student to apply critical analysis and to set the issues within the context of appropriate management literature.

    45 credits

    Optional modules - one from:

    Heritage, History and Identity

    This module highlights the diversity of cultural heritage, ranging from cultural and 'natural' landscapes, through monuments to music, dress, cuisine, 'traditional' crafts, and language and dialect. It explores the role of these various forms of heritage in shaping local, regional and national identity; the extent to which they reflect or misrepresent local, regional and national history; the legal and ethical issues surrounding conservation and preservation of heritage; and how study of 'traditional' lifeways may contribute to understanding of history.

    15 credits
    Management and Organisational Theory

    This module explores the fundamentals of various theories of organisation, and how organisational management influences functioning. It brings together theory and practice in encouraging students to view organisations from different perspectives to develop a more comprehensive understanding of organisational theory and approaches to managing organisations. By analysing the usefulness and drawbacks of different approaches, both classical and strategic, it enables students to reach their own conclusions as to which approach might be suitable in a particular circumstance. The approaches are set in the context of understanding organisational structures and management, together with the behaviours of those who populate organisations.Note: The Module Leader should ensure that there is no overlap with MGT650 Managing People in Organisations, which is taken by MSc Management students in Semester 1.

    15 credits

    Optional modules - three from:

    Digital Cultural Heritage: Theory and Practice

    This module examines the theoretical and methodological advances in Digital Cultural Heritage and their
    broader implications in fields concerned with the interpretation and presentation of the past. We will draw on
    theoretical readings as well as analyse the potential benefits and drawbacks of certain digital and online
    approaches. Topics include: principles and theories underlying Digital Cultural Heritage, understanding
    processes of creating digital surrogates, establishing principles for user experience, and exploring digital
    narratives for public dissemination. A major component of this module will be a semester-long project that will
    require the development of a proposal for a digital cultural heritage project.

    15 credits
    Heritage, Place and Community

    The aim of this module is to introduce the theory and practice of heritage, conservation and public archaeology. The module will encourage debate on issues that affect how we define and apply the term 'heritage'. It also offers an opportunity to focus on the historic 'value' of a site or landscape, with an evaluation of how it is currently managed, and strategies for its future conservation and presentation.

    15 credits
    Managing Festivals, Events and Creative Performances

    This module explores the growth development, characteristics, issues and influences relevant to international art fairs, festivals, artistic performances and events and their impact on localities in terms of income generation, providing added value to tourist spaces, and their role in showcasing cultures and cultural products and places. It is primarily concerned with management of those art fairs, exhibitions and events that either showcase cultures or are located within the broad field of Creative and Cultural Industries, providing access to cultural products and cultural capital.

    15 credits
    Managing Museums and Cultural Heritage Sites

    The module defines and critically appraises the concepts and dimensions of museums and heritage spaces and examines the politics and uses of such sites. It considers local museums, World Heritage Sites and 'Starchitecture' new builds such as the Guggenheim, Bilbao and the Louvre Abu Dhabi. It examines policy, funding and the day to day management of individual museums and heritage spaces against the background of national government agendas and inter-governmental agreements that underpin large scale developments. It looks at provision of such cultural spaces from both the operator and visitor management perspectives and includes site visits within the locality.

    15 credits
    Cultural and Creative Entrepreneurship

    Entrepreneurship is vital to a flourishing cultural and creative sector. This module bridges the gap between creativity, culture, and business by enabling learners to develop techniques that move their creative and critical thinking to entrepreneurial thinking. The module equips those who have previously studied or engaged with an area of creative or cultural practice, such as music, media, theatre and performance, heritage, craft, design, or digital games, to start a new business arising from existing or new creative and cultural practices, to manage a portfolio of loosely connected projects in the cultural and creative industries, and to develop intrapreneurial skills for innovation in existing organisations in the cultural and creative industries. It enhances learners' skills as creative leaders who can respond to emerging trends and opportunities to realise value in the creative economy.

    15 credits
    Branding

    This unit engages students with different theoretical perspectives on the nature of brands, their management, and the relationship between brands and their socio-cultural context. The learning process exposes the students to a wide range of brand examples. Students draw on the theoretical perspectives to write an analytical critique of a specific leisure brand.

    15 credits
    Staging Music in Theory and Practice

    This unit is practice based as students develop and run a one day music related event within the local community. There will be theoretical input on the nature and impacts of, and planning for, art oriented festivals and events including marketing and the practical application of legal and health and safety principles.

    15 credits

    The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.

    Open days

    An open day gives you the best opportunity to hear first-hand from our current students and staff about our courses.
    Open days and campus tours

    Duration

    1 year full-time

    Teaching

    • Lectures
    • Seminars
    • Case studies
    • Group work for collaborative learning
    • Web-based discussion groups

    Assessment

    • Individual assignments
    • Group projects
    • End-of-semester examinations
    • Dissertation

    School

    Management School

    We are a leading management school with Triple Crown accreditation (AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS). These awards have been achieved through the outstanding quality of our programmes, research output, support for students and alumni, and links with industry. We have a world-class reputation for high quality teaching, ground-breaking research and cutting-edge thinking.

    You’ll be part of a dynamic and engaging management school that puts you and your future at the heart of everything it does. We balance a rigorous academic foundation with practical skills to ensure you are ready for the world of work.

    We want you to develop skills so you can apply course content in a company setting. Our close links with organisations keep us in tune with the changing demands of the workplace. We know what employers are looking for.

    You'll learn from experts - many are former industry professionals and they work closely with businesses. Because our academics are world-leading researchers, your education will draw on the most current management theories.

    We want you to engage with the academic content, be conscientious and take an independent approach to study. We want you to be informed, innovative and proactive and do everything we can to support and enhance your career, steering you in the right direction with all the knowledge and skills you require.

    You'll benefit from tailored on-site and online professional careers support, dedicated skills sessions and events with experts from world-leading organisations and professional bodies. These activities will help guide your personal and professional development to help you secure your dream placement, internship or graduate role.

    Xinyi Huang wearing a yellow and white shirt.

    The biggest thing I have gained is my increased capacity to learn more than just my course

    Xinyi Huang Creative and Cultural Industries Management MSc

    Xinyi Huang, an MSc Creative and Cultural Industries Management student, reflects on her favourite things about her course and the city of Sheffield.

    Entry requirements

    Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in any subject.

    We also consider a wide range of international qualifications:

    Entry requirements for international students

    We assess each application on the basis of the applicant’s preparation and achievement as a whole. We may accept applicants whose qualifications don’t meet the published entry criteria but have other experience relevant to the course.

    The lists of required degree subjects and modules are indicative only.  Sometimes we may accept subjects or modules that aren’t listed, and sometimes we may not accept subjects or modules that are listed, depending on the content studied.

    English language requirements

    IELTS 6.5 (with 6 in each component) or University equivalent

    Pathway programme for international students

    If you're an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for a pre-masters programme in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Sheffield International College. This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.

    If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school/department.

    Fees and funding

    Field trip costs

    We recommend that you go on at least one of two organised field trips.

    • The Management School will pay for travel and accommodation.
    • You'll need to pay for food and drink. For each field trip, you'll need to provide a £50 deposit, which will be refunded after the trip.

    More scholarships and fees information can be found on the Management School website.

    Apply

    You can apply now using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.

    Apply now

    Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.

    Our student protection plan

    Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.