Arts Management and Heritage Studies MA

Discover how to lead arts and heritage organisations, so you can help preserve culture for people to enjoy for years to come.

The arts and heritage sectors are not only vital to the economy, they also foster a greater understanding of the cultures of yesterday and today, nourishing our sense of community and togetherness.

However, leaders need to adapt in the face of major challenges to ensure their institutions can survive and thrive by continuing to deliver enriching experiences.

With this course, you’ll develop your understanding of the changing political, policy and practice factors affecting the arts and heritage sectors of today, building strong foundations for leadership.

You'll explore the nature of heritage and how the meanings of objects, artworks, and buildings shift across different settings. Additionally, you'll examine the challenges facing arts managers and cultural leaders, and the changes that have led some museums to move towards the role of the manager over the curator.

You may also get the opportunity to engage in placements within settings that have previously centred around collections, digitisation, digital interpretation and community engagement.

Whether you’re considering a career in this sector or you’re a professional looking to enhance your skills, this course will develop your knowledge, understanding and practical experience to prepare you for your next step.

*“The skills I learnt to be a critical thinker and the experience from my placement will help me in being able to gain a job in this sector and problem-solve difficult issues within it.”*

*Frances Dee, MA Arts Management and Heritage Studies*

Why study at Leeds?

* Your culture hub: Leeds is a focal point for diverse and vibrant culture, with the Royal Armouries, Opera North, Leeds Playhouse, Northern Ballet and other museums, galleries and heritage sites located within the city.

* Engage with a thriving research community: You can share ideas with our networking events, links to alumni, conferences, seminars and reading groups.

* Put theory into practice: Optional modules allow you to gain first-hand experience of contemporary arts, museum and heritage practice, such as working in the Henry Moore Institute, National Science and Media Museum, Leeds Grand Theatre, and the Royal Armouries.

* Expert tutors: Learn from researchers and experts with rich backgrounds in arts management, theatre, arts galleries, museums and heritage.

* Real-world industry experience: Network with clients and gain consultancy experience as part of our 2-week online Global Industry Programme.  

Rankings and awards

53rd in the world for Arts and Humanities, QS World Rankings by Subject 2026

Where this degree could take you

Graduates from our School now work as heads of collections, curators and educators in organisations such as museums, the National Trust and charitable trusts. They have also found success in arts marketing and public relations.

Here’s an insight into the job roles some of our graduates have obtained:

* Exhibition Manager, CCTV International Network Co

* Art Administrator, Nou Gallery

* Membership and Events Manager, Polka Theatre

* Programme Specialist, UNESCO Asian Pacific Intangible Heritage Center

Others have also continued with their research at PhD level, many of whom work in academia in the UK as well as the US, Hong Kong and Korea.

Career support

Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years by the UK's leading employers, The Graduate Market 2026, High Fliers Research

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.