Tomas Bata University in Zlín

Zlín as the Hub for the Preparation of the Prestigious CREATES Master’s Program with Erasmus Mundus International Accreditation

From September 23 to 26, 2024, Zlín hosted one of the key meetings of academic representatives from across Europe, aimed at preparing the accreditation of the new international master’s program CREATES – Creative Societies and Cultures. This prestigious program aims to train professionals in the field of cultural and creative industries (CCIs), with a focus on digital innovation, sustainability, and inclusion. The program is scheduled to start in September 2027 and will offer students the opportunity to study at four prestigious European universities. For Tomas Bata University in Zlín, this international collaboration presents a significant opportunity to become a key player in the field of creative education.

CREATES – About the Program
The CREATES master’s program was developed in response to the growing demand for professionals capable of combining knowledge from various fields and effectively addressing technological, ecological, and societal challenges within the cultural and creative sectors. The program offers students a unique opportunity to study in four European countries and gain an interdisciplinary perspective on arts management, digital culture, information services, sociology, and the humanities. It is being prepared at the Faculty of Multimedia Communications at Tomas Bata University (UTB) in Zlín by the Arts Management studio in cooperation with the international partners listed below.

The study program will be structured as follows:

• First semester: University of Porto, Portugal
• Second semester: University of West Attica, Greece
• Third semester: Tomas Bata University in Zlín, Czech Republic
• Fourth semester: University of Nova Gorica, Slovenia

The curriculum will focus on key areas such as arts management, data design and interpretation, and sociology, providing graduates with essential tools for a career in the rapidly evolving creative industries.

“I believe that the CREATES program will bring great benefits to both students and the university, preparing them for future challenges in the cultural and creative industries. If we receive international accreditation, teaching will begin in September 2027, and we expect the program to attract students from all over the world who are interested in innovative education and want to play an active role in transforming society through creative and cultural projects,” said Dean of the FMK UTB, Mgr. Pepa Kocourek, PhD.

Erasmus Mundus – Global Prestige and Quality
Participation in the Erasmus Mundus program represents a major advantage for UTB Zlín, offering the opportunity to enhance the university’s international reputation, strengthen its ties with European academic and professional networks, and provide students with unique educational opportunities in the creative industries. Students who participate in this program will not only earn an internationally recognized degree awarded by the four universities mentioned above, but also gain experience and connections from various European countries.

Students will have the opportunity to work on projects that combine digital technologies with cultural traditions and new ways of managing cultural heritage. This will enable them to become future leaders, shaping cultural and creative industries not only in Europe but around the world.