Arts Management & Cultural Policy - Research

Overview

You will be part of a growing doctoral research environment and will study alongside students from Northern Ireland and abroad.



We supervise students undertaking research in:

• The design and delivery of cultural policy and the interpretation of these processes by arts managers and

policy makers

• The attachment of social policy areas to cultural policy

• The social processes of cultural production within institutional settings

• Access, participation and audience development in the arts

• Issues of equality and diversity

• Internationalisation and transnational exchange

• Reception of art and culture

• Institutional, historical and social frameworks for the making and displaying of art and heritage

• Impact of arts and cultural work



We are also interested in projects developed through interdisciplinary approaches and supervision teams:

• The management and governance of cultural sectors and institutions

• Sustainability and relevance of business models for arts management

• Evolving theories of cultural economy and cultural ecology

• The impact of new technologies on arts and cultural industries management and cultural policymaking

Graduate

A 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. While a Master's degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) is not essential, it is desirable and applicants without this qualification will be considered on a case-by-case basis.



International Students

For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/



English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).



International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.



For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.



If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.



Find a supervisor

If you're interested in a particular project, we suggest you contact the relevant academic before you apply, to introduce yourself and ask questions.



To find a potential supervisor aligned with your area of interest, or if you are unsure of who to contact, look through the staff profiles at https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-research/find-a-phd-supervisor/?school=Queen%27s%20Business%20School



You might be asked to provide a short outline of your proposal to help us identify potential supervisors.

Assessment processes for the Research Degree differ from taught degrees. Students will be expected to present drafts of their work at regular intervals to their supervisor who will provide written and oral feedback; a formal assessment process takes place annually. 

This Annual Progress Review requires students to present their work in writing and orally to a panel of academics from within the School. Successful completion of this process will allow students to register for the next academic year. 

The final assessment of the doctoral degree is both oral and written. Students will submit their thesis to an internal and external examining team who will review the written thesis before inviting the student to orally defend their work at a Viva Voce.

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

Career Prospects

Introduction

We encourage applicants who are interested in further academic work or work within the arts and cultural or public policy sector. Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability



Employment after the Course

For further information on career development opportunities at PhD level please contact the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Career Development Team on ahssdevoffice@qub.ac.uk / +44 28 9097 5175.

You'll be part of a growing doctoral research environment and will study alongside students Northern Ireland and abroad; we supervise students undertaking research in;

• The design and delivery of cultural policy and the interpretation of these processes by arts managers and

policy makers

• The attachment of social policy areas to cultural policy

• The social processes of cultural production within institutional settings

• Access, participation and audience development in the arts

• Issues of equality and diversity

• Internationalisation and transnational exchange

• Reception of art and culture

• Institutional, historical and social frameworks for the making and displaying of art and heritage

• Impact of arts and cultural work


We are also interested in projects developed through interdisciplinary approaches

and supervision teams:

• The management and governance of cultural sectors and institutions

• Sustainability and relevance of business models for arts management

• The impact of new technologies on arts management and cultural policymaking