Culture, Creativity and Entrepreneurship (Taught)

Become an expert in how the cultural and creative sectors operate and how they are an engine for global entrepreneurial activity.
Culture and creativity are key to the development of people, societies, and economies worldwide. In this course, you'll explore the contested concepts of culture and creativity, and how policymakers, cultural organisations, and creative entrepreneurs work with contemporary cultures and economies on a global scale.
You'll discover how organisations across the arts, cultural and creative sectors work in theory and practice, as well as the impact they can have on individuals and communities. You'll have the opportunity to examine the relationship between the cultural and creative industries and the arts, and to explore how the cultural sector is managed.
Learn from researchers with extensive industry experience and investigate topics you’re most interested in, personally and professionally. Once you graduate, enter careers across diverse fields – from cultural and creative organisations to the third sector, public services, and teaching, to starting your own creative business.
Student profile: Clare Danek
“Completing a Masters has given me a huge confidence boost and insight that I can apply to my arts freelance work. I’m also currently investigating the possibility of completing a PhD.”
Clare Danek, MA Culture, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship

Why study at Leeds

• Specialist facilities: Our School is based in stage@leeds, a purpose-built landmark at the heart of campus. Stage@leeds hosts a year-round programme of work by students and visiting theatre companies.

• Guaranteed industry experience: While studying, you’ll have the chance to work with clients and gain consultancy experience as part of a 2-week online Global Industry Programme.

• A hub for creative innovation: Learn and live in a city home to the likes of Leeds Digital Festival, Light Night, Leeds International Festival of Ideas, the Channel 4 headquarters, and a thriving cultural scene packed with award-winning venues and organisations.

• Strong local partnerships: Our school collaborates with cultural organisations across the city, including schools, hospitals, Leeds City Council, Leeds Museums and Art Galleries, Leeds Playhouse, Opera North, Invisible Flock, Human VR, Slung Low, Red Ladder Theatre Company and Transform.

• Dedicated employability support: Benefit from personalised career support to give you the best start once you graduate, including talks, practical workshops, volunteering opportunities, and comprehensive research training if you want to go on to study a PhD.

• Transformative global collaboration: Our international partnerships include Shanghai Theatre Academy, Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre, Shanghai Yue Opera House in China, South Africa-based Tshisimani Centre for Activist Education and Chad-based Association Ndam Se Na.

Rankings and awards
86th in the world, QS World University Rankings 2026

Where this degree could take you
Our graduates have pursued a range of careers that reflect the diverse nature of this course.
They’ve joined international consultancy firms and social enterprises as research associates, become project managers in arts and cultural organisations or worked as policy managers and advisers within cultural policy bodies.

Career support
Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years by the UK's leading employers, The Graduate Market 2026, High Fliers Research
At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.
Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.