The University of Manchester launches an innovative programme to fuel the future growth of the cultural sector

A new course to help students pursue a career in the creative and cultural sector has launched at the University of Manchester.

The BA Creative and Cultural Industries programme (CCI) aims to give students an understanding of the policy matters impacting the creative sector, whilst equipping them for careers in management and leadership across a variety of industries.

For those looking to pursue a career in music, film, fashion, TV, gaming, publishing, and the performing and visual arts, the course will take a deep dive into policies surrounding these sectors, alongside looking at how the industries operate on a national and global scale.

The course will be led by Dr David O’Brien and Dr Leandro Valiati, who sit within the School of Arts Languages and Cultures in the University’s Faculty of Humanities, and will offer valuable perspectives into product development, making money from creative work, starting a creative business, and working as a freelancer in these industries. It was developed due to the recent increase in demand for jobs within the creative industries and to help students gain essential experience and knowledge ahead of their future careers.

Manchester is one of the UK’s most important cultural hotspots and students will benefit from its cultural infrastructure such as MediaCityUK, the Whitworth Art Gallery and HOME, by having the opportunity to participate in an extended placement year at some of these institutions.

Dr Leandro Valiati, Professor of Creative and Cultural Industries at the University of Manchester, said: “The creative and cultural industries are essential to global development and bringing this course to undergraduates’ is an exciting opportunity. The course allows students to learn and debate about important issues affecting various creative industries whilst developing their understanding of policy, new technologies, new markets, and innovation in various sectors, such as music, games, fashion, performing arts, and live arts. The students also will have the chance to gain management and technical experience in renowned institutions across Manchester. We’re looking forward to welcoming our first cohort next year.”

Professor David O’Brien, Professor of Creative and Cultural Industries at the University of Manchester, added: “The unique selling point of this exciting new programme is how it addresses the central issues facing all of the creative industries, from the new ways of working for film, tv, and music, through the impact of consumer behaviour on fashion, gaming and publishing, to the future of funding for performing and visual arts. These big picture questions are applied by students to real world work experiences and creative projects.

“For anyone looking for a career in the creative industries, this course offers a great foundation on the sector. The academic team here at the University of Manchester are also some of the world’s leading academics on the creative economy, giving students the chance to learn the latest research on the nature and complexity of the creative and cultural industries. This combination of theory and practice works together to make sure this course gives our students everything they need to know before kickstarting their careers.”

Following programme approval, the undergraduate programme is scheduled to welcome its first cohort of students in September 2024.

Find more information about the course and how to apply here.