University of Adelaide

What you'll study

This specialisation combines practical production skills with arts management and cultural programming. Core areas include festival production and programming, event operations and logistics, arts marketing and audience development, curation and creative direction, and the legal, financial and safety frameworks that underpin live events.

• Festival Production & Programming — planning festival seasons, artist liaison, curatorial practice and program scheduling.
• Event Operations & Technical Management — site planning, stage and technical coordination, crowd management and health and safety for live events.
• Arts Marketing & Audience Development — branding, digital marketing, ticketing strategies and community engagement.
• Business, Law & Finance for the Arts — budgeting, sponsorship, grant writing, contract essentials and intellectual property considerations.
• Research & Cultural Policy — cultural context, audience research, policy frameworks and the role of festivals in place-making.
• Industry Placement & Capstone Project — practical placements with festivals, venues or producing organisations and a major project where students produce an event element or small-scale festival.

Study is typically a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops and substantial project-based learning. Assessment emphasises practical outcomes — production plans, marketing campaigns, budgets and collaborative live projects — as well as reflective and research-based assignments.

Entry requirements

Admission to the Bachelor of Creative Arts (Festivals) is through the University of Adelaide's undergraduate entry pathways. Applicants are assessed on academic qualifications (such as an Australian secondary school credential or recognised equivalent) and may submit a short portfolio or statement of intent demonstrating creative interest and relevant experience. Mature-age applicants and those with vocational or industry experience can apply via alternative entry routes. Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the University's English language requirements.

Meeting minimum academic thresholds does not guarantee entry; selection can be competitive and may consider extracurricular experience, volunteering at events, short courses in arts management, or relevant work placements.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of roles across the cultural and events sectors. Typical career pathways include:

• Festival producer or programmer
• Events and operations manager (venue or festival)
• Marketing and audience development coordinator
• Stage or production manager
• Community engagement and participation officer
• Arts producer, cultural policy or grant officer

Many graduates find work with festivals, performing arts companies, municipal and cultural institutions, tourism bodies and commercial event businesses. The degree equips students to work in both frontline production roles and strategic positions that shape programming and audience strategy.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide sits in a city with a rich festival ecology, offering strong local industry connections to major events and presenting organisations. Teaching combines academic rigour with industry-led practice: students undertake professional placements, collaborate on live projects and learn from staff with direct festival experience. Practical training is supported by access to performance and rehearsal facilities, and the curriculum is designed to develop both creative leadership and the operational skills required to run successful events.

The programme emphasises employability through real-world projects and networking opportunities, preparing graduates to contribute to contemporary cultural life at local, national and international scales.