Key facts
Duration
The time and cost can be reduced based on your previous qualifications and professional experience. This means you can fast track the masters degree from 1.5 years down to 1 year duration. See entry requirements below for more information.
Locations
OnlineCourse overview
Prepare for a leadership role within the arts and creative industries and learn directly from industry-active academics who have forged successful careers in this dynamic and ever-evolving sector. Deakin’s Master of Business (Arts and Cultural Management) equips you with the business expertise and practical skills needed to thrive across a broad range of roles and organisations.
As the only course of its kind in Australia delivered by a business school, it offers a unique blend of business acumen and creative industry insight. You will build your leadership potential and connect with like-minded professionals, while developing a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities that shape the arts and cultural sector today. Whether you’re a creative practitioner, looking to step into management or looking to move into a more senior position, this course will help you transition with confidence into a leadership role within a not-for-profit or commercial organisation.
The course is designed in response to emerging trends in the sector, equipping you with practical skills for your future role. You might explore how to develop a audience-centric strategy to broaden engagement or create a business plan for a creative industries start-up. These practical tasks allow you to apply core business principles, including management, marketing, finance, human resources and project management – within arts and cultural management contexts.
Ready to thrive, adapt and lead in a rapidly evolving arts industry?
In addition to core units of study, you can tailor your degree to your career goals by choosing up to four elective units from any Faculty of Business specialisation. Some of your options include:
- Business Strategy and Analysis
- Consumer Behaviour
- Creating Your Arts Business
- Managing Innovation
- Marketing Management.
Students with an interest in events and festivals are encouraged to consider the event management specialisation. The skills you will gain are highly transferable to roles in the visual and performing arts, local government and cultural organisations. The curriculum's connectedness to the sector comes as a result of course content that’s shaped by an advisory board and delivered by industry experts. Working alongside employers and board members within the industry, our academics develop assessments, projects and content that reflect the challenges of the field. Not only are our academics well-connected, they’re also highly credentialed and experienced. From arts managers influencing arts and cultural policies for government, to Presidents of the Green Room Awards, you will be learning from the very best.
As competition for attention grows, so too does the demand for arts-literate, industry-savvy professionals who can lead with purpose and build meaningful engagement. With Deakin’s long-standing reputation in arts management education and a qualification grounded in business, you will graduate ready to lead and ready to make an impact.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Master of Business (Arts and Cultural Management)
- Year
2026 course information
- Deakin code
- M785
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
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Join more than 78,000 online Deakin students who have successfully graduated from the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment. Discover why we’re a leader in online university courses.
Course structure
To complete the Master of Business (Arts and Cultural Management), you must pass 8 or 12 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
A 12-credit point Master of Business (Arts and Cultural Management) includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
- 8 credit points of core units
- 4 credit points of open elective units.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
The remaining 4 credit points may be selected from:
Recommended electives^
a postgraduate business specialisation* or any business units not previously studied
postgraduate units offered by the University (subject to eligibility)
Deakin stackable short courses (0.5cp microcredentials)
^Recommended electives
MWL Units:
*previously coded MPK713
*Recommended specialisations:
# MPT code denotes study tour version of the unit
Mix and match Deakin stackable short courses (0.5 credit point microcredentials) to earn up to 1 credit point of open electives, subject to eligibility. Any stacking must add up to a whole number to be used for credit. For more information, visit the Deakin stackable short course options.
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Online
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Online
Please note that this course is not offered in Trimester 3.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS – Please note that due to Australian Government regulations, student visas to enter Australia cannot be issued to students who enrol in Deakin online courses.
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Mandatory student checks
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.
Workload
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.
Participation requirements
Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
This course provides students the opportunity to complete one or more elective work integrated learning units.
Explore Business and Law WIL opportunities.
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 will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum 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 degree or higher in any discipline and at least two years’ relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)*
- completion of a graduate certificate or higher in a related discipline and at least two years' relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)*
Examples of relevant work experience include, but not limited to: two years’ experience in arts and/or cultural management (full-time equivalent, either paid or volunteer). This experience can be accumulated from one or more full- or part-time roles but must be gained within the past ten years.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor 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 (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
All applicants must provide the following with their application:
- a current CV that clearly demonstrates professional/managerial experience
- current contact details of two referees who can be contacted concerning your work experience
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
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, recognition of prior learning cannot be granted on the basis of relevant work experience alone as this is a requirement of entry. It may be considered on a case-by-case basis in addition to formal postgraduate level equivalent learning.
More accessible entry requirements
From 2026, entry is more flexible, with two years of professional experience now accepted instead of three. Standard academic entry requirements continue to apply.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$31,600 for 1 yr full-time AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook. Learn more about fees and available payment options.
Scholarship options
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.
Postgraduate bursary
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
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.
Need more information on how to apply?
For information on the application process, including required documents and important dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you need assistance, please contact us.
Pathways
Alternate exits
- Graduate Certificate of Business (Arts and Cultural Management) (M519)
- Graduate Diploma of Business (Arts and Cultural Management) (M665)
Career outcomes
The course’s strong reputation in the industry leads to great career outcomes. Your qualification, in combination with your extensive industry experience, will prepare you for leadership and senior management roles across a range of settings including:
- arts and cultural venues
- community arts and cultural development
- festivals
- performing and visual arts
- museums and galleries
- publishing houses
- screen industries
- touring companies.
Many leaders within the industry are graduates from this course and have gone on to work in high-profile organisations such as:
- Arts Centre Melbourne
- Australian Ballet
- Creative Partnerships Australia
- Federal, state and local government arts departments
- Melbourne Fringe Festival
- Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)
- Museum Victoria
- National Gallery of Australia
- Opera Australia
- Regional Arts Australia
- Theatre Network Australia.
This degree will also put you in a strong position to explore some of the high-demand areas within the industry, including audience development, relationship management, festival programming, policy development, production and tour management, fundraising and development, digital content and social media marketing.
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.
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured 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.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | 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 |
| Communication | Determine appropriate communication strategies and techniques in the practice of arts management |
| Digital literacy | Apply the use of digital technologies in relation to arts the practice of arts management |
| Critical thinking | Appraise and synthesise information in order to understand and apply theories of arts management and extend current practice |
| Problem solving | Determine solutions to a diverse range of current and emerging arts management challenges and issues |
| Self-management | Personalise reflections on arts management practice and plan professional careers |
| Teamwork | Participate and collaborate with arts management practitioners |
| Global citizenship | Incorporate arts management theory and practice from a range of cultural and international contexts and address the requirements of ethical practice |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
