MA Business for the Creative Industries
The MA Business for the Creative Industries is an innovative and flexible postgraduate course that prepares you for leadership roles in the creative sector.
Whether you’re a creative professional seeking a formal business qualification, a business graduate looking to transition into the arts and culture sector, or an international candidate wanting to study in Europe’s most exciting cities, this course offers the perfect balance of academic and practical learning.
Specialise in your chosen field
With a focus on key creative industries such as film, games, performing arts, and music, you’ll have the opportunity to tailor your studies to your own interests and career ambitions. The course is available full-time over one calendar year or part-time over two years, allowing flexibility for your personal and professional commitments.
What you’ll learn
Throughout the course, you’ll gain industry-relevant skills in areas including finance, law, marketing, project and resource management, sustainability, and digital communications. You will also undertake advanced research into your specialist creative field and have the opportunity to complete a work placement within the industry. This hands-on experience ensures you develop the practical skills and connections needed to succeed.
Why choose Performers College
The MA Business for the Creative Industries is taught by experienced professionals who are deeply embedded in the creative sector. You’ll also benefit from outstanding industry connectivity, with a curriculum designed to provide both academic rigour and real-world relevance.
Study in two vibrant cities
The course is offered in Brighton and Berlin – both major hubs for the arts and culture industries, offering unique opportunities for networking and career development.
- Brighton is a creative hotspot in the UK with a vibrant cultural scene that includes major festivals, film events, and a booming music industry.
- Berlin, as a key European capital, offers a diverse and fast-growing creative economy. Known for its thriving film, games, and music scenes, Berlin provides a stimulating environment for creative professionals and offers unparalleled networking opportunities with industry leaders.
Your next step in the creative industries
Upon completing the MA Business for the Creative Industries, you’ll be well-prepared to take on leadership roles or entrepreneurial ventures within your chosen field. Whether you pursue an industry placement or a research project, you’ll graduate with the skills and confidence to make an impact.
Course specification
Mode of attendance: Full-time (one year) or part-time (two years)
Study format: in-person classes supplemented by online tutorials and distance learning
Course structure: eight taught modules plus a double-weighted project
Calendar: Trimester One (September-January), Trimester Two (January-May), Trimester Three (May-August)
Awarding institution: BIMM University
Campus delivery: Brighton
Language of study: English
Final award: MA Business for the Creative Industries
Minimum requirements
- A good degree (normally 2.2 or above) or significant professional experience in the creative arts/industries.
- Overseas students for whom English is not their native language may be required to meet a minimum English language requirement of an Academic IELTS 6.5. We require a minimum of 6.0 to be achieved in each band.
- All applicants will be subject to interview and a portfolio may also be requested for Recognition of Prior Certified or Experiential Learning (RPCEL).
- Please contact [email protected] for more information.
This module helps candidates with a business background to prepare for scholarship in the creative industries, and encourages those with experience as creative artists and performers to approach their subject from a business perspective.
It introduces the commercial and cultural backstory of BIMM University’s four main subject fields (screen and film, games, performing arts, music) via supportive discussion, enquiry and experimentation.
Students develop a critical approach to their own creative industries project and develop the skills necessary for effective postgraduate research.
An advanced investigation of resource management in the creative industries, a sector where project-based work, freelance employment, and technological change are commonplace.
Students explore project and resource management, human resource management, and the role of leadership in fostering innovation and creativity.
Through case studies and evaluations, they research legislation and practice in national and international contexts, striking a balance between artistic goals, operational effectiveness, commercial and legal obligations.
This module explores financial and legal frameworks in the creative industries. Students learn established principles whilst exploring the ever-shifting parameters of this rapidly evolving sector.
This includes budgets and financial statements, funding opportunities, copyright and IP, rights licensing, legal and financial risks, local and global perspectives – and how to apply all this knowledge to a successful career in the creative industries.
This module requires students to research, develop and evaluate a digital marketing strategy. They appraise theoretical frameworks and develop analytical and practical skills, exploringthe relationship between an organisation’s strategic aims and the opportunities presented by digital communications.
This is where candidates develop an entrepreneurial project of their own design. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination and ambition. Examples might include: the promotion of a creative arts output in film or theatre or music, the production of a film project or video game, a small business venture, an arts event, a music tour, innovations in digital technology, or social media content provision.
This module emphasises an inclusive and diverse approach, encouraging students to consider different cultural contexts and ethical considerations, encouraging entrepreneurial action that not only drives economic value but also fosters social impact.
This is where students identify and secure a work placement opportunity. The module develops applied research skills to help you generate ideas that can benefit a potential placement organisation.
By showing informed awareness of contemporary issues and trends, by identifyingopportunities for innovation and growth, candidates maximise their potential to add value to the creative industries.
This module applies entrepreneurial and business management skills to global markets, identifying opportunities and challenges related to your chosen discipline.
Students research creative and cultural differences, navigate financial and legal systems, and implement growth strategies to explore possibilities for international expansion.
This module evaluates the social, cultural, environmental and economic impact of the creative industries in a changing world. It explores how we mobilise progressive values via best practice in areas such as public trust, environmental impact and social responsibility. Students will develop the leadership skills necessary to address ethical dilemmas and promote sustainable operations in a competitive business sector.
This module examines the interactions between technology, commerce and opportunity in the creative industries. Students explore the relationship between digital technological and culture, research unconventional and innovative creative practices, interpret current and future trends, and seek new approaches to business and commerce.
This is where everything comes together. Your final output can be a work placement report, an entrepreneurial project, or a master’s dissertation. It includes one hour per week of personal supervision and mentorship. This module presents a unique opportunity to realise your professional goals in a diverse and dynamic creative environment.
Course fees
Please visit our fees page for information regarding course fees and access to student finance.
Graduates will be qualified to work as teachers, tutors, administrators and leaders in creative arts subjects at Further Education and Higher Education levels.
They will also be able to use the course to develop their self-employed careers, which could include one-to-one teaching, creative workshops, curriculum consultation or developmental coaching.
Those who go on to gain QTLS status via the Education & Training Foundation are also legally qualified to teach in UK Schools.
As with all BIMM University MAs, graduates can also go on to study at doctoral level (PhD or EdD) to progress their academic careers as educational researchers.
Examples of recent alumni career destinations include:
- FE Audio Production Lecturer in FE (DV8 College)
- Private singing teacher & vocals coach (London)
- PhD researcher (University of Central London)
- Learning Support Specialist (East Sussex College)
- Drama Schoolteacher (KS3-4)
Any questions?
For any questions regarding our courses or if you’d like more information on how to apply to Performers College, please contact our Enquiries Team on 01273 840 346 or email [email protected].
