Methods and Topics in Arts Management

/ Overview

Methods and Topics in Arts Management (MATAM) is the international, fully English-taught curriculum of the Graduate Degree Programme in Management dell'arte, della cultura e della creatività, developed jointly by the Faculty of Economics and the Faculty of Arts and Philosophy of Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore.

The programme prepares professionals to design, coordinate and manage activities, organisations and projects in the fields of art, culture, entertainment and the creative industries, in both national and international contexts.

The programme combines expertise in cultural management, economics, accounting, fundraising, human resource management, law and statistical analysis, with a focus on the management of museums, theatres, festivals, cultural organisations, foundations and creative enterprises.

The programme addresses the main challenges facing the cultural sector today: the economic sustainability of arts organisations, digital innovation, changing audiences, the transformation of cultural consumption and the growing role of culture in urban and regional development.

Thanks to the programme's position within Milan's cultural landscape, students can engage directly with museums, theatres, foundations, festivals and creative hubs, taking part in projects, workshops, field visits and professional development activities developed in collaboration with Italian and international cultural organisations.

Why choose Methods and Topics in Arts Management at Università Cattolica?

Methods and Topics in Arts Management provides students with advanced preparation in cultural and creative management, combining theoretical knowledge, practical tools and professional experience.

Arts management skills for museums, theatres, festivals and cultural organisations

Interdisciplinary approach integrating management, economics, culture and the arts

Project planning and budgeting for cultural projects

Digital tools for managing and promoting cultural initiatives

Field visits and meetings with arts and culture professionals

Audience analysis and development to understand and engage new audiences

Research methods applied to cultural and creative industries

Internships or cultural research projects developed with support from academic staff

Immersion in Milan's vibrant cultural ecosystem, one of the most important in Europe

/ Study plan

Programme structure

The programme runs over two years and combines theoretical teaching, practical workshops, applied research and professional experience.

First year

The first year provides students with the core tools to understand how cultural organisations and the creative industries operate.

Students study:

economics and management of cultural organisations;
accounting and the economic sustainability of arts projects;
fundraising and resource development;
human resource management in creative contexts;
cultural policy;
research methods for the cultural sector.

Particular emphasis is placed on cultural project planning, the management of arts organisations and the analysis of changes affecting the cultural sector internationally.

Second year

The second year develops advanced skills in the strategic and operational management of cultural and creative organisations.

Areas of study include:

audience development;
digital innovation for cultural organisations;
management of museums and art institutions;
performing arts and live performance;
management of festivals and cultural events;
urban development and regeneration through culture;
creative industries and the creative economy.

Students work on real-world case studies developed in collaboration with cultural institutions, foundations, museums and creative organisations.

View the study plan

Teaching approach

The teaching approach combines academic teaching, field experience and direct interaction with professionals and cultural organisations.

Case studies and project work

Students work on real-world cases involving:

museums;
cultural foundations;
theatres;
festivals;
creative organisations;
arts promotion projects.

Professional workshops

Workshops focus on:

cultural project planning;
fundraising;
cultural communication;
audience engagement;
audience development;
management of cultural events and programmes.

Field visits

Visits to cultural institutions provide first-hand insight into how cultural activities are managed, produced and promoted.

Applied research

Students develop skills in using:

cultural metrics;
audience analysis;
tools for analysing cultural industries;
social network mapping applied to the creative sector.

/ Admission

The admission process

Find admission information based on whether you hold an Italian or international qualification*

To apply for the Methods and Topics in Arts Management curriculum within the Graduate Degree Programme in Management of Art, Culture and Creativity, you must meet the academic entry requirements and follow the admission procedures and deadlines.

Here are the main steps to follow:

01

Check admission dates and procedures

Academic year 2026/27

You can no longer apply for this programme for the 2026/27 academic year, as all places have been filled.

Academic year 2027/28

The admission procedures for 2027/28, including information on how and when to apply, will be available soon.

02

Prepare the required documents

Make sure you have all the documents you need to submit your application.

