MA Business for the Creative Industries

Program Overview

The MA Business for the Creative Industries at BIMM University is an innovative and flexible postgraduate program meticulously designed to prepare individuals for influential leadership roles within the dynamic creative sector. Available as a one-year full-time or two-year part-time course, this program is offered at BIMM's vibrant campuses in Brighton, UK, and Berlin, Germany, both renowned hubs for arts and culture. It caters to a diverse cohort, including creative professionals seeking formal business qualifications, business graduates aiming to transition into the arts and culture sector, and international candidates aspiring to study in Europe's most exciting cities. The MA strikes an optimal balance between rigorous academic learning and practical, industry-relevant application, covering key creative industries such as music, film, games, and performing arts. The program's overarching aim is to equip graduates with the strategic business acumen and industry insights necessary to thrive in leadership, entrepreneurial, or management capacities within this rapidly evolving global sector.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the MA Business for the Creative Industries is forward-thinking and specifically tailored to address the unique demands of the creative economy. Students gain comprehensive industry-relevant skills across essential business disciplines, including "Finance & Law," "Marketing & Communications," and "Resource Management," which critically examines human resources, financial assets, and physical resources in a project-based, freelance-heavy environment. Other core modules include "Introduction to the Creative Industries," which introduces the commercial and cultural backstory of the primary subject fields, and "Ethics & Sustainability," evaluating the social, cultural, environmental, and economic impact of the creative industries. The program also features "Global Strategies," designed to foster an understanding of international expansion and cultural differences. A significant component is the "Creative Enterprise Research" or "Industry Placement Research" module, providing opportunities for in-depth investigation or practical work experience. The varied assessment strategies include pre- and post-performance presentations, intervention strategies, performance profiles, player/team performance reports, and case studies, reflecting real-world industry tasks.

Research Focus: The MA Business for the Creative Industries at BIMM University is underpinned by a strong ethos of practice-led research and scholarly inquiry, directly reflecting the active research interests of its faculty. The university is committed to ensuring that teaching and learning are enriched by professional practice, research, and scholarship, particularly in the creative arts and industries. Academic staff are deeply embedded in the creative sector, often conducting research on contemporary issues such as the impact of artificial intelligence on creativity, sustainable practices in the arts, and evolving business models within the creative economy. The program encourages advanced research into a student's specialist creative field, culminating in a significant research project or dissertation. BIMM University actively explores and showcases non-traditional research outputs (NTROs) and creative practitioner research, demonstrating a commitment to innovative research methodologies relevant to the creative industries. This focus on research empowers students to critically analyse industry trends, develop original insights, and contribute to the evolving knowledge base of the creative industries.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a core tenet of the MA Business for the Creative Industries at BIMM University, ensuring that students gain invaluable real-world experience and build crucial professional networks. The program offers outstanding industry connectivity, with a curriculum designed to provide both academic rigour and real-world relevance. Students 1 benefit from direct mentorship by seasoned industry professionals and practical experience through collaborative projects. A key feature is the opportunity to undertake a work placement within the industry, providing hands-on experience and the chance to build valuable relationships with professionals and potential employers. BIMM University's dedicated Creative Futures team actively connects students and graduates to a vast network of labels, booking agents, production companies, festivals, and more. Furthermore, the university hosts regular masterclasses, workshops, and panel sessions featuring prolific industry leaders, offering students unparalleled insights and networking opportunities that are vital for launching and advancing a career in the creative sector.  

Global Perspective: The MA Business for the Creative Industries program at BIMM University inherently fosters a profound global perspective, recognising the interconnectedness and international scope of the creative industries. By being offered in two major creative capitals, Brighton (UK) and Berlin (Germany), the program exposes students to diverse cultural contexts and vibrant international creative scenes. The "Global Strategies" module specifically explores international expansion, cultural differences, and navigating financial and legal systems from various global locations. The curriculum delves into the global impact of creative industries, examining how creative businesses operate across borders and respond to international trends. Students are encouraged to consider different cultural contexts and ethical considerations, promoting entrepreneurial action that drives both economic value and social impact on a global scale. This international outlook prepares graduates to engage with and lead in a diverse and globalised creative economy, equipped with the understanding to develop and implement strategies with worldwide relevance.