Why I chose MA Creative and Cultural Industries at Manchester

by | Jan 17, 2025 | Creative and Cultural Industries | 0 comments

Hi! My name is Paulina Gonzalez. I am a recent graduate from the first cohort of the MA course in Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI) at The University of Manchester.

Choosing to study this program was an easy decision that originated from my interest and passion for the creative and cultural sectors. Whether it’s my love for literature and reading or my background in film, photography, and content creation, thanks to my previous degree in Communication and Digital Media at Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico, creativity has always been a central part of my life.

After completing my undergraduate studies, I realised I wanted to focus and understand more about how the creative industries work, from managing them, to the strategies used and to having practical experience on how to create and promote initiatives that drive diversity and inclusion. I also wanted to learn how these industries could combine different media formats to create impactful events and campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences as those are some aspects I have started developing through my undergraduate degree.

However, I knew that opportunities to gain this kind of experience in my home country were limited (if any were available). So, in order to achieve my goal of building a career in the creative industries, I decided to study in the UK, where there are plenty of opportunities, even in the particular areas I love like the publishing industry.

To be more specific, I ended up choosing UoM not only because the course had plenty of modules that truly interested me and suited what I wanted to learn, such as the production of cultural and creative events, but also because the masters had a strong focus on securing a work placement, which was one of the major factors for me. Thanks to this placement that I secured, I was able to get directly involved with professionals in the sector, working on specific aspects of the industry that I am most passionate about. This hands-on experience was by far one of the highlights of my time in the program.

Moreover, I can’t talk about my decision to study CCI at UoM without mentioning the city itself. From the moment I began researching, I was fascinated by Manchester’s artistic and cultural opportunities. Anywhere you go, there’s always a creative event to attend or a chance to contribute to one. Moreover, Manchester offers the benefits of a big city with diverse communities, cultural events, and a city vibe—while also feeling welcoming and easy to navigate. Unlike larger cities like London, Manchester felt like a place where I could truly feel at home, safe, and excited to explore everything around me.

Overall, choosing the CCI course was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It has not only provided me with in-depth knowledge about the creative industries but also opened doors to exciting opportunities where I can make a difference and work on projects that I’m super passionate about. If you love creativity, culture, and making an impact, I wholeheartedly recommend the course.

This post was written by Paulina Gonzalez, MA Creative and Cultural Industries Alumna and University of Manchester International Office Intern. More information about MA Creative and Cultural Industries is available on the University website.

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