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Overview
- Join a rapidly growing industry – The creative industries are among the fastest-expanding sectors in the global economy, driven by technological innovation, digital transformation, and new business models.
- Develop industry-ready skills – Gain expertise in creative strategy, digital storytelling, media production, and business innovation to prepare for leadership roles in the creative economy.
- Apply your learning in real-world settings – Access competitive internship opportunities with industry partners such as creative agency BBD Perfect Storm, MAKETANK, and The Literary Platform.
- Connect with industry specialists – Learn from guest tutors, professional mentors, and expert lecturers who bring real-world insights from film, publishing, branding, gaming, and immersive media.
- Engage with cutting-edge creative practices – Explore storytelling, filmmaking, gaming, branding, live and digital arts, and digital publishing, while also curating creative events across the city and region.
- Network with top industry professionals – Hear from experts such as Rob Alderson (Director of Community & Engagement at Vimeo), Ben James (Curator at Berlin Film Festival), James Woollam (MD at David & Charles Publishing), Sophie Rochester (CEO at Yodomo), and Shuvashish Roy (Head of Business at The Daily Star).
- Enhance your career prospects – Graduates secure roles in film, television, publishing, branding, advertising, gaming, and emerging creative technologies, with opportunities to launch their own creative ventures.
- Turn ideas into impact – Benefit from startup incubators, business mentorship, and funding opportunities to support entrepreneurial projects in the creative industries.
Industry-focused learning
Emerging creative technologies
Professional experience and industry mentors
Startup and funding opportunities
Shape the Future of Creativity in a Digital Age
The creative industries are among the fastest-growing sectors in the global economy, shaped by technological innovation, digital transformation, and new business models. The MA in Creative Industries at the University of Exeter is designed for ambitious students who want to develop industry-ready skills, forge professional networks, and gain the strategic knowledge to thrive in this dynamic landscape.
As part of a world-leading department in Communications and Media, Drama, and Film & Television Studies, this programme draws on a rich academic and industry heritage, giving students unparalleled insights into the evolving creative landscape. With access to cutting-edge research, state-of-the-art facilities, and expert faculty, you will develop the skills and connections needed to lead in today’s creative economy.
Building on a foundation of creative practice, this industry-focused programme bridges creativity with business acumen, offering practical learning, professional placements, and direct engagement with leading figures in media, entertainment, publishing, and design. Whether you’re looking to launch a creative business, work in a global media house, or drive innovation in digital storytelling, this programme will equip you with the expertise and connections to succeed.
Industry-focused learning
Emerging creative technologies
Professional experience and industry mentors
Startup and funding opportunities
Entry requirements
We will consider applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree or above, or international equivalent, in a subject that includes some coverage of Film Studies, Drama, Business Studies, Media and Communication or other creative disciplines.
Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.
Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
MA Creative Industries is a course that lets you learn from doing activities. The nature of engaging students with real-life challenges and coming up with innovative solutions through creative processes makes students market-ready in the creative world.
Moreover, the university has excellent facilities like an Innovation Centre for students, one-to-one mentoring sessions and in-course placement opportunities. You face real-life business challenges with expected creative solutions as part of the assessments.
Studying at the University of Exeter is a journey of innovation, engagement, and impact, which will be the base of career development for the rest of your life.
Read more from Shuvashish
Shuvashish
MA Creative Industries
Course content
An industry-connected curriculum
- Workshops and intensives - Hands-on training with industry leaders, creative producers, and digital media experts.
- Business Strategy for the Creative Industries - Learn about business planning, intellectual property, and the economics of creative enterprises.
- Cultural industry insights - Field trips to leading creative hubs, agencies and cultural institutions.
- Business Strategy for the Creative Industries - Learn about business planning, intellectual property, and the economics of creative enterprises.
- Strengthen business strategy and entrepreneurial insights through optional Business School modules.
- Work with senior industry mentors on your dissertation.
The programme is divided into units of study called modules which are assigned a number of 'credits'. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
150 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules
Compulsory modules
aChoose either CDFM001 Dissertation - Written or CDFM002 Dissertation - Practice (you cannot choose more than one module from this group)
| Code | Module |
Credits |
|---|
| CDFM001 |
Dissertation - Written [see Note a] | 60 |
| CDFM002 |
Dissertation - Practice [see Note a] | 60 |
| DRAM141 |
Ideas Generation and the Creative Process | 30 |
| DRAM142 |
Creative Management | 30 |
| DRAM169 |
Creative Industries | 30 |
Optional modules
| Code | Module |
Credits |
|---|
| BEMM071 |
Leadership and Global Challenges | 15 |
| BEMM488 |
Entrepreneurship and Complete Sustainable Value Creation | 15 |
| BEMM488 |
Entrepreneurship and Complete Sustainable Value Creation | 15 |
Fees
2025/26 entry
UK fees per year:
£16,300 full-time; £8,150 part-time
International fees per year:
£26,500 full-time; £13,250 part-time
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.
