Graduate Certificate in Arts Management

The Graduate Certificate in Arts Management at RMIT University is aimed at graduates and working professionals looking to build their knowledge in managing arts organisations and projects within the Australian setting. Across 26 weeks of full-time study in Melbourne, students take units of study focusing on subjects such as arts policy, cultural leadership, marketing for the arts, and project management. These units carry specific credit points that contribute towards the qualification and may provide a pathway to further postgraduate study in arts management or related fields at RMIT.

Australian graduate certificates are short postgraduate qualifications, often designed for professionals seeking to upskill without committing to lengthy study. At RMIT, classes draw from Australia’s strong creative sectors, including connections with local galleries, performance spaces, and arts bodies. While work-integrated learning is not typically a formal requirement at this qualification level, students are supported to engage with industry, and the course content reflects current industry practice and standards in Australian arts management.

The course suits those with a background or strong interest in the arts wanting to understand how arts organisations are managed, funded, and governed in Australia. Students gain practical skills such as arts marketing, managing budgets and funding proposals, stakeholder engagement, and understanding the regulatory and policy environment for arts organisations in Australia. Those from other fields, like cultural studies or event management, often find the qualification a valuable means to enter or advance within the arts sector.

International students must demonstrate English proficiency, typically through an accepted language test. While studying at RMIT, students on a Student visa can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight, helping them gain valuable local experience. Graduates may also be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. Always confirm the latest course structure and visa conditions on the official RMIT website and the CRICOS register.

• Arts administrator in galleries, theatres, or festivals
• Project manager for cultural events or community arts programmes
• Marketing and communications roles in arts organisations
• Program coordinator in not-for-profit or government arts agencies
• Grants officer or arts policy advisor