Cultural Industries and Entrepreneurship MSc

Explore the specific characteristics of the cultural industries and the main dynamics which shape the operations of those industries.

You will be introduced to key critical perspectives on the cultural industries:

• the processes of cultural production
• distinctions between cultural industries and 'creative industries'
• the concept of 'cultural economy'
• matters of industry structure and cultural markets
• the specificities of cultural work and the challenges confronting employment in the cultural industries
• the role and importance of intellectual property rights in the cultural industries
• the impacts of digitalisation and globalisation.

This module is worth 20 credits.

This module will introduce you to the latest thinking in the areas of creativity, the creative process, knowledge management practices and the nature of entrepreneurship. Having established the vital link between creativity, entrepreneurship, innovation and value creation, this module uses directed reading, case study exercises, reflective blog writing and group-based creative problem solving to illustrate entrepreneurial creativity in practice.

You will be introduced to a variety of creative problem solving techniques and learn how to apply these techniques in the context of the development, evaluation, and application of ideas and concepts with commercial potential. The course culminates in you pitching your identified entrepreneurial opportunity to peers and real-world entrepreneurs.

This module will introduce you to the more practical elements of innovation and enterprise activity across multiple contexts, including not just new venture creation but corporate and social entrepreneurship as well.

Whereas Entrepreneurship and Creativity focuses on idea generation and entrepreneurial theory, Launching New Ventures will prepare you to recognise opportunities, and to implement innovation and enterprising ideas. The ability to make informed and timely decisions will be an important aspect of this, and the module will use a start-up business simulation to encourage this.

By engaging with cutting-edge research, primary sources of evidence and contemporary examples, you will:

• reflect on the relationship between theory and practice
• apply theories and analytical frameworks to specific case studies and projects

You'll develop theoretical and analytical tools, drawing on the diverse disciplines of Cultural Studies, Sociology of Culture and Public Policy. You'll then apply these tools to critically address questions relating to key cultural policy issues and current cultural policy debates.

Key issues might include:

• rationales for government intervention in the cultural sphere
• objectives and instruments of cultural policy-making
• ownership, access, and participation
• criteria for decision-making
• scope of cultural policy-making
• methods and sources available for mapping, studying and evaluating cultural policies

This module is worth 20 credits.

This module develops a knowledge and understanding of: 

• the dynamics of the global economy and international business and/or an awareness of cultural, legal/regulatory, political, and economic differences across countries and/or an appreciation of management issues from a global perspective
• business innovation - creativity, intrapreneurial - and entrepreneurial behaviour and enterprise development, and the management and exploitation of intellectual property
• leadership and management of people within organisations - leadership, organisational behaviour and motivation
• strategic management - the development and implementation of appropriate strategies within a changing environment

The media, cultural and creative industries are broad. There are different sectors with a wide variety of areas of practice. These provide many opportunities for future research and employment.

As well as opportunities this diversity also presents barriers that can be difficult to navigate:

• lack of established entry routes and clear career paths
• distinctive and specific labour processes
• specific, complex, and dynamic sets of issues and challenges such as workforce diversity, inequality, precarity and internship culture, skills and education, digitisation, conglomeration, global integration, and platformification.

You'll investigate and analyse the contemporary media and cultural industries with a detailed investigation of specific sectors and areas of practice. Through these investigations, you'll develop knowledge and skills that enhance your employability and build a framework for future research.

Through a combination of staff-led workshops, supervision, and independent group work, you'll be supported to explore and develop your own interests in a specific sector of the media and cultural industries that builds upon and applies the theoretical and historical grounding established in semester one.

Typical areas of focus include:

• PR and advertising
• tourism and heritage culture
• film and television
• visual arts
• performing arts
• craft cultures
• music
• publishing
• video games
• journalism
• social and digital media

This module is worth 20 credits.

You will:

• examine a company, organization or charity operating in one of the cultural industries (profit or not-for-profit)
• prepare a written report discussing how they could develop new business opportunities and/or solve a specific problem they face

The final report will allow you to apply your knowledge and understanding of the cultural industries and businesses developed from the theoretical modules.

You'll be supported by detailed supervision from one of our experienced staff but expected to manage all stages of the project yourself.

This module is worth 60 credits.

This module consists of the selection, research and writing up of a topic in the field of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies, chosen after consultation with the Course Director and other appropriate staff members.

This module is worth 60 credits.