More information: Required documents

Passport-style photograph – Accepted formats: JPG, JPEG. Maximum file size: 10 MB.
Identity document – Identity card, passport or driving licence. Accepted formats: PNG, JPG, JPEG, TIFF, PDF. Maximum file size: 10 MB.
Italian fiscal code (codice fiscale) – Accepted formats: PNG, JPG, JPEG, TIFF, PDF. Maximum file size: 10 MB.
English language certificate – Level B2 or above.
Residence permit (if required) – Accepted formats: PNG, JPG, JPEG, TIFF, PDF. Maximum file size: 10 MB.
Self-certification of degree and examinations taken, including SSD and CFU.
Baptism certificate – If you do not have one, you will receive further information about the alternative documentation you can submit.

03

Register or log in to the Enrolment Portal

If you don't have an account yet, register on the Enrolment Portal. If you already have one, log in using your credentials.

04

Check whether you meet the academic entry requirements

As part of the verification of curricular requirements, enter the details of the undergraduate degree you have completed or are currently completing in the Enrolment Portal.

Include the courses/modules in your study plan, specifying the scientific-disciplinary sector (SSD) and credits (CFU) for each one. For exams you have passed, also provide your grades and exam dates.

The outcome will indicate whether you meet the academic requirements for admission to the programme and provide information on the next steps.

05

Reserve your place

If the check confirms that you meet the academic entry requirements, you can reserve your place by paying the first instalment of tuition fees through the Enrolment Portal.

You can do this even before you have completed your undergraduate degree.

06

Complete pre-enrolment or enrolment

If you have not yet completed your undergraduate degree, you must first pre-enrol. Once you have graduated, you can complete the enrolment process.

At this stage, you will need to provide a self-certification of your degree and examinations taken, along with a certificate of baptism. If you do not have a certificate of baptism, you can submit alternative documentation as specified in the Enrolment Portal.

You must enter your income details by the end of November using the "Income statement" (Compila Redditi) application, available on your personal iCatt page.

* The information provided is subject to the approval of the competent bodies and may be subject to change

Useful information

Practical information to help you enrol and get started at Università Cattolica.

Applicants with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) can access learning aids and adjustments to study and assessment arrangements. Full details are available in the University's Services for Inclusion section.

Learn more about Services for Inclusion

Transfers, programme changes, second degrees and resuming studies

Applicants wishing to change programmes within Università Cattolica, transfer from another university, pursue a second degree or resume their university studies must meet the entry requirements.

Find out more

Notices

View notices

English Test

More information: English Test

/ Fees and funding

Tuition fees and financial support

Tuition fees and scholarships

Starting university often involves questions about fees, deadlines and the support available. Clear information about financial support and accommodation options helps students plan their studies with confidence, allowing them to focus on their academic progress and personal development.

Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, through EDUCatt, offers income- and merit-based scholarships and graduation awards, providing financial support to help students continue their studies.

Visit the dedicated section for information on tuition fees and other costs, use the online fee simulator, and find out about available financial support.

Find out more

Student accommodation

Università Cattolica offers a range of housing options to support students throughout their studies.

On campus residences

Nine residences are located on or near Università Cattolica campuses. They offer an educational experience that goes beyond accommodation, with cultural activities, meetings and workshops that complement university study. Residence life also provides opportunities to be part of an active community, exchange ideas and share experiences.

Explore on-campus residences

Residences in the city

Residences located across the city are well connected to Università Cattolica campuses. They offer students greater independence in their day-to-day life, while providing comfortable accommodation and the flexibility to balance study, social life and personal time.

Explore city residences

/ International experiences

Study, internships and volunteering abroad

During your studies at Università Cattolica, you can gain international experience as part of your academic journey. Studying, doing an internship or volunteering abroad gives you the chance to experience new academic, professional and cultural environments, improve your language skills and develop an international perspective that can enrich your studies and support your future career.

Discover the opportunities to study, undertake an internship or volunteer abroad:

Semester abroad

Double degrees

Language courses and certifications

Summer programmes

Internships abroad

International volunteering

Thesis abroad

Short programmes

Virtual programmes

You can include an experience abroad as part of your studies. For programmes involving exams abroad, you can check in advance whether they can be recognised, following the guidance provided by your Faculty and discussing this with the relevant academic staff.