For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
*Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Teaching and research
Learning and professional development
The MA in Creative Industries is a multidisciplinary, industry-focused programme that blends creative innovation with strategic business insights. You will develop expertise in content creation, branding, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement, preparing for a wide range of careers in the creative economy.
Learning from expert faculty and leading industry professionals, you will be challenged and supported to reach your full potential. Through a dynamic mix of lectures, collaborative projects, case studies, professional practice, and performance-based coaching, you will refine your communication, leadership, and strategic thinking skills - turning ideas into real-world impact.
First term: Foundations of the Creative Industries
Develop an understanding of how creative ideas are generated, shaped, and transformed into successful business ventures. Learn how innovative companies navigate the creative economy, from business incubation to commercialisation.
Key skills you’ll gain:
- Creative project management – plan, develop, and execute real-world and industry-focused projects.
- Business strategy for the creative industries – understand value chains, market positioning, and revenue models.
- Pitching and presenting – communicate ideas with clarity and confidence.
- Industry insights – explore real-world case studies and hear from guest speakers shaping the sector today.
By the end of this term, you’ll have a strong foundation in creative enterprise, business strategy, and market innovation, preparing you for hands-on industry engagement in Term Two.
Second term: Specialisation and industry engagement
Building on your foundation, Term Two allows you to specialise in key areas of creative business and leadership. You will take the core Creative Management module, along with two optional Business School electives that align with your career ambitions.
You will develop essential skills for creative leadership, including:
- Entrepreneurial Mindset & Industry Impact – Identify opportunities, develop innovative business models, and create scalable, future-focused ventures that shape the creative industries.
- Adaptability & Innovation – Navigate rapidly evolving industry landscapes by embracing emerging technologies, shifting market trends, and disruptive business models.
- Cultural Competence & Leadership – Lead diverse creative teams and projects with a deep understanding of global markets, audience dynamics, and cross-cultural collaboration.
- Strategic Business Acumen – Combine creative vision with data-driven decision-making, financial insight, and market strategy to drive sustainable success in the creative industries.
A key feature of this term is the professional placement or internship, supported by the university’s placements team. You will apply your learning in a real-world setting, whether within a creative agency, media company, publishing house, or digital innovation hub. Financial support may be available for internship-related expenses (within an agreed budgetary framework).
Third term: Industry-focused Dissertation or Project
Your final term provides the opportunity to specialise further through a dissertation or a practical industry project:
- Traditional research dissertation (15,000 words) – a critical exploration of a topic within the creative industries.
- Practice-based industry project (with 5,000-word critical context) – develop and prototype a creative or business concept.
Your dissertation is a launchpad for your career, offering the opportunity to:
- Work with an industry mentor and academic supervisor to refine your ideas.
- Pilot your creative project, business concept, or industry venture, preparing it for real-world implementation upon graduation.
- Both pathways allow you to focus on a key area of creative enterprise, such as:
- Creative business planning & modelling
- Digital storytelling & transmedia production
- Intellectual property & emerging creative technologies
- App development, immersive media & augmented reality
By the end of Term Three, you will have a fully developed project, critical insights, and a strong professional network—equipping you to make an impact in the global creative industries.
Beyond the classroom
- Access to Startup & Incubation Support – Develop entrepreneurial ideas with the University of Exeter’s Innovation Centre.
- Exclusive Networking & Industry Events – Connect with producers, publishers, brand strategists, and digital media entrepreneurs.
- One-to-One Writing & Business Coaching – Receive guidance from Royal Literary Fund Writing Fellows and business mentors.
- Course Membership of the Creative Industries Federation – Join the UK’s national body for the creative industries, cultural education, and arts.
- Cultural Field Trips – Visit key creative hubs to gain industry insights.
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Anna Kiernan
Olya Petrakova Brown
Programme Director
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Professor Lisa Harris
Associate Professor, Director of Digital Learning
Professor Ruth Sealy
Associate Professor of Organisation Studies, Director of Impact
Raphael Dennett
Senior Lecturer in Entrepreneurship
Dr Sarah Goldingay
Anna Kiernan
Anna is a creative strategist, writer and publisher with over twenty years’ experience of working in the creative and cultural industries. Previously, Anna was the creative and editorial director at Stranger Collective, a creative content studio, a national advisor for Arts Council Wales and a Trustee for the Cornwall Film Festival. Anna delivers training and consultancy for clients including Lush cosmetics, The Guardian, Arsenal FC, the NSPCC, The National Trust and the Department for Transport.
