Master of Arts (Arts Management)

Master of Arts (Arts Management)

POSTGRADUATE

Start a career in gallery, event and museum project management with a degree that brings together a global network of curators, academics, managers and artists.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Part-time 4 years
Reduced duration available
Fees:

AU$29,760 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$40,320 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

Whether you are pursuing a career in the arts management field, or you are already working in it, your studies in the Master of Arts (Arts Management) will help you gain capabilities that broaden your professional opportunities as an artist or manager.

From managing festivals, events and museums to working as an adviser in the community, education and government sector, you'll emerge from this degree as a highly skilled, reflective and ethical practitioner committed to making a contribution to arts management and the community.

Learning from industry practitioners and professional educators, you'll recognise, develop and extend your professional knowledge, skills, attitudes and values within a flexible learning framework. Upon completion of this degree, you will be aware of the changing nature of this industry, and be able to work within various context of this environment. 

You'll have many opportunities to develop networks with industry practitioners to help establish yourself in this space.

Why choose the Master of Arts (Arts Management) at RMIT?

World-class education

Learn from experienced practitioners, professionals and guest lecturers with strong industry links in a studio environment.

Professional connections

Work alongside industry, collaborating on real projects, building practical skills and making valuable professional contacts.

Global opportunities

Gain a competitive edge with an interstate or international exchange, international study tour or residency program.

Details

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The Master of Arts (Arts Management) is based in a studio learning environment that reflects industry practice. All staff members have arts industry experience.

As a student in this degree, you have the opportunity to develop your own direction, reflective of your past education and experience, and future career goals. This degree emphasises autonomy, flexibility and self-determination, allowing you to forge your own path through the elective subjects you choose.

In this degree, you will experience a range of teaching and learning approaches, including lectures, workshops, case studies, problem-based learning, reflective techniques, presentations, negotiated learning, independent research and more.

You will be responsible for contributing to the critique of your own work and that of others. As part of the review process, you will be involved in giving both formal and informal feedback. Feedback from lecturers will be used as a way of further developing your capabilities, and you will use self assessment to demonstrate your understanding of the content and application.

Arts management specialists and alumni will present lectures and contribute to seminars throughout the semester, and you'll attend field trips to industry workplaces. You'll gain feedback on your written assessments and presentations from academics and guest presenters.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

This degree has strong connections with industry. Working on projects with industry is built into the curriculum, allowing you to build practical skills and professional networks while you study.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional and vocational practice.

Exchange opportunities with interstate or international universities are available for all students.

The content and skills taught in this program are of a global standard, which allows you to work locally and internationally. You'll have an opportunity to make global connections through study tours to places like New York, Germany, Europe and China.

RMIT:ART:INTERSECT’s residency program, SITUATE, provides opportunities for artists, curators and researchers for creative experimentation, cross-cultural dialogue and global mobility.

Global work, exchange and study experiences

RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.

  • 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time (without advanced standing)
  • 1 - 1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent (with advanced standing).

For further information about advanced standing see the Pathways section.

The Graduate Certificate in Arts Management and Graduate Diploma in Arts Management are available as exit awards of this degree. Any advanced standing you receive for the masters program is not transferrable to an exit award. If you wish to exit early with one of these programs, you must have completed all courses specified in the relevant program structure. 

  • 2 years full-time (without advanced standing)
  • 1 - 1.5 years full-time (with advanced standing).

For further information about advanced standing see the Pathways section.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes

To graduate from this degree, you must complete core subjects that cover the principles of arts management, and a major arts management project.

You will also choose from a range of electives, which have been built around specific issues and problems across the field of arts management so that you can choose the most relevant classes for your professional needs and interests.

You will also have the opportunity to exit this degree at the end of your first semester and graduate with a Graduate Certificate in Arts Management.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Master of Arts (Arts Management)
Program code: MC280
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Arts (Arts Management)
City Campus
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time, reduced duration available
MC280
103234C
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time, reduced duration available
Plan code
MC280
CRICOS
103234C
View plan
Master of Arts (Arts Management)
City Campus
2 years full-time
MC280
103234C
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
MC280
CRICOS
103234C
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

The arts industry is increasingly demanding qualifications and professional training. Graduates of the Master of Arts (Arts Management) are employable as senior practitioners in areas including arts administration and management, and project management in a variety of educational, training, community and arts settings.

Career paths are broad but all have a focus on arts, community and policy development and engagement and include roles such as:

  • arts officer in local government
  • community officer
  • policy advisor to government
  • management for cultural and artistic institutions
  • festival manager
  • curator
  • freelance artist

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have:

  • successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification)

or

  • have at least 5 years of relevant work experience or professional practice in a field directly related to arts management.

To have your professional experience considered you must include in your application a CV and a personal statement that details your experience.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree or equivalent overseas qualification.

You may also be considered if you have at least 5 years work experience or professional practice in a field directly related to arts management.

To have your professional experience considered you must include in your application a CV and a personal statement that details your experience.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Pathways

Successful completion of Graduate Certificate in Creative and Cultural Production guarantees entry into this master program with 48 credit points of exemption (equivalent to 0.5 year full-time study).

Masters advanced standing

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications specialising in fine art, performing art, design, visual art, media or business, you will be eligible for advanced standing as follows:

Qualification level Advanced standing Remaining program duration
Bachelor degree (AQF level 7) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Bachelor honours degree (AQF level 8) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)
Graduate certificate (AQF level 8) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Graduate diploma (AQF level 8) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

Credit and recognition of prior learning

Applicants with a bachelor degree (honours), graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for credit transfer of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study).

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this program, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including PhD (Art), subject to the program's entrance requirements.

You can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Master Advanced Standing

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications specialising in fine art, performing art, design, visual art, media or business, you will be eligible for advanced standing as follows:

Qualification level Advanced standing Remaining program duration
Bachelor degree (AQF level 7) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Bachelor honours degree (AQF level 8) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)
Graduate certificate (AQF level 8) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Graduate diploma (AQF level 8) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit.

Credits

Applicants with a bachelor honours degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters degree qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for credit transfer of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study).

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and weightings, and reference to the learning resources.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

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2025 indicative fees

  • Full-fee places: AU$29,760 (2025 annual fee)*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

This program is approved for income support.

You may be eligible for student income support payments from the Commonwealth Government if you are undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or an approved professionally oriented masters by coursework program. For more information see Income support for Masters students.

If you are enrolled in an eligible program you will also need to satisfy all other student payment eligibility requirements. You can contact Centrelink or Services Australia for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365. 

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information