MA Creative Project Management

The Creative Project Management master’s programme at the University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy is a one-year, full-time postgraduate programme designed for professionals interested in managing creative projects, cultural initiatives, creative ventures, and multidisciplinary teams. The programme is taught entirely in English and comprises 60 ECTS. Successful students receive a Master of Arts (MA) in Social Sciences.

Programme Focus

The programme takes a holistic and practical approach to creative project management. Its curriculum follows the natural life cycle of a project, with subjects and assignments designed to support the development and completion of a final project. Students gain practical experience by managing real creative projects, including their own project ideas, while developing skills in management, administration, planning, budgeting, and project development.

The programme also emphasizes multidisciplinary and multicultural collaboration, allowing students to work with people who bring different skills, perspectives, and professional backgrounds to creative projects. Students can benefit from the faculty’s expertise and industry connections, as well as networking and potential mentorship opportunities.

Flexible Study Options

The programme is structured as a one-year programme with online modules, allowing students to complete the whole programme online while continuing their professional careers. It also offers a self-paced modular option through the micro-degree pathway. Students can complete all three micro-degrees at their own pace and, when ready, proceed to their master’s project with the support of a supervisor.

Students also receive thesis supervisor matchmaking, enabling them to work with an experienced expert throughout the programme and receive guidance while developing their project.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet one of the following academic and professional qualification routes:

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification and at least three years of professional experience in entrepreneurship, management, or culture; or
• A master’s degree or equivalent qualification.

Country-specific document requirements may also apply. Entry qualification documents are accepted in English or Estonian.

English Language Requirement

All applicants must comply with the University of Tartu’s English language requirements. The university specifies the acceptable English language tests and exempt categories through its requirements information.

Admissions Test

Applications are evaluated through an admissions test consisting of two components:

• Personal video introduction — 30%
• Online interview — 70%

The personal video introduction must be in English and should cover the applicant’s educational and professional background, motivation for applying to the Creative Project Management programme, previous experience with creative projects, and the type of project they would like to develop during their studies. Applicants should also explain what they hope to achieve after graduation and their expectations for the programme.

The video should be no longer than 5 minutes. Applicants are asked to upload it to YouTube, Vimeo, or Google Drive and provide the link in their application.

Online Interview

During the online interview, applicants should be prepared to discuss the impact, challenges, planning, management, and budgeting of creative projects. They may also be asked about the topics and positions presented in their video introduction.

The University of Tartu may conduct interviews using Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or Skype. The admissions committee informs applicants in advance about the platform and interview schedule.

For the stated 2026 admission process, interviews were scheduled between 13 and 17 April.

Applicants must have a computer or smart device with a camera, microphone, and speakers. A camera is mandatory because applicants must be visually identified during the interview. An internet connection with at least 1 Mb/s upload/download speed is recommended.

During the interview, applicants must have an identity document and conduct the interview in a room without other people or background noise. Recording the interview is not permitted.

Admissions Evaluation

Applicants are evaluated during the admissions test according to four equally weighted areas:

• Sufficiency of previous academic preparation and work experience — 25%
• Ability to discuss topics related to the sector and specialty — 25%
• Ability to express themselves academically in a foreign language — 25%
• Motivation to commence studies — 25%

Tuition and Application Fee

The tuition fee for the programme is €6,000 per year. Applicants who are not citizens of the EU/EEA/Switzerland must pre-pay half of the first semester’s tuition fee after receiving an admission offer.

The application fee is €100, payable once, and is non-refundable.

Programme Structure

The programme is organized around creative project management and provides a practical learning experience connected to the development of creative projects. Students can access the programme structure and individual courses through the programme website.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can pursue different professional opportunities in the creative and cultural sectors. The programme prepares students to:

• Launch creative ventures: Develop the knowledge and skills needed to establish and develop their own creative company and bring innovative ideas to the market.
• Lead cultural projects: Manage cultural projects in public institutions, third-sector organizations, and private-sector environments.
• Manage creative teams: Work with and lead international, multidisciplinary teams in both online and offline environments.

The programme is therefore focused on developing practical project-management capabilities for professionals who want to lead creative initiatives, cultural projects, ventures, and teams.

Programme Details

University: University of Tartu
Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Study level: Postgraduate / Master’s
Degree: MA (Master of Arts in Social Sciences)
Duration: 1 year
Workload: 60 ECTS
Study mode: Full-time
Teaching language: English
Tuition fee: €6,000 per year
Application fee: €100 one-time, non-refundable
Studies commence: 31 August
Application status: Application period has ended