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Anna Kiernan
Anna is a creative strategist, writer and publisher with over twenty years’ experience of working in the creative and cultural industries. Previously, Anna was the creative and editorial director at Stranger Collective, a creative content studio, a national advisor for Arts Council Wales and a Trustee for the Cornwall Film Festival. Anna delivers training and consultancy for clients including Lush cosmetics, The Guardian, Arsenal FC, the NSPCC, The National Trust and the Department for Transport.
Profile page
Olya Petrakova Brown
Programme Director
Olya specialises in transforming disused urban and rural spaces into animated pop-up venues. She is passionate about cross-disciplinary working and community engagement and has a track record in producing, curating, and organising festivals and conferences. Olya is co-Artistic Director of ARTEL (American Russian Theatre Ensemble Laboratory), a visual theatre company, and founder/Co-Artistic Director of Maketank, a creative hub for contemporary performance making in Exeter.
Professor Lisa Harris
Associate Professor, Director of Digital Learning
Lisa joined the University of Exeter in October 2017 as Director of Digital Learning. She is also an Education Incubator Fellow. Lisa has led the development and implementation of innovative degree programmes in three UK Universities, utilising cross-faculty expertise supported by industry projects and online learning pedagogies.
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Professor Ruth Sealy
Associate Professor of Organisation Studies, Director of Impact
Ruth’s research areas include women in leadership; board composition; role models; and various aspects of corporate governance. Ruth was the lead researcher of the annual Female FTSE Report, monitoring women on listed boards and executive committees, from 2007-2016, including co-creating the “100 Women to Watch” list at Cranfield in 2009. She has co-authored similar reports in Hong Kong and India and presented report findings to academic and practitioner audiences, globally.
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Raphael Dennett
Senior Lecturer in Entrepreneurship
Raphael has experienced almost every aspect of entrepreneurship and enterprise during his years of starting and growing businesses across the globe. He held the position of Entrepreneur in Residence at Plymouth University for six years and in this role, mentored and helped develop and grow hundreds of start-ups in almost every sector imaginable. Raphael has also held executive positions in a number of global businesses which has given him a strong interest in developing economies and entrepreneurial international development.
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Dr Sarah Goldingay
Sarah is a senior lecturer in Drama undertaking research into wellbeing, chronic pain, healing and the placebo response, in the field of Medical Humanities. She is particularly interested in the intersections between sustainability, community, place, identity and wellbeing and am currently working on inter- and transdisciplinary research projects across performance scholarship, culture and ritual studies, neuropsychology and biomedicine. Her work investigates the importance of human-to-human interaction and cultural context in enabling salutogenesis.
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Careers
Creative pathways and industry impact
The MA in Creative Industries is designed to equip you with the skills, experience, and professional network to thrive in a wide range of creative careers—or to launch a venture of your own. You will graduate with a diverse and highly transferable skill set, making you an attractive candidate for employers across the global creative economy.
Through internships, industry projects, and mentorships, you will build connections with leading professionals and organizations, creating opportunities that extend far beyond your studies. Whether your goal is to launch a startup, develop innovative digital products, or secure a leadership role in a major creative business, this programme provides the tools, insights, and industry access to make it happen.
Where can this MA take you?
Graduates from our department have pursued careers across a broad spectrum of creative industries, including:
- Film & Television – production, content strategy, and media innovation.
- Digital & Interactive Media – AI storytelling, Web3 applications, and immersive experiences.
- Entertainment & Events – festival production, cultural programming, and live event management.
- Advertising & Branding – creative strategy, campaign management, and audience engagement.
- Publishing & Content Creation – digital publishing, social media strategy, and editorial leadership.
- Visual & Performing Arts – arts management, curatorship, and multidisciplinary creative production.
- Fashion & Design – creative direction, trend forecasting, and brand storytelling.
With access to startup incubators, business mentors, and funding opportunities, this MA also empowers entrepreneurs and innovators to turn ideas into reality, whether through creative startups, digital platforms, or new media ventures.
Join a growing network of alumni shaping the future of the creative industries—this is your opportunity to define your impact.
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I couldn’t recommend the course more. I have been able to apply the modules in my degree to real-world working environments, and vice versa.
For example, part of the module I recently completed involved writing a business plan for implementation by the company that I work for, which was commended for being “market ready”.
The course has also provided us with so many great networking opportunities, and as a result I have been working freelance since December, designing and executing multi-channel exhibition and event marketing campaigns. The course itself has opened my eyes in so many ways to how integral creativity is to business, and business acumen to the success of creative practice.
Read more from Amy
Amy
MA Creative Industries
