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Executive Master in Cultural Leadership

Join an International Programme for Inspirational Leaders

MAASTRICHT – LONDON

The University of Maastricht’s Executive Master in Cultural Leadership is a unique two-year programme tailor-made for executives who want to take the next step in their career without taking time out from their career.

Developed in conjunction with London’s Royal Academy of Arts, the EMCL’s modular design offers a full Master of Arts degree across six intensive modules taught over two years, alongside independent assignments, and projects. With courses providing an overview of the art world for executives in and outside of the sector, as well as work on art business, leadership, and research skills, it offers a truly global training for the next step in your professional life.

Applications are now open to join our new cohort in March next year.

Apply now or read on to find out more about the course and the journey ahead of you.

Apply now

Unlock
your potential

Unparalleled Access / Unequalled Expertise

In the EMCL academic rigour and industry expertise come together. With lectures and seminars from leaders in the arts, students gain true behind-the-scenes insights into the workings of the cultural sector. With teaching from academic researchers at a faculty ranked in the FT Top 80 Global Rankings 2024*, students learn cutting-edge perspectives in art business, finance and law. The two combine to give you the leadership skills for organisational change and long-term sustainable business success.

Global network / Personal tutoring

The EMCL boasts an international faculty with a cross-cultural and cross-border understanding of the art world in an era of complexity. Alongside our faculty networks, students plug into a global network of current students and alumni who have gone on to work at the highest levels in their fields. Across the course, one-on-one leadership coaching and personal tutoring from our course leaders and tutors, ready to guide you on your own learning journey.

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Our Curriculum /
Your Journey

The EMCL consists of intensive in-person courses taught over six week-long sessions over twenty months. These cover eight full modules of the master degree, along with an international study trip. Students complete the degree by embarking on a four-month thesis or professional project under the guidance of a supervisor.

Professional momentum: Earn an Executive Master degree or MBA alongside work

Our unique modular course design allows students to earn an MA without pausing full-time work.

Creative leadership: Reshape yourself and your organisation

For executives in or outside the art world, the EMCL offers a global framework for understanding the cultural sector while developing leadership skills applicable across contexts. Gain the skills to lead your organisation for long-term, sustainable and innovative growth.

Academic rigour:

With courses in research techniques and ongoing guidance in writing, investigation, and problem solving, you acquire the skills and rigour to approach organisational problems with a whole new mentality.

Real-world expertise:

Experience leading cultural institutions from the inside.

With modules sited within leading cultural institutions including the Royal Academy of Arts, and international events including FRIEZE and TEFAF, you will gain unparalleled insights into the realities of cultural leadership today.

Your choice, your path: Learn from cutting edge researchers

Build on compulsory modules to form your own final project:

With guidance from tutors and professionals, you will formulate an academic thesis or professional project to take you to the next level in your career. From traditional research-based theses to launching a new business, your final project is the first step in a new journey.

January: Apply to Enrol
Applications are currently open until January next year. Submit your application here to join our new cohort starting in March next year.

March: Maastricht
Travel to Maastricht for induction and your first module. Attend TEFAF art fair and meet current students and alumni before beginning the Personal Leadership trajectory and taking your first course, in Art Business and Cultural Management or Art Law.

June: London and Study Trip
Travel to London for London Art Week and classes at the Victoria and Albert museum. Gain exclusive access to the Summer Exhibition, meet the V&A president and the senior management team, and follow your second course, Exhibitions and Events, and Technology and Innovation, or Collections and Collections Management.

October: London
Return to London during FRIEZE London to follow your third module, in Critical Perspectives in Arts and Culture.

March Year Two: Maastricht
Return to Maastricht for your fourth course, completing either the Art Law or Art Business and Cultural Management module.

June Year Two: London
Return to London for your fifth week-long module, completing either Collections and Collections Management, or Exhibitions and Events, and Technology and Innovation alongside further sessions on Personal Leadership.

Autumn Year Two: Study Trip
Embark on a field trip and course on Research for Arts and Culture module to sharpen your understanding of current issues and challenges facing arts institutions and corporations, whilst learning how to analyse and interpret data to improve decision making processes. Timings depend on the art calendar, with previous visits taking place at the Venice Biennale and Artissima in Turin, as well as fairs in Amsterdam and Brussels.

Final Project
Build on the Programme to date to complete a final thesis or professional project of 15,000 words, undertaken under the guidance of a selected supervisor. Successful completion all coursework followed by the final project and oral defence earns you your MA degree.

Graduation Ceremony
Your Graduation Ceremony in Maastricht sees graduands, current students and alumni gather to toast your achievements and celebrate your success!

MBA Pathway
At the final project stage students can opt to follow four more immersive learning weeks on our Executive MBA Programme, in order to earn dual EMCL-MBA degree from Maastricht University.

See global rankings

Fast Facts

Diploma

Master of Arts*
MBA status may also be earned by completing 4 extra modules of the Maastricht MBA program

Duration

24 months

Location

London, Maastricht, Brussels and at least one study trip

Visits

Includes access to a selection of VIP events and activities, including art fairs. Past visits have included: Frieze, Tefaf, Venice Biennale and Brafa.

Tuition

€44,000

Start

March next year

* This programme is accredited by the NVAO

WHO IS THIS PROGRAMME FOR?

You may have a good working knowledge of the arts and cultural sectors but want to develop your business management and leadership skills. Alternatively, you may be an experienced professional who wants a deeper understanding of how the arts, creativity and cultural sphere can inform and rejuvenate your practice. To apply, you will need five years’ experience of work and a demonstrable interest in arts and culture.

WHAT’S NEXT?

The programme is designed to expose professionals to a range of careers extant in the art world and creative industries – jobs you may not have thought about but could be perfect for you. Through our network of academics, scholars and art world practitioners, you will be introduced to organisations you might want to work for, or you may be inspired to set up your own business or career idea that gives you the creativity and flexibility you desire.

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“It provided an unparalleled coverage of knowledge, experiences and network” – Michael, EMCL graduate

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