MA Arts Management and Creative Producing

Learning through professional practice is embedded in this programme through the Department of Theatre’s collaboration with Cork Opera House’s senior leadership and producing teams as part of their ‘learning theatre’ ethos. The degree is embedded within the theatre department through the strong collaborative bonds created with department staff and teachers like Granary Theatre Technical Officer Declan Leonard and Professor Jools Gilson. You will develop advanced producing and leadership skills across the full lifecycle of artistic projects, including ideation, planning, producing, coordinating stakeholders, managing operational risk, marketing and delivering live events for external audiences, while learning to critically connect these decisions to relevant theory and evidence. 

This MA is for aspiring and emerging arts managers (managing theatres, arts venues and cultural organisations) and creative producers (programming, producing, curating performances, arts events and festivals). This partnership enables innovative teaching practices that enable students to combine academic research, and critical and reflective thinking with practical skills and our teaching team reflects the expertise and network of professional contacts within the industry. The team includes: 

Dr Marie Kelly (Lecturer in Theatre and former Assistant to the Artistic Director and Head of Casting, Abbey Theatre),  

Eibhlín Gleeson (CEO, Cork Opera House),

Dr Jennie Jordan (festival studies expert, cultural and creative industries consultant) and  

Dr Beri Juraic (expert in Asian theatre, theatre producer and festival programmer). 

Living & Studying Arts Management and Creative Producing in Cork

The MA in Arts Management and Creative Producing has a strong standing in the arts community, building on existing professional connections with the local, national and international creative scene. Cork city is a thriving hub of culture and arts, with institutions, organisations and community groups creating a vibrant net of events, festivals and spaces year-round. While studying in UCC, you have a chance to be an actor of this cultural life and get involved. A collaborative spirit is embedded in the course through the professional cultural context of Cork Opera House, and the opportunities students will have to meet professional producers and managers currently working in the arts institutions of Cork and beyond. UCC cultivates creative partnerships through artists in residence schemes and programme of cultural events for students and the public. Outside of the department’s walls, many students will find opportunities to get involved in the many events the city has to offer, by attending and organising open mics, participating in arts festivals, joining existing arts communities or creating their own. The creative scene is very welcoming and there’s always something to do. 

UCC Post-Graduate Course page.