Hong Kong University's School of Professional and Continuing Education (HKU SPACE) is partnering with Britain's Middlesex University to offer a master of arts degree in work-based learning studies (creative industries management).

Professor Chan Wing-wah, head of HKU SPACE's Centre for Creative Performing Arts, says the course is a perfect fit for creative industry practitioners who want to upgrade their skills. The programme caters to those in the sector who aspire to management positions in the creative arts.

"We have a diverse group of students who come from the design industry, media art, and arts and crafts businesses," Chan says.

The familiarity the programme gives students with the Hong Kong arts sector is one of its practical benefits as are the industry contacts it provides. "These are important issues that our students encounter at work. The programme is all-rounded and practical. Staff at the Leisure and Cultural Services Department are subsidised to study our programme," he says.

Visits to cultural sites, locally and abroad, will also be arranged. "Trips to the mainland are especially fruitful. We bring students to galleries, theatre companies, and invite managers of the facilities to share with us," Chan says.

"Our students benefit greatly from their success stories."

The course is offered for two years part-time.

Whole-day lessons are held on Saturdays.

Applicants should hold a postgraduate diploma in creative industry management awarded by HKU SPACE, and five years of work experience.