The Master of Management (Arts and Cultural Management) is a postgraduate degree designed to equip graduates with the advanced management, leadership, and strategic skills needed to succeed in Australia's vibrant arts, entertainment, and cultural sectors. The course blends contemporary management theory with specialised arts sector knowledge, covering areas such as cultural policy, arts philanthropy, financial management, audience development, programming, sponsorship, and contract negotiation. Students gain a practical understanding of how to manage organisations across art forms including theatre, film, dance, music, visual arts, museums, galleries, and cultural festivals. The degree is typically offered over two years full-time (or part-time equivalent) and is structured around core management and arts-specific subjects alongside elective specialisations and capstone projects.

This qualification suits a wide range of students — from those completing undergraduate study in arts, humanities, or business disciplines and seeking a vocational pathway into the sector, to experienced arts practitioners looking to formalise and advance their management capabilities. Graduates are prepared for roles within a broad ecosystem of employers, including state and national arts companies, galleries, museums, performing arts centres, government arts agencies (such as Creative Australia and state arts bodies), local councils, festivals, cultural tourism organisations, and commercial entertainment businesses. The degree also develops the knowledge needed to navigate relationships between government, not-for-profit organisations, and private sector sponsors — a critical skill in an industry that relies heavily on diverse and mixed funding models.

Australian universities offering postgraduate arts and cultural management programs typically require applicants to hold a completed bachelor's degree from a recognised higher education institution. Most programs accept applicants from any undergraduate discipline, making the qualification accessible to graduates from arts, humanities, business, communications, social sciences, and related fields. Competitive programs often specify a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of at least 70% (H2B equivalent) from prior studies, although applicants who fall below this threshold may qualify through documented relevant professional experience — typically two to three years working in the arts, cultural, or creative industries. Some institutions offer advanced standing (credit transfer) for applicants who hold honours degrees, graduate certificates, or graduate diplomas in a related field, potentially reducing the total duration of the master's program.

English language proficiency is required for international applicants, with most universities requiring an IELTS Academic score of at least 6.5 overall (with no band below 6.0), or an equivalent result in approved tests such as TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English. Some programs also require applicants to submit a personal statement outlining their career goals and motivation for studying arts management, which is used to assess cultural sector engagement and professional intent. Applicants with a bachelor's degree completed more than ten years ago may in some cases be admitted on the basis of continuous professional employment in an arts-related field, assessed on a case-by-case basis by the program director.