The Master's degree course in Cultural Management (M.A.) at htw saar is an interdisciplinary, non-consecutive and practice-oriented course of study that prepares students for managerial, strategic and conceptual activities in the cultural sector. The four-semester course combines content from management, cultural studies, art, law, cultural policy and mediation and qualifies students for demanding tasks in cultural institutions, in the public sector, in the cultural industry and in the independent cultural sector.
The curriculum integrates theoretical foundations, empirical research and project-oriented work. A compulsory three-month internship and close cooperation with cultural institutions in the region ensure a high level of practical relevance. The course is aimed at graduates from a variety of first degree programs (e.g. cultural studies, humanities, social sciences, economics, arts) and opens up new opportunities for career changers in the field of cultural management.
The Master's in Cultural Management is unique in the German-speaking world: it is a cooperation between the Saarland University of Applied Sciences (htw saar), the Saar University of Music (HfM Saar) and the Saar University of Fine Arts (HBKsaar). This close cooperation enables a course of study that combines economic, artistic and cultural perspectives and guarantees a high level of practical relevance.
Interdisciplinary & business-oriented
The course combines management, arts, cultural studies, politics and law - ideal for creative minds who want to take on responsibility.
Practice-oriented & networked
Project modules, regional partnerships, experts from the field and a mandatory three-month practical phase ensure a high level of practical relevance.
Future-oriented
Cultural mediation, audience development, sustainability, cultural financing and other current topics are firmly anchored in the curriculum.
Open to career changers
No previous business knowledge required - business know-how is taught in a practical way
High regional and international connectivity
Strongly anchored in the Saarland cultural region/major region with the opportunity to complete the practical phase and Master's thesis abroad.
Students learn in interdisciplinary teams, work together with regional and national cultural institutions and develop their own projects during their studies. This prepares them specifically for responsible activities in the cultural sector.
The interdisciplinary, four-semester course combines the basics of business administration with cultural studies, cultural policy, law, marketing and artistic practice.
Students learn to design, finance and implement cultural projects professionally and to manage cultural institutions responsibly. By closely linking theory, research and applied project work, the degree program provides ideal training for work in cultural institutions, the independent scene, public administrations and the cultural industries.
Graduates qualify for specialist and management positions, e.g. in
cultural institutions
Theaters, museums, concert halls, opera houses, festivals, cultural centers...
Activities: e.g. program planning, project management, communication, cultural mediation, fundraising
Independent scene & creative industries
Project offices, artist collectives, music and film industry, design, games...
Activities: e.g. project management, curatorial work, marketing, production
Public administration & cultural policy
Cultural offices, ministries, cultural departments, municipal development...
Activities: including cultural development planning, funding management, administration
Foundations & cultural funding institutions
Activities: e.g. allocation of funds, evaluation, funding concept, strategic development
International cultural work
Goethe-Institut, cultural NGOs, UNESCO, international festivals
Cultural education & mediation
Schools, museums, theater education, cultural mediation institutions
Research & teaching
Universities, institutes, consulting companies in the cultural sector
If you have any further questions about the course, please contact the Director of Studies, Prof. Dr. Nicole Schwarz, nicole.schwarz@htwsaar.de