Executive Master in Cultural Leadership

Applications are open all year round.

Executive Master students benefit from a unique programme taught by an international faculty across two homes: the Royal Academy in London and the School of Business and Economics at Maastricht University.

The MA is structured over eight intensive courses that can be completed within 24 months. The modular structure means that you can study while you work. Facilitated by leading academics and professionals, the course offers a truly international perspective on art, culture and business. It provides a remarkable platform to explore, discuss and debate, drawing on extensive scholarly and professional networks.

We run online open evenings throughout the year. Attendees will be able to meet the team behind the Executive Master and there will be an opportunity to ask questions about the course.

The programme is accredited by the NVAO. The School of Business and Economics at Maastricht University holds triple-accreditation (AACBS, EQUIS and AMBA).

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Curriculum
- Critical perspectives in the history of art and culture
  
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  Students are introduced to critical theories in the histories of art and culture, and will consider how the arts, creative and cultural sectors evolve through time with changing global trends.
  
  Art business and cultural management
  
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  Students explore both classical theories of management and business as taught in established business school curricula, and their application to the arts and culture sectors.
- Collecting and collections management
  
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  Students examine the evolving concepts of collecting, collections building and management, both in the public and private sectors through an array of ethical and critical discourses.
  
  Technology and innovation
  
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  Students will explore and analyse the transformative opportunities as well as risks associated with new technologies and innovations within the arts, creative and cultural sectors.
- Art and law
  
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  Students consider the existing and potential legal frameworks underpinning the international art market and heritage world drawing from experts in the field and key case studies.
  
  Personal leadership
  
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  A mix of classroom teaching, group work and professional coaching help students to reflect on current behavioural patterns, as well as develop leadership skills with a view to improving individual performance.

- Executive Master in Cultural Leadership 2022
  
  Photo: Catherine Garcia
  
  Cultural leadership development trajectory
  
  Taught throughout the programme, this tailored trajectory highlights leadership qualities and skills through inspiring speakers and real-life examples taken from the arts and culture sectors.
  
  Academic thesis or Professional project
  
  Through the thesis or professional project students have the opportunity to rigorously develop their own research and/or professional interests in relation to cultural leadership. A dedicated supervisor provides expert guidance on an individual basis.

- Research methods
  
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  High quality research is central to competitive advantage and long-term success. Students are introduced to quantitative and qualitative methods to be able to conduct and interpret leading research and analysis in a variety of settings.
- Exhibitions and events
  
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  Using the RA and other cultural institutions, students analyse how the culture of exhibition and display has changed over time, and how exhibitions have helped to shape and define the creative sphere as well as our understanding of cultural artefacts.
- Study trips
  
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  Past trips have included: FRIEZE, TEFAF, BRAFA, Artissima and the Venice Biennale.
  Study trips provide opportunities to explore concepts and theories outside the campuses in different cultural settings.

Facilities

As an international programme you will have all the advantages of two homes, one in London at the Royal Academy and one at Maastricht University at the School of Business and Economics, with all the benefits of facilities in both.

The Royal Academy of Arts is housed in one of the grandest 17th-century mansions in Mayfair, central London. Surrounded by commercial galleries, dealers, auction houses and museums, The RA is situated at the heart of the London art world. Participants will have access to the RA’s world-class exhibition programme and facilities.

Maastricht University is furnished with modern educational facilities, including libraries, classrooms and lecture theatres and student areas, behind the picturesque town’s historic façades. The university and town pride themselves on their international, multilingual and diverse community of students and residents.

The Royal Academy library

the RA Library is the oldest institutional fine arts library in the United Kingdom. It has significant collections of books and other material relating to British art and the history of the Royal Academy, its Academicians, Schools, exhibitions and collections since the mid-18th century.

World-class exhibitions at the Royal Academy

The Burlington House Main Galleries have hosted blockbuster exhibitions for over 100 years, including the annual Summer Exhibition and recent successes like William Kentridge, Picasso on Paper and Anthony Gormley.

Maastricht School of Business and Economics

The School of Business and Economics includes state-of-the-art spaces specially designed for postgraduate studies.

University Library

Students also have access to the University Library which contains a constantly updated collection of over 500,000 books. Electronic databases, documents and journals and links to important internet sites can be accessed from home through a VPN link.

Develop new skills
- Apply now