About the Centre

Everything you need to know about the Centre, its courses and where your studies could take you.

MA Study

If you're considering studying for a Masters degree find answers to questions about entry requirements, term dates, your fellow students and more.

PhD Study

Your questions answered about PhD study.

Applying for a course

How does the applications process work? Your questions answered.

Life at Warwick  

Answers to questions on non-academic matters here.

About the Centre

What is the difference between a 'centre' and a department?

The Centre does not teach BA degrees or take undergraduates. It is devoted wholly to postgraduate teaching and research in the cultural sector and creative industries. It has three taught MA programmes, takes doctoral students (PhD students), and undertakes major research projects.

Will courses at the Centre for Cultural Policy Studies prepare me for a career?

Each of the three centre Masters courses are taught by people with experience in their respective sector of industry, and the course content is based on up to date knowledge of this sector. The courses are designed to combine the learning of skills which are important to professionals in the industry and the development of the student’s intellect and critical imagination. See what our former students have to say by following the links to the course you are interested in here. 

MA study

What is a Masters Degree (an MA)?

In the UK, Europe and the USA, the Masters’ Degree is an important qualification. It stands between a ‘bachelors’ level degree (the first major degree) and the doctoral degree (the highest level of degree: the PhD or equivalent).

Why do an MA Degree?

On a Master’s degree you develop your own intellectual and communication skills in a mature research environment; you obtain professional skills relevant to a specific sector of industry; and you learn how to solve complex problems by different methods of research and analysis.

What is different about the MA degrees in the Centre for Cultural Policy Studies?

The Centre has built a unique reputation nationally and internationally for postgraduate teaching and research in this field. Our approach to postgraduate study combines practical application and academic rigour. Of course you will come here to improve your skills, make contacts and develop intellectually. But you will also come here to reconnect with the ideals and ideas which underpin your work. You will engage with real issues and problems, but you will also explore the principles and theories which lie behind them. You will be given the tools to achieve your professional and personal goals, together with the space to rethink the meaning and purpose of culture, creativity, policy and management.

Who is the MA in International Design Communication Management for?

Students heading for advertising, visual marketing and PR also study this course. This course is centrally concerned with communication, and covers subjects that involve the management and organisation of any creative business.

How many students study on MA courses in the Centre for Cultural Policy Studies?

There are between 20-25 students on each of the three taught Masters courses.

What is the national composition of students in the Centre for Cultural Policy Studies?

You can expect to be part of a dynamic and international student community within the Centre. At present there are students from the following countries: UK, Austria, British Columbia, Bosnia, Chile, China, Germany, Greece, India, Jamaica, Japan, Lebanon, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Romania, Russia, South Korea, Taiwan, Italy, USA and Canada. The Centre values its international composition, and the students benefit from interacting with people from different cultures and making friends and contacts from all over the world.


When does the course start?

A full-time MA in the Centre for Cultural Policy Studies is a 12 month course and  follows the general University term dates starting in early October and ending on September 30 the following year.  

Dates for 2010/11: 

Autumn Term
Monday 4th October 2010 - Saturday 11th December 2010
Spring Term
Monday 10th January 2011 - Saturday 19th March 2011
Summer Term
Monday 27th April 2011 - Saturday 2nd July 2011

When will I graduate?

Graduation for Master’s Degree students takes place towards the end of January each year unless you defer and choose to attend the summer graduation ceremony. Therefore, if you begin the course in October 2008 you will graduate in January 2010.

PhD Study

Am I able to continue and do doctoral studies for a PhD after I have completed my MA degree?

Yes: most students in the Centre head for careers in industry or cultural organisations, but a significant number also carry on with research. A doctorate (PhD) is the highest form of qualification, and is essential if you are heading for an academic career or a high level career in research and development in industry.

Is cultural policy the only subject available at doctoral level?

No: doctoral students in the Centre can study the various fields in which Centre staff have expertise: cultural policy, arts management, cultural theory, media business and management, media theory, contemporary art and theory, contemporary design, advertising and marketing, museums and mangement.

