Studying MA Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI) at Manchester was an unforgettable experience that contributed to my personal and professional growth. The course not only helped me develop my skills but also broadened my perspective. With a background in business and music, I initially focused on the music industry, particularly its business models, such as Spotify’s revenue distribution system. However, the course provided opportunities to expand my horizons, allowing me to gain expertise in areas I was less familiar with, such as publishing, fashion, and media. Through lectures, assignments, and discussions with my colleagues, I honed essential skills for working in creative and cultural industries, such as identifying opportunities and challenges within the field and analysing them from multiple perspectives.

The course also offered various opportunities and academic support to delve into any area of interest within the creative and cultural industries. I explored diverse topics, such as sustainability challenges in the fashion industry, intellectual property issues arising from technologies like generative AI, and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) challenges in publishing. One area I found particularly interesting was the impact of innovation and emerging technologies, such as Extended Reality (XR), including virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), on CCIs. A group assignment to propose a VR museum provided me with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience with these technologies, which I found valuable for my future career.

I’m also glad I chose to study in Manchester. Both the city and the university are rich in resources for CCI students. At the University of Manchester, with courses spanning various disciplines, students can seek advice from peers in different fields as well as from teaching staff and professors. I learned that interdisciplinary collaboration is particularly important for CCI students, as many challenges in CCI cross disciplinary boundaries. For example, during my dissertation on technology and intellectual property, I reached out to students and professors outside CCI for insights and advice. Collaborating with them not only advanced my research but also enriched my academic experience throughout the course. I believe that with its abundant resources, the university is an excellent environment for CCI students to engage in an academic journey.

The city itself is home to many cultural organisations that offer placement opportunities, allowing CCI students to gain hands-on experience and interact with professionals in the field. During my placement at a cultural organization, I worked on a digital transformation project aimed at addressing an EDI challenge. This experience enabled me to apply theoretical knowledge in practice while collaborating with experienced professionals. In addition, the city offers numerous art events and music venues, making student life more enjoyable. I really enjoyed meeting people, working with them, and gaining invaluable experiences throughout my time there.

Overall, studying the Master’s in Creative and Cultural Industries at Manchester was a truly unique and enriching experience. The amazing memories I made with the people I met, both inside and outside the university, have made my time in Manchester unforgettable.

This post was written by Tomohiro Nishimura, MA Creative and Cultural Industries Alumnus. More information about MA Creative and Cultural Industries is available on the University website.

Related