Munster Express Online

Waterford Institute of Technology has graduated its inaugural Masters qualification in Arts and Heritage Management from within the Department of Creative and Performing Arts. The programme is the only Masters level professional development programme specifically aimed at the arts and heritage sector in Ireland and is structured to specifically benefit arts and heritage organisations within the South-East region by incorporating an arts/heritage placement opportunity.

Currently in its second year, the course has been developed with the vision of producing highly competent arts managers. It provides graduates with the necessary skills for effective cultural leadership and management. Graduate Oren Little says: ‘This Masters has given me a greater understanding and grasp of arts and heritage management. It has enabled me to bring together my years of business experience with my love of the arts.’

Dr. Una Kealy, Programme Director for the MA, speaking of recent graduates and current students undertaking the degree says: “We are delighted with the calibre of student the course is attracting. The fact that established practicing artists and arts managers have signed-up and found the programme useful and valuable indicates that W.I.T. is meeting a real need in the arts and heritage sector. With times being tough across all sectors arts managers the programme WIT offers is an extremely valuable opportunity for those already working and those interested in entering the field.”

The MA in Arts & Heritage Management is a programme of academic study and practical work in industry placement and is geared towards meeting the needs of both participants and employers. T.V. Honan of Waterford Spraoi, who graduated last week, describes its value to him as an experienced arts manager saying: “I have a practical background in arts management. However the course has given me the opportunity to re-focus aspects of my existing experience and has introduced me to management practice I had not encountered previously in my career.” While Taragh O’ Connor a Hospitality Management graduate says: “The course is so varied and accessible it’s refreshing. The work placement module is excellent and allows me to apply the new knowledge and skills I learn in class immediately, benefiting both me and my work placement provider.” Lilly O’Reilly, Acting Artistic Director of Garter Lane Arts Centre, commended the MA programme saying: ‘To have a competent arts management student on work placement with us for one year has been a great boost in these difficult financial times. The students we have worked with on the programme are is dedicated and professional and a real asset to Garter Lane’.

The course is suited to arts/heritage and business graduates and practitioners of the arts/heritage sector who wish to improve their career prospects and enhance their professional development. The MA programme includes modules in Irish Arts, Heritage & Cultural Studies; Strategic & Financial Management; Cultural Tourism & Public Policy Studies; Professional Development & Research; Events Management; Employment & Legislative Studies; Public Relations; Placement; and Minor Dissertation.

Academic entry requirements for the MA in Arts & Heritage Management programme are a minimum of 2nd Class Honours Degree in a relevant discipline or in a Business subject or equivalent experience in industry. For further information on the programme email Dr Una Kealy on ukealy@wit.ie or telephone Graduate Admissions on 051 302670.