Tailored business education with strong arts sector links
Learn from arts industry experts
#1 Melbourne university for business course satisfaction
Why choose Deakin
This course provides arts leaders and managers with vital skills in managing arts and cultural organisations, facilities and programs. Students develop the ability to build relationships with audiences, and to tackle common industry challenges.
You will be taught by staff with extensive practical experience in management and leadership in the arts and cultural sectors. Through this study you will be able to engage with industry representatives, and be exposed to the work of cutting edge practitioners.
On completion of the Graduate Certificate, students are able to enter the Master or Graduate Diploma of Business (Arts and Cultural Management).
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Globally recognised business degree
Study a Master of Business (Arts and Cultural Management) at a top 3 business school in Melbourne, known for strong graduate outcomes.
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Advanced industry-relevant cultural program
Build expertise in arts and cultural management through a program aligned with global industry practice.
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Industry-focused arts and cultural management
Explore how arts organisations operate, including sponsorship, fundraising and audience engagement.
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Flexible postgraduate study
Complete your degree online, with the option to study part time. Balance work and study and continue advancing your career in cultural management.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Develop practical management capabilities for creative organisations and cultural institutions. You may pursue opportunities across festivals, arts venues, museums, galleries, publishing, screen and community arts.
Producer
Plan and deliver festivals, performances and cultural events by coordinating programs, venues, budgets, suppliers and stakeholders while ensuring each event meets audience and organisational needs.
- $73.4k
Typical Australian annual salary
- 9.7%
Projected job growth in 5 years
Marketing manager
Develop marketing strategies that grow audiences and strengthen engagement. In creative organisations, you may manage campaigns, digital content, brand activity and insights that support programs and events.
- $70k
Typical Australian annual salary
- 9.7%
Projected job growth in 5 years
Workplace settings
- Arts and cultural venues
- Community arts organisations
- Festivals
- Museums and galleries
- Publishing houses
- Screen industries
FAQs
The cost of studying at Deakin depends on your degree, units and study load – tuition fees are listed on degree pages under the fees and scholarships tab. Beyond tuition, you will need to budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), accommodation, transport, groceries and textbooks. Find out more about the cost of living in Australia, use the Study Australia calculator to estimate living expenses and explore international scholarships which may help to reduce your tuition costs.
Deakin offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can reduce your postgraduate tuition fees by 20%, 25%, 50% or 100% for the duration of your degree. Eligibility varies by scholarship and the degree you choose, but you will automatically be considered for most scholarships when you apply to Deakin. Use the Find a scholarship tool and filter by 'citizenship' to see what is available to you, or explore Australia Awards scholarships if you are from an eligible country.
It depends on the degree and how you study. Graduate certificates typically take six months full time or one year part time. Graduate diplomas usually take one year full time and masters degrees typically take one to two years full time. Recognition of prior learning can reduce your study time. Check the degree page for full details.
Australia is widely regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for students, with strong legal protections, reliable public services and a multicultural community. In fact, Melbourne is ranked the #4 student city in the world! At Deakin, you will be part of a supportive community, with 24/7 help, dedicated campus security and practical tools to help you feel safe, confident and connected. Deakin’s SafeZone app also connects you directly to campus security and support services if you ever need help. Find out more about studying in Australia.
We value your experience and qualifications. That is why every new degree application at Deakin is assessed for recognition of prior learning (RPL). Through RPL, Deakin can assess your previous study and life experience and may award course credit that could reduce your study duration, as well as the cost of your study. Qualifications from universities and private tertiary institutions worldwide are considered, as is informal learning related to your degree. Use the RPL calculator to see how much credit you may be eligible for.
Deakin offers a wide range of support to help you settle in and succeed throughout your studies – we are ranked the #1 university in Melbourne for student support. You can access 1:1 study support, English language support, career planning help, disability services and free counselling, as well as financial assistance if you need it. On campus, the SafeZone app and 24/7 security services mean help is always within reach. You can explore the full range of support services for international students or start an online chat with a student ambassador before you arrive.
To enrol in a postgraduate degree at Deakin, many degrees require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent). Some degrees require higher scores, so check the entry requirements tab on the degree page for details. You may also meet the requirement through recent secondary or university study completed in English, or by demonstrating five or more years of living and working in an English-speaking country. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you do not yet meet the requirement, the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) offers pathway programs to help develop your English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Completion of DUELI’s English for Academic Purposes can give you the minimum English language requirements for most Deakin degrees.
Deakin’s postgraduate degrees are designed to advance your career, whether you want to deepen expertise in your field, move into a specialist role or shift direction entirely. All our degrees are shaped by industry partners, so what you learn reflects what employers need now and into the future. We’re proud to be the #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment. With flexible study options and financial support available, Deakin helps you gain the skills, recognition and confidence to reach your next professional goal.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
What will I study in the Graduate Certificate of Business (Arts and Cultural Management)?
Build the business knowledge needed to support creative organisations and cultural institutions. You will learn how strategic thinking, management and marketing shape sustainable arts and cultural enterprises.
Foundations of arts and cultural management
Understand the creative industries
Explore how arts organisations engage and grow audiences, deliver programs, promote experiences and operate within complex funding and stakeholder environments.
Build core management capability
Develop skills in planning, people management and organisational decision-making to support effective operations.
Develop governance knowledge
Understand financial management, accountability and governance in cultural and creative contexts.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Arts and Cultural Management, you must pass 4 credit points.
Most units are equal to one credit point. This course is available part time only, with students typically studying one to two credit points each study period.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
Professional recognition
Deakin Business School holds both AACSB and EQUIS accreditations. These prestigious accreditations are awarded to business schools that meet strict standards of quality, academic and professional excellence, and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing improvement and innovation in their courses, ensuring graduates are employable worldwide.
What to expect while studying
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Units which contain work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. These requirements will be detailed in unit guides upon enrolment.
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, online interactions, or professional experiences for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
This course does not require students to complete compulsory work integrated learning units.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
International students should note that, due to visa regulations, this course can only be undertaken while living outside Australia.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Assess a broad range of specialised management approaches and their application to arts organisations |
| Develop appropriate communication strategies and techniques in the practice of arts management |
| Employ technologies to find, use and disseminate information, concepts and theories in relation to arts management |
| Appraise and analyse information in order to understand and apply theories of arts management |
| Formulate solutions to a diverse range of current and emerging arts management challenges and issues |
| Personalise observations of arts management practice |
| Analyse the contributions made to arts management from a range of disciplines and backgrounds |
| Translate arts management theory and practice from a range of cultural and international contexts |
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Business (Arts and Cultural Management)
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- M519
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$15,900
AUD
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical enrolment of 4 credit points undertaken within the same academic year and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.
Scholarships
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
Pathways
This course can be a pathway to: