• A primary degree at 2.1 level (Second Class Honours, Grade One) is normally required. However, all applicants will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, and relevant or extensive work experience will be taken into account.
• Transcripts should accompany an application, including grades for each subject taken in the primary degree.
• Some experience working in a cultural organisation in whatever capacity.
• Name and contact details of two referees.
• Admission is subject to interview either in person, by video skype, or telephone.
• Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.

These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes.

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information at: https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/ Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Online Application.

Who Should Apply?
Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

Z041 - Cultural Policy & Arts Management Master of Arts Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught

This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities
Because the course is not art-form specific, graduates end up working for a wide variety of cultural organisations: arts organisations, museums, galleries, policy bodies, film companies, government organisations and so on. Some graduates work for themselves, for instance as curators, musicians or running small cultural businesses. Those with a strong academic interest in a policy field may choose to pursue further research at doctoral level. The highly valuable transferable skills provided on the course (especially in management, marketing, law and finance) make students eligible for a much wider range of job opportunities (for example in the broader field of the creative industries).