Cultural & Creative Industries is a unique interdisciplinary course that draws on cultural theories, cultural history, digital culture, management, screen studies, geography, cultural policy, gender and fashion. This exciting and contemporary course also makes use of our links with and proximity to Tate Modern, to offer bespoke optional modules that take students ‘behind the scenes’ of a leading art museum to explore different aspects of Tate’s activities.
If you are seeking a career in the arts or creative industries, or if you are a professional looking to enhance your existing knowledge and career prospects, then this course is ideally suited for you. You can also use the training and skills we will give you to prepare for doctoral research in culture, media and creative industries. However, you should bear in mind that this is not a traditional media, communications or journalism studies course. If you want to follow a career in these areas, this course will only be relevant in so far as your interests relate specifically to the cultural and creative industries, such as performing and visual arts, cultural heritage, film, games and music.
Whilst the MA does not include an organised internship, we have a dedicated member of academic staff who assists students in acquiring practical experience through sharing information about competitive internship opportunities offered by our cultural partners or other organisations across London. Previous students from within the Department have interned at the National Theatre, Barbican Centre, British Council, British Film Institute, Hayward Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Screen Digest, The British Museum, CIDA (Cultural Industries Development Agency), Donmar Warehouse and the V&A Museum, which gives you an idea of the exciting opportunities on offer.
Each year students have the opportunity to apply for a selective-entry Collaborative Dissertation Project, organised with external arts, media and heritage organisations. The collaborative dissertation project enables students to work with a cultural partner on a live research brief that informs their final MA dissertations. Previous dissertation partners include Battersea Arts Centre, Black Live Theatre, Arts Council England, Dash Arts, King’s Cultural Institute, Live Cinema, Glyndebourne, Mahogany Opera Group, Lambeth Archives, OnRoad Media, Royal Society, Arts Cabinet, Iconem, and Greater London Authority.
Teaching
If you are a full-time student, we will provide you with six to eight hours of teaching through lectures, seminars, study visits and workshops each week during semesters one and two. We will expect you to undertake an additional 34 hours of self-study each week. In semester three, you will complete your dissertation final project, for which we will provide up to six hours supervision guidance. You will be expected to devote approximately 600 hours of independent study to your MA dissertation project.
If you are a part-time student, we will provide 90 hours of teaching through lectures and seminars in your first year, and 50 hours in your second year. We will expect you to undertake 720 hours of independent study in your first year, and 954 hours in your second.
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Assessment
Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include essays, reports, individual and group presentations, proposals and reviews. Coursework contributes approximately 95% and examinations approximately 5% to your final mark.
Location
The course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Strand Campus. We are located in the heart of London, offering you an unparalleled location and easy access to the city’s cultural offerings.
Regulating body
King's College London is regulated by the Office for Students.