The longest-running degree course of its kind in the UK, Arts and Festivals Management boasts enviable industry links to give you the real-world insight and professional edge.  

From programming and cultural policy to marketing and management theory, you will gain the skills that you need to become a leader in the cultural arena and festivals sector. With us, you will learn what it takes to run small and large-scale cultural events, including fundraising, business planning, licensing, and health and safety. You will gain expertise in different scales of venues and kinds of programmes, from theatres to music venues, galleries, museums and festivals. 

We will also develop your knowledge of the theory and academic debate surrounding a range of topics, from running and promoting a venue to cultural leadership, arts and communities and the key to engaging audiences.  

The events landscape is continually changing and professionals in the sector must be adept problem-solvers, with the ability to handle new challenges and offer dynamic solutions. This programme will help equip you with the skills to adapt to the diversification and developments of the sector, with practical projects allowing you to experience online event delivery and digital arts and cultural content.  

At DMU, you can study Arts and Festivals Management with either Dance or Drama as a joint honours course. This will complement your understanding of the cultural sector by enabling you to acquire practical skills and critical knowledge of performance arts, opening up career opportunities in this sector. You will choose 50 per cent of your options from Arts and Festivals Management and 50 per cent from Dance or Drama.

Our graduates  are highly practical individuals who are equipped with business planning, engagement and delivery skills - all hugely attractive to employers in the arts sector.  Many  go  on to forge successful careers in music, theatre, TV, film, charity sectors, community arts organisations and education.   

Recent  graduate destinations  include the South Bank Centre, Save the Children, the prestigious Ambassador Theatre Group, the National Theatre and Arts Council England.