Re-skilling and empowering forward-thinking leaders in the cultural and creative sectors
The new edition of the Master of Advanced Studies in Cultural Management (MAScult) at the Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana (Lugano, Switzerland) is an executive programme for international professionals in culture, the arts, and the creative industries. At the intersection of Northern and Southern European countries, the MAScult offers a privileged position to understand the variety of western models of cultural management and culture-led urban innovation.
Based in Switzerland, it also promotes the understanding of the well-grounded Swiss tradition of public-private cultural cooperation.
Delivered online and in English, the MAScult allows participants to complete a re-skilling process by obtaining a master’s degree while continuing to work. By focusing on three main drivers of growth – sustainability, innovation, and digitalisation – the curriculum expands theoretical understanding and professional knowledge in fields like cultural policy, strategy, audience engagement, fundraising, general and project management. With the scientific collaboration of Fondazione Fitzcarraldo (Turin, Italy), the MAScult involves an international faculty that will strengthen your knowledge of cultural management, advance your leadership development, and provide tactical insight for the best managerial approaches to lead your cultural organisation.
The MAScult comprises several Certificates of Advanced Studies (CAS) which are based on leading edge thinking, policy, and practice in the sector. Candidates can personalise their learning by benefiting from a highly supportive and interactive learning platform.
The Master degree is awarded upon completion of three CAS and a final dissertation, resulting in 60 ECTS. Each CAS requires a minimum of three years work experience and a good knowledge of the English language. Classes are limited to 25 participants selected internationally.
The MAScult 2022-23 programme includes:
Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS)
CULTURAL POLICIES
Strategies, policies, and practices for sustainable development
from February to June 2022 – 15 ECTS
The CAS in Cultural Policies takes participants through a three-month journey to rethink their role as cultural professionals and lead their organisations towards change and sustainable development. Starting from the evolution of cultural policies in Europe and beyond, the CAS in Cultural Policies delves deep into topics such as public cultural policy and private investments, smart cities and culture-led urban regeneration, cultural planning, sustainability (Agenda 2030), and evaluation of cultural policies and projects.
Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS)
AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT
Empower people towards cultural participation
from October to December 2022 – 15 ECTS
The CAS in Audience Engagement explores the international debate on cultural participation. By investigating the most recent and innovative experiences to engage with audiences, this CAS offers methodologies and tools to support the creation of new audience strategies within your cultural organisation. The curriculum includes brand new learnings in European projects and international research in fields like cultural participation and democracy, decolonisation of culture, experimenting with prototypes for different audiences, design thinking.
Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS)
CULTURAL MANAGEMENT
Strategic management for cultural organisations
from February to June 2023 – 15 ECTS
From the analysis of competitors to the assessment of the proper governance and long-term strategy for your cultural organisation, the CAS in Cultural Management provides candidates with a solid understanding of major principles and practices in management for the cultural and creative industries. The programme addresses topics such as economic and social sustainability, financing, new organisational models and leadership styles, as well as digital transformations and new operational and innovative project management tools.
FINAL DISSERTATION
from October 2023 to January 2024 – 15 ECTS
To finalise the MAScult, candidates have to complete and discuss a research project developed according to the candidate’s professional interests and ambition, with the support of the faculty. Generally, candidates choose a subject within their organisation or the industry they know and want to work in. The final dissertation (which will be between 15’000 and 25’000 words) has to include the assessment of an initial context, the strategic and operational processes to reach stated goals, and final conclusions. Candidates have to attend an oral examination where they will present and discuss their work.
Three Certificates of Advanced Studies (CAS): February 2022 - June 2023
Final dissertation: October 2023 - January 2024
Each CAS consists of 8 modules, for a total of 84 hours of online lessons, every other week, with the following schedule:
The total cost of the MAScult is CHF 16’250. It includes:
1) Admission procedure
a) Send an expression of interest to mascult@conservatorio.ch
b) You will be asked to provide the following:
1) Copy of ID or passport;
2) Copy of study qualifications;
3) Curriculum vitae;
4) Motivation letter.
Late applications can only be exceptionally accepted if places are available. Incomplete dossiers will not be taken into consideration. The University of Music may ask for further documents (e.g. translations or certificates), should it find any of the documents in the application dossier to be lacking in clarity or comprehensibility, with particular attention to the diplomas.
2) Enrolment
Candidates who are considered eligible will receive an email with a letter of admission, a registration confirmation form and the first fee of CHF 2'750.
This form must be signed and returned together with the proof of payment both by email (to servizi.accademici@conservatorio.ch) and by post to the Segreteria didattica, as instructed in the letter of admission.
Once received, the candidate is officially enrolled at the University of Music of the Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana.
3) Matriculation
Enroled students are requested to come to the Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana for completing the Matriculation, by bringing to the Segreteria didattica the original of their access diploma (or their ex-matriculation certificate, if they have studied at another Swiss University).
At the end of their studies, participants will obtain the title on condition that they:
The University of Music of the Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana is a state-recognised university school and is affiliated to the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI). The titles that it awards are recognised by the Federal Government according to the law (HEdA - September 30, 2011).
The course is subject to the current Regulations of Studies of the University of Music. The University of Music reserves the right not to activate the course if the necessary conditions are not met.
Extension of the duration of studies: students can submit to the Head of Continuing Education a request of extension of the duration of studies for a maximum of 2 semesters (no semester splits are allowed). If the request is accepted, the University of music will invoice students a fees of CHF 250 for semester.
Repetition of the final exam: if students do not sit the final exam, or do not pass it successfully, they can ask to repeat it in a later session. Exam sessions are normally scheduled every six months. Students can request to postpone the final exam for one or a maximum of two consecutive semesters. For each postponed semester the University of Music will invoice students only the administrative fee of CHF 250.
Suspension of studies: in exceptional cases, and with the authorization of the Head of Continuing Education, students may request to temporarily suspend their studies for one or a maximum of two consecutive semesters. For each semester of suspension, the University of Music will invoice students only the administrative fee of CHF 250.
Withdrawal of studies: if students decide to withdraw from their studies, their request must be sent (by certified mail) the Segreteria didattica by the end of November 2023. If the deadline is not respected, students will be invoiced for all fees.
Chiara Tinonin Alberto Gulli
Programme Coordinator Programme Director (Fondazione Fitzcarraldo)
Simona Martini
Programme Coordinator (Fondazione Fitzcarraldo)
Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana
Via Soldino 9
CH-6900 Lugano
Phone +41 (0)91 960 30 44
mascult@conservatorio.ch
