MA in Audiences, Engagement, Participation, University of Leeds

Leeds,

12 Months

Check Eligibility

About this course

This Masters course challenges established ideas of engagement and participation in arts and culture to develop audience-centered arts management and cultural policy strategies. You'll investigate how policy makers, cultural organizations, and artists perceive the role of audiences in today’s cultural and economic landscapes on both local and global levels. The course emphasizes research skills in arts audiences, visitor experience evaluation, and explores how arts can foster social change. It combines theoretical analysis with research and practical engagement methods, encouraging you to contribute to debates on increasing participation and creating participatory culture. The program includes theoretical concepts like co-creation and participatory governance, community arts, digital engagement, and audience experience design. It offers optional modules in areas such as digital storytelling, heritage management, and creative production, allowing you to tailor your learning to your specific interests and career goals.

Why this course is highly recommended

If you’re passionate about transforming cultural engagement and promoting inclusive participation, this course offers a unique blend of theoretical and applied learning. It provides opportunities to engage with leading research centers like the Centre for Cultural Value and the Cultural Institute, and to connect with Leeds’s vibrant cultural scene. The flexible study options and access to state-of-the-art facilities, including professional theatres and a major research library, make it ideal for students seeking a comprehensive and practice-oriented education in arts engagement.

Specialisation

The course specializes in audience engagement, participation, and arts management within cultural settings. It focuses on understanding diverse audience demographics, participatory practices, digital engagement, and cultural policy, enabling students to develop practical skills and theoretical knowledge aimed at creating inclusive and accessible cultural experiences.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

25.86L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Applicants need a bachelor’s degree with a 2:1 (hons) or higher in a relevant subject, such as business, fine art, theatre, politics, sociology, heritage studies, media, or journalism. While a wide range of social sciences and humanities degrees are acceptable, applicants must demonstrate a passion and commitment to the course, responding to specific questions in their personal statement. Industry experience can also be considered if applicants do not have a degree.

English language test

DUOLINGO

TOEFL

PTE

IELTS

6.5

Career prospects

Graduates can expect to pursue careers in cultural policy, arts management, arts marketing, audience development, and arts education. The course develops project management, audience research, program design, evaluation, and consultancy skills, preparing students for roles within public policy, community development, and visitor experience sectors. Many alumni continue with research or pursue a PhD, supported by the university’s employability services and career support programs.

FAQs

What are the English language requirements for international students?

International students must have an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 in each component.

Can I study this course part-time?

Yes, the course offers part-time, PGDip, and PGCert options to suit various study schedules.