Global Performance and Cultural Industries (Taught)

Explore how performance and the cultural and creative industries intersect to unlock careers reaching international audiences.
Develop a critical understanding of performance across a variety of social, political, and economic settings and how it’s produced and consumed locally and globally.
Apply your learning through lectures, seminars and an independent research project, and graduate equipped to build your global career networks. You’ll have the opportunity to work with a variety of cultural organisations and gain valuable insights into the cultural and creative industries from guest lecturers and industry experts.
Whatever area of performance or culture you want to pursue a career in, tailor your learning through optional modules ranging from digital storytelling to activism, collaborative enterprise and arts for health and wellbeing. Then graduate ready to enter roles in international cultural organisations or pursue further study.

Why study at Leeds

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Local partners in performance: 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.

• Excellent prospects: Graduate from one of the universities most targeted by the UK’s top employers (High Fliers, The Graduate Market Report 2026).

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

Where this degree could take you
This course is well-suited to career paths across the arts, including:

• Artistic Practitioner

• Producer

• Administrator

• Theatre Manager

• Policymaker

• Educator

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.