Program Overview

Introduction to the Creative Industries & Cultural Policy MSc

The Creative Industries & Cultural Policy MSc provides an interdisciplinary grounding in the key economic, cultural, and policy forces shaping the development of the creative industries. Theoretical and analytical depth is coupled with an emphasis on the realities of contemporary cultural production, in order to deliver both a rigorous academic experience and a foundation for a career in the sector.

Programme Structure

The programme involves a taught course followed by an individual supervised dissertation. The taught component, which starts in September, involves a combination of lectures, seminars, and group-work sessions. In previous years, the teaching on the two largest core courses, Creative Industries and Cultural Policy (semester 1) and Creative Lives and Cultural Industries (semester 2), has been supported by guest lectures, in which practitioners, policy makers, and key influencers from across the creative sector have been invited to share their perspectives.

Semester 1

• Creative Industries and Cultural Policy - Core 1
• Research Methods in Creative Industries and Cultural Policy
• Managing Creativity and Innovation (Creative Industries and Cultural Policy)
• Project Management (Creative Industries and Cultural Policy)

Semester 2

• Creative Lives and Cultural Industries (Creative Industries and Cultural Policy - Core 2)
• Optional courses totalling 20 credits (subject to availability)
  • Issues In Audience Management
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • Digital Marketing Strategy
  • Internationalisation of SMEs
  • Managing Diversity In Organisations
  • Cultural Cities and Creative Regions
  • Cultural Institutions

Summer

• Creative Industries and Cultural Policy Dissertation

Some optional courses might not be available every year.

Career Prospects

Whether you are seeking a management role in an established organisation or plan to pursue a more entrepreneurial path, this course will equip you with a critical understanding of the landscape within which cultural and creative industries operate, and enable you to develop the analytical skills necessary for a career in this growing sector. At the same time, the programme offers an academically engaging experience and will prepare you for policy advisory and consultancy roles or to pursue further postgraduate studies.

Fees & Funding

MSc

• Home & RUK: ｣11,943 (full-time fee)
• International & EU: ｣27,720 (full-time fee)

Fee Status

Fee status guidance is available.

Deposits

International and EU applicants are required to pay a deposit of ｣2,000 when an offer is made.

Additional Fees

• Fee for re-assessment of a dissertation (PGT programme): ｣370
• Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed: ｣350
• Registration/exam only fee: ｣170

Funding Opportunities

Several scholarships and funding opportunities are available, including:

• Beatrix Whistler and James McNeill Whistler Scholarship
• Banco de Mexico
• The Snowdon Trust Masters Scholarship
• CONACyT (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia) / FUNED Agreement
• ANID (la Agencia Nacional de Investigaci y Desarrollo)
• University of Glasgow African Excellence Award
• University of Glasgow Caribbean Excellence Award
• World Changers Glasgow Scholarship
• Global Leadership Scholarship
• GREAT Scholarships 2026
• The Humanitarian Scholarship
• Chevening Scholarship
• India Excellence Award
• Erasmus+ Master Degree Loans
• Postgraduate Student Loan (Scotland and EU)
• Postgraduate Loans for Welsh Students
• Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loans England only (PTFL)
• Colfuturo Fundacion para el Futuro de Colombia
• Commonwealth Scholarship Schemes
• DAAD-University of Glasgow 1-year Masters grant
• Sanctuary Scholarships
• Alumni Discount
• The Clan Gregor Society Prize
• Travel Bursary for Forced Migrants
• The Dima Alhaj Scholarship
• Glasgow Highland Society Scholarship

Entry Requirements

• 2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in any subject.
• A 2.2 Honours degree will be considered where supported by relevant experience. Substantial, directly relevant experience may be considered in place of formal qualifications.

English Language Requirements

For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training): 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
• TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome): 90 overall with no subtest less than Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
• Pearsons PTE Academic: 65 overall with no subtest less than Reading 60; Listening 60; Speaking 65; Writing 60
• Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE): 176 overall with no subtest less than 169
• Oxford English Test: 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
• LanguageCert Academic/Academic Online: 70 overall with no subtest less than 65
• Password Skills Plus: 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
• Trinity College Integrated Skills in English II: Two subtests at 96 or higher, and two subtests at 80 or higher
• Kaplan Test of English: Any two subtests at 480 or higher, and any two subtests at 450 or higher
• University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses: Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.

Alternatives to English Language Qualification

• Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
• Undergraduate 2+2 and 3+1 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)

How to Apply

To apply for a postgraduate taught degree, you must apply online. We cannot accept applications any other way.

• A copy (or copies) of your official degree certificate(s) (if you have already completed your degree)
• A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained
• Official English translations of the certificate(s) and transcript(s)
• Evidence of your English language ability (if your first language is not English)
• Any additional documents required for this programme
• A copy of the photo page of your passport

Application Deadlines

Due to demand for degree places on this programme, the University has an application process with application rounds which recognises that different geographical areas complete and submit their applications at different times of the year. This process aims to ensure fairness and equity to applicants from all geographic regions.

• Round 1 application dates: 1 October 2025 to 5 November 2025
• Round 2 application dates: 6 November 2025 to 17 December 2025
• Round 3 application dates: 18 December 2025 to 4 February 2026
• Round 4 application dates: 5 February 2026 to 25 March 2026
• Round 5 application dates: 26 March 2026 to 13 May 2026
• Round 6 application dates: 14 May 2026 to 8 July 2026

All applications submitted by 17 December 2025 will be reviewed and processed normally with no priority given to any geographic region. From 18 December 2025, priority will be given to applications from geographic areas which have been unable to submit applications before that point.