Applying for courses at the Centre for Cultural Policy Studies

How do I apply for a course?

You should apply online through the Postgraduate Admissions Office: www.warwick.ac.uk/postgrad. If you cannot, a hard copy of the application form can be sent to you by post. It will take longer to arrive and to process by post.

What qualifications do I need in order to apply?

You need a good standard of first degree. If you are a student from another country see the University's International Office website which will tell you how your qualifications relate to the UK education system.

Do I need to have studied the subject of the Masters degree before?

No. The Centre for Cultural Policy Studies accepts students from a wide range of academic backgrounds. The most common backgrounds are arts, social sciences or business and management; students with experience in the subject (such as work experience) are always considered.

Is there a deadline for applications? When are applications considered?

The Centre considers applications one by one as they are submitted. There is no deadline for submissions, but sometimes a course can fill up by April or May. Sometimes, however, there are still places by June or July. If the course is full when you apply you can be put on a waiting list in case someone drops out.

What information do I need to supply?

You will need (i) a degree certificate, showing your past qualifications (you can be offered a place if you have not yet graduated, and supply your certificate later); (ii) your transcripts, showing us the courses you have taken and the marks you have obtained; (iii) TWO academic references from your University professors or teachers; (vi) English language certificate (if you are not a UK applicant); and (v) a personal statement, telling us why you want to do this course; all this information should be sent to us in original document form to the Postgraduate Admissions Office. Incomplete applications can delay the selection process and you are advised to make sure you have all the necessary documentation together when you submit your application.

What level of English Language do I need?

For our Master’s Degrees you should have an IELTS level of 7.0, TOEFL paper based at 620 or Computer Based TOEFL (CBT) at 260. However, we also accept strong applications which state an IELTS level of 6.5, a paper based TOEFL score of 600 or a Computer Based TOEFL (CBT) of 250. If you English is lower than an IELTS 7 level you could be asked to undertake a pre-sessional English course at Warwick University.

We also accept other language qualifications: see the International Office website for more information.

If my English is not at the required level, can I still apply to the course?

You may be offered a place to study ‘pre-sessional’ English courses before you begin your degree. The pre-sessional courses last 5 weeks or 10 weeks. If you are in this position, it is important that you apply in good time as the Warwick pre-sessional English courses are usually full up by the end of May.

Will I need to attend an interview?

If you are a UK applicant short-listed for either an MA course or for PhD research you will normally attend an interview.  If you are an overseas applicant for an MA course, you will  not normally be required to attend an interview, although you may be asked to submit a piece of written work in support of your application. If you are an overseas appicant short-listed for PhD research, you will normally be required to attend an interview.

What is a 'Conditional Offer'?

A Conditional Offer means that the Centre has accepted your application, but you need to supply further documentation. This may be a reference (letter from your University professor) or it may be a qualification (certificate of a degree).  If you have not yet graduated, your offer will remain ‘conditional’ until you have received your degree certificate and forwarded it to Warwick University Postgraduate Admissions Office.

What is an 'Unconditional Offer'?

If you receive an Unconditional Offer you are being offered a place on the course without any further documents or qualifications to be obtained. You must then proceed to pay the deposit in order to secure that place.

Is there a deposit payment?

The deposit is £400. This is part of your course fee, not extra. You need to pay this in order to secure your place if you receive an offer (either conditional or unconditional). You must pay the deposit by May 1st. If you have been accepted after May 1st has passed, then you have to pay the deposit within one month of receiving your offer, otherwise the place will no longer be held for you. You need to send the deposit to the Postgraduate Admissions Office. You can pay by credit card or cheque from your bank.

Life at Warwick

Where will I live when I am studying?

You can live either on campus or in the surrounding towns (such as Kenilworth or Royal Leamington Spa) or the City of Coventry (about 20 minutes away by bus). Campus accommodation is spacious and convenient and there is every possible amenity on the campus from a travel agents to the largest Arts centre outside London. See the Accommodation office website for details.