Tailored business education with strong arts sector links
Learn from arts industry experts
#2 Victorian university for career impact
Why choose Deakin
Prepare for leadership in the arts and creative industries with a degree designed to increase your impact. Blend deep arts industry connections and advanced management education in Australia’s only business school-based arts management program. You will gain distinct advantages for a sector facing acute skills shortages in management and leadership.
Build expertise in cultural leadership, strategy, marketing, finance and project management, applying your learning through industry-linked projects and collaborations with arts organisations. Specialisations include event management, marketing management and leadership. Led by academics with extensive arts sector backgrounds and research relationships, course assessments, projects and content reflect the unique challenges of the field.
Connect with like-minded professionals and, whether you’re building on prior study or professional experience, develop your readiness for leadership roles in arts and creative organisations.
-
Top 3 business school
Study arts and cultural management at a top 3 business school in Victoria, with academics whose arts sector connections run deep.
-
In-demand cultural and business capability
Build tailored expertise that meets the sector's acute skills shortages in management and leadership.
-
Industry-focused study
Explore how arts and cultural organisations operate, including sponsorship, fundraising and audience engagement.
-
Balance work and study
Complete your degree online, with the option to study part time. Balance work with 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
Prepare for leadership and senior management opportunities across arts and cultural organisations. Apply business and sector expertise in areas such as events, policy, fundraising, audience development and marketing.
General manager
Guide an organisation’s strategic direction, governance and operations. In an arts or cultural setting, you may lead teams, oversee resources and support programs that connect organisations with communities.
- $89k
Typical Australian annual salary
- 9.7%
Projected job growth in 5 years
Development manager
Plan, coordinate and deliver festivals, performances and cultural events. Manage budgets, schedules, venues, suppliers and stakeholders to create engaging experiences for audiences and communities.
- $90k
Typical Australian annual salary
- 5.4%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- 3.5/5
Job satisfaction
Professional areas
- Audience development
- Festival programming
- Cultural policy development
- Fundraising and development
- Production and tour management
- Relationship management
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
FAQs
A Deakin postgraduate degree can help you advance your career, deepen your expertise in a specialist field, pivot into a new industry and stand out in a competitive job market. Every course is built with industry input and taught by academics who are active practitioners, so the skills you gain are immediately applicable. Postgraduate study at Deakin is also your chance to connect with leaders in your field and build a network of industry contacts who become valuable professional connections, giving you an advantage that goes well beyond the qualification itself.
Most Deakin postgraduate courses are fee-paying, but there are practical ways to manage the cost of study. You can defer fees with a FEE-HELP loan, repaid through the ATO once you earn above the income threshold. A number of courses have Commonwealth Supported Places where the government covers part of your tuition. Deakin scholarships recognise academic achievement, professional experience and financial need. If you've studied at Deakin before, you may be eligible for a 10% alumni discount. Recognition of prior learning can also reduce costs by crediting past study so you finish sooner.
Yes to all three. Most Deakin postgraduate degrees can be studied online, on campus or a blend of both, and you may be able to switch between full and part time at the start of each trimester to suit your life. If you want to move faster, select courses offer a one-year masters degree designed for working professionals. With three start dates each year for most courses – March, July and November – you don't have to wait long to begin.
The main differences are depth, duration and career outcomes. A graduate certificate is a short, focused qualification, typically six months full time, ideal for upskilling quickly in a specific area. A graduate diploma offers broader knowledge or supports a career change, usually one-year full time. A masters degree delivers advanced expertise and professional recognition, typically one to two years full time. You can also stack qualifications – complete a graduate certificate and use the credit towards a masters.
Each Deakin postgraduate course has a unique structure, check the course stucture section of the course page to see compulsory units, electives and any specialisation streams available. All courses are shaped by industry, so content reflects real challenges in your field. Many courses let you tailor your studies through elective units or specialisations, and some include a capstone project where you apply your learning to a genuine workplace problem.
