MA Arts Management graduates
Our arts management training equips students with the skills and experience needed for a career in the creative sector. Here you can read what some our recent graduates are doing now.
Find out more
Arts Management
Gain the skills and experience you need for a successful career in the creative sector, along with two work placements, in our industry-led course.
In the video below, head of department, Karen Pimbley, talks us through the three Arts Management 'pathways'
Industry training
This unique programme develops resilient, work-ready and sought-after graduates that can succeed in a fast-paced and ever-changing industry. We're proud to have over 30 industry partners, one of which is the Welsh National Opera.
'Taking a placement with WNO as part of the Arts Management MA at RWCMD, you'll just have a great time. You'll be an integral part of the orchestra concerts team for the 10 or 12 weeks that you're with us and you really are treated as one of the professionals. What this means is when you start your career in real terms, you're going into the profession with real confidence and knowledge that you've done those things, you've lived that job. You get a real taste of what it's really like to be part of a fast-paced and large arts organisation - that's invaluable when it comes to starting your career in arts management.'Matt DownesOrchestral and concerts manager at Welsh National Opera
Why study arts management at RWCMD?
- Industry facing: our course reflects current practice as it is delivered by a team of professionals who all still work in the industry, as well as guest specialists who visit throughout the year.
- Employability: we are very proud to have maintained a 100% employment record since 2013, with students continuing to secure related jobs within three months of graduating.
- Focus on industry experience: you’ll have opportunities to gain that all-important work experience as it is a key course focus. We have a comprehensive work placement programme and arrange placements for all arts management students, both in our multi-venue arts centre + within one of our 30+ external partner organisations.
- Conservatoire-based training: you’ll learn within a music and drama conservatoire and world-class arts centre which provides unique opportunities for arts management students to collaborate on projects across the college and work with visiting artists/companies.
- Choice of three specialist pathways: choose from creative producing, orchestral management or general arts management as your area of specialism, depending on your interest and career aspirations.
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We are very proud to have maintained a 100% employment record since 2013, with students continuing to secure related jobs within three months of graduating.
Who the course is for
As well as being suitable for recent graduates, the course is also a great choice for mid-career professionals wishing to upskill or move into leadership roles. Applicants who already have professional experience working in the arts may be able to use their experience as APEL credit (Accreditation for Prior Experience) to shorten their learning journey and save on overall course costs.
Whilst most students complete the course full-time over a year, we also offer flexible study options, so if you need to balance work/life alongside your studies, consider our part-time attendance opportunities - usually over two years, but can be anything up to five years.
'Creating opportunities for students to network and gain hands-on experience is at the heart of everything we do. We work closely with our industry partners to equip graduates with a transferable bundle of skills and current practice experience to ensure they are 100% employment ready.'Karen PimbleyHead of Arts Management
Led by arts management professional Karen Pimbley
Beginning her career as an arts marketer in regional repertory theatre, Karen became the first Head of Events at Cardiff International Arena before moving into music promotion, touring with internationally renowned artists such as Take That, Tom Jones and the Classical Spectacular.
As a senior arts leader, Karen was instrumental in establishing National Dance Company Wales and also worked as a Director of UK Theatre between 2017 and 2021.
Karen is currently a trustee of National Youth Arts Wales; her recent consultancy work includes projects with Arts Council Wales and the Wales Cultural Alliance as well as research with the National Library of Wales.
Discover more
MA Arts Management graduates
Our arts management training equips students with the skills and experience needed for a career in the creative sector. Here you can read what some our recent graduates are doing now.
Find out more
MA Arts Management
Gain the skills and experience you need for a successful career in the creative sector, along with two work placements, in our industry-led course.
Find out more
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Arts Management MA: Focus on employability
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Career pathways: Orchestral Management
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Virtual Open Day - Arts Management
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