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Graduate Certificate in Cultural Leadership

Seek and solve problems to improve life on earth
You have reached the maximum of 6 degrees.
Gain the skills you need to lead contemporary arts and cultural institutions of the future. With the UNSW Graduate Certificate in Cultural Leadership, you’ll develop your skills in artistic and cultural theory, communication, audience development, exhibition design and strategic management. Follow your passion and advance your career in the creative industries.
Commencing Terms
Term 1, 2 & 3
Duration
0.7 Year(s)
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended), Online
Campus
Paddington
Codes
Program code 7318
CRICOS code 082203K
Entry Requirements
ATAR/2024 lowest selection rank
View all admission criteria
Fees
2024 Indicative first year full fee
$18,000*
2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
$18,000*
Art and design students discussing work inside the Red Center build enviroment study space.

International application pause for 2025 intakes

Looking to study at UNSW in 2025? UNSW Apply Online will be paused for International applicants from 4pm AEDT 16 October 2024.

Book an academic 1:1 consult (Domestic only)

Online | 22 - 24 Oct 2024

Are you a domestic student? Book a one-to-one online academic consultation with UNSW faculty members to receive personalised advice on program structure, core courses, and potential careers.

Term 1 2025 applications have closed

International applications for Term 1 2025 have closed at 4pm AEST on Wednesday, September 25

Please note, international applications for Term 1 2025 for this program have closed at 4pm AEST on Wednesday, September 25. Any applications received after this date will be considered for future terms. For more information contact UNSW Future Students team. 

Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Cultural Leadership consists of four courses that introduce you to contemporary art and the workings of arts and cultural institutions. It is an ideal short program for those who want to enter cultural leadership from other professional backgrounds or extend their qualifications in this area. Your courses will focus on communication skills for creative disciplines and a critical introduction to exhibitions and the role of art institutions. The program also includes electives in art history, contemporary art, and Aboriginal art.

This suits anyone who intends to play a role in the arts, cultural or creative industries whether from artistic or other professional backgrounds.

Why study at UNSW?

This program will develop your skills or extend your qualifications in: artistic and cultural communication, audience engagement and development, exhibition design and strategic management of cultural organisations.

Program Code
7318
CRICOS Code
082203K
Campus
Paddington
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
24
Indicative Enrolments
<5

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Entry requirements

Admission to the Graduate Certificate in Cultural Leadership requires a Bachelors degree in any field. Applicants who apply with a bachelors degree completed more than 10 years ago can be admitted to the Graduate Certificate in Cultural Leadership where they have continuous history of employment in an art-related field since graduation.

Applicants without a Bachelors degree may be admitted to the Graduate Certificate on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director, on the basis of a continuous history of employment in an art-related field.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Consideration of RPL, including industry experience, will be relevant for:

(a) entry into the program without a Bachelors degree; and

(b) entry with a Bachelors degree awarded more than 10 years prior to proposed year of commencement.

Verified industry experience will include a written statement of service from an employer, client or commissioning agent verifying the position, role, responsibilities, duration and/or project outcomes of employment, service contract or other professional arts engagement.

English language requirements

 

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

Admission to the Graduate Certificate in Cultural Leadership requires a Bachelors degree in any field. Applicants who apply with a bachelors degree completed more than 10 years ago can be admitted to the Graduate Certificate in Cultural Leadership where they have continuous history of employment in an art-related field since graduation.

Applicants without a Bachelors degree may be admitted to the Graduate Certificate on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director, on the basis of a continuous history of employment in an art-related field.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Consideration of RPL, including industry experience, will be relevant for:

(a) entry into the program without a Bachelors degree; and

(b) entry with a Bachelors degree awarded more than 10 years prior to proposed year of commencement.

Verified industry experience will include a written statement of service from an employer, client or commissioning agent verifying the position, role, responsibilities, duration and/or project outcomes of employment, service contract or other professional arts engagement.

English language requirements


You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Full program structure

Potential careers

  • Arts curation, policy or administration
  • Cultural research
  • Festival programming
  • Museum management

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.

Ready to start your application?

For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.

Ready to start your application?

Fees & Scholarships

2024 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$18,000*
2024 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree
$18,000*

*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.

Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).

You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

2024 Indicative First Year Fee
$21,500*
2024 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$22,000*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.

Scholarships


At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.


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