Entry requirements vary by course, so check this tab on the course page for specific criteria. Most Deakin postgraduate courses require a relevant bachelor degree, though some may accept significant demonstrable work experience as an alternative. You may also be able to build eligibility through a graduate certificate or graduate diploma, which in many cases could count towards a masters degree.
Deakin postgraduate courses are built with industry input, so you're learning skills employers are actively looking for. Depending on your course, you may access work-integrated learning through placements, internships or industry projects with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, National Australia Bank and the Geelong Cats Football Club. DeakinTALENT, Deakin's career service, supports you throughout your studies and for life, helping you grow your network and connect with opportunities in your field.
Yes. Recognition of prior learning (RPL) may turn your previous study or work experience into course credit, reducing both your study time and tuition costs. For some masters degrees, you may be able to receive credit for up to two-thirds of the course, if eligible. Use the RPL calculator to get an indication of what you might receive, and note that prior learning must generally be within the last 10 years, although some courses have a shorter time limit. You can apply for RPL as part of your course application.
*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 Master of Business (Arts and Cultural Management)?
This course blends business fundamentals with arts and cultural sector expertise, preparing you to lead creative organisations and initiatives.
Build business and creative foundations
Learn core business principles in creative contexts
Build knowledge in areas like marketing, governance and organisational management aligned to creative industries.
Examine the creative industries
Explore how arts organisations operate, including funding, programming and audience engagement.
Develop management capabilities
Strengthen leadership and people management skills tailored to cultural and community settings.
Expert practice and leadership
Deepen strategic and industry insight
Explore advanced areas such as events, fundraising, sponsorship and sector strategy.
Tailor your learning
Choose electives or specialisations to expand your expertise across business or creative disciplines.
Apply learning in real contexts
Engage in industry projects, consultancy or internships to build professional capability.
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.
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.
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
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
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.
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:
*Recommended specialisations:
# MPT code denotes study tour version of the unit
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
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.
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.
Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.This course provides students the opportunity to complete one or more elective work integrated learning units.
Explore Business and Law WIL opportunities.
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.
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.
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, while contributing to new discipline knowledge and extending current arts management practice |
| Determine appropriate communication strategies and techniques in the practice of arts management |
| Apply the use of digital technologies in relation to arts the practice of arts management |
| Appraise and synthesise information in order to understand and apply theories of arts management and extend current practice |
| Determine solutions to a diverse range of current and emerging arts management challenges and issues |
| Personalise reflections on arts management practice and plan professional careers |
| Participate and collaborate with arts management practitioners |
| Incorporate arts management theory and practice from a range of cultural and international contexts and address the requirements of ethical practice |
- Award granted
- Master of Business (Arts and Cultural Management)
- Year
2027 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
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$31,800
for 1 yr full-time - Full-fee paying place
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points 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. You may also be eligible for a FEE-HELP loan to defer all or part of your tuition fees.
Save 10% as a Deakin alumni
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.
Scholarships
A Deakin scholarship can open the door to new opportunities. Whether you have something unique to offer or simply need a bit of extra support to reach your goals, we’re here to help. Scholarships can assist with course fees, living costs and study materials – so you can focus on achieving your best.
Anthony Costa Foundation Arts Management Scholarship
Supporting arts management study for applicants experiencing any disability or long-term medical condition, helping ensure arts sector leadership reflects the diversity of its audiences.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin and get ready for what’s next.
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your 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.
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) into the Master of Business (Arts and Cultural Management) may be granted to students who have successfully completed equivalent postgraduate qualifications. RPL cannot be granted for MBA-coded units based on work experience alone. It may be considered in addition to the postgraduate qualifications. Students must complete at least four credit points of the core units at Deakin.
Pathways
Students who do not qualify for direct entry into the Master of Business (Arts and Cultural Management) may qualify by first completing the Graduate Certificate of Business (Arts and Cultural Management). They will then complete a further 12 credit points, not repeating units from the Graduate Certificate.
Alternate exits
- Graduate Certificate of Business (Arts and Cultural Management) (M519)
- Graduate Diploma of Business (Arts and Cultural Management) (M665)