Find out more

/ Internships and careers

Internships and career opportunities

The programme offers a range of internship opportunities, allowing students to apply the skills they have acquired in real professional settings.

Internships and apprenticeships

The programme offers internship opportunities with cultural and creative organisations in Italy and abroad.

Students can gain experience at:

museums;
theatres;
cultural foundations;
festivals;
arts institutions;
creative enterprises;
public bodies working in the cultural sector;
international organisations in the cultural sector.

Internships give students first-hand experience of project planning, fundraising, cultural programming, communication and audience development.

The Career Service supports students and graduates as they prepare to enter the job market, providing career guidance and resources to help them navigate different professional and organisational contexts. It supports the development of transversal skills, creates opportunities to meet employers and helps students develop an informed and coherent career path.

Every year, more than 20,000 students take part in events organised with over 100 partner companies, and more than 9,500 undertake an internship with support from the Career Service and internship tutors.

Find out more

Learning outcomes

By the end of the programme, graduates will have developed advanced management skills for the arts, culture and creative industries.

Management of cultural projects

Plan, coordinate and manage arts and cultural initiatives
Develop budgets and financial plans
Use digital tools to support cultural project planning

Analysis and research

Analyse cultural and creative organisations
Interpret data relating to audiences and cultural consumption
Use applied research methodologies

Sustainability of cultural organisations

Understand governance and financing models
Manage the financial sustainability of projects
Develop fundraising and partnership strategies

Audience engagement

Design audience engagement strategies
Develop audience development initiatives
Manage relationships with stakeholders and communities

Culture and regional development

Understand the contribution of culture to urban development
Link cultural initiatives with regional development strategies
Operate in international and multicultural contexts

Professional communication

Present projects and results to institutions, funders and partners
Collaborate in interdisciplinary teams
Manage professional relationships in the cultural sector

Career prospects

Graduates can work in the fields of art, culture, entertainment and the creative industries in Italy and abroad.

Project and programme management

Project manager
Cultural project coordinator
Programme manager
Festival and cultural project manager

Arts and cultural production

Producer
Production assistant
Cultural events coordinator
Arts and live performance production manager

Fundraising and development

Fundraiser

Development officer

Grant manager

Head of partnerships and sponsorship

Human resources and coordination of creative teams

HR adviser

Team coordinator

Human resources development manager in cultural organisations

Marketing and cultural communication

Marketing manager

Audience development manager

Communications manager

Cultural promotion and development manager

Potential employers

Graduates can find employment at:

Museums
Theatres
Cultural foundations
Festivals
Arts institutions
Non-profit organisations
Creative enterprises
Public bodies operating in the cultural sector
International organisations

Our Alumni

Graduates of Methods and Topics in Arts Management pursue careers in cultural and creative organisations in Italy and internationally, working in the planning, production, promotion and management of arts and cultural activities.

Their interdisciplinary background enables them to work across management, culture, creativity and regional development.

Continuing your studies

The Graduate Degree Programme provides a strong foundation for further study and specialisation.

Graduates can pursue:

Specialising Master Programmes in arts management and cultural management;
Executive programmes in the creative industries;
Specialised courses in fundraising, cultural policy and audience development;
Doctoral Programmes in cultural economics, cultural management, media and the creative industries.

The programme's interdisciplinary approach provides a strong basis for further study in Italy and abroad.

/ Advising and support

Choosing your programme

Advising events

Take part in events to explore specific degree programmes and learn more about what different Faculties have to offer.

View Advising events

Open Days

Find out about Università Cattolica Open Days for prospective students who want to learn more about the University and its programmes.

View Open Days

UnicattX

Explore the Milan, Rome, Brescia, Cremona and Piacenza campuses in 3D and access virtual events on the UnicattX platform.

Go to Unicattx

Request information

Get the information you need about Università Cattolica’s degree programmes and receive support in choosing the right programme and understanding the application, admission and enrolment process.

Get in touch