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Futureworks is an independent higher education provider based in the centre of Manchester, which delivers a specialised program of degrees designed to launch careers in the creative industries. From games design and animation to music production, filmmaking and visual effects, its courses are designed to prepare students for a rewarding and successful career in the subject they’re passionate about.
Tutors are not just highly experienced in teaching and supporting students, but are also active industry professionals. This means that students are taught by creatives at the forefront of developments in their respective industries, and who can give expert guidance and insights.
Futureworks maintains an expansive network of links with leading professional employers and works with their industry advisory group, which consists of industry professionals and Futureworks alumni working in the creative industries, ensuring Futureworks courses are at the cutting-edge of industry practices.
Visiting professionals and guest lecturers include representatives of such companies as Rockstar Games, Sony Playstation, EA Dice, Studio Liddell, Outpost VFX, Woodwork Music, Unreal, BBC, Framestore, Sky and many others.
For students looking to embark on a career in the creative industries, Futureworks provides globally recognised qualifications, with an impressive variety of studios and spaces furnished with industry-standard equipment and facilities.
Futureworks is highly regarded for the quality and expertise of their teaching faculty. Teaching staff at Futureworks are active professionals, involved in live projects including feature films, games development programs, comic illustration and music production. Students benefit from their experience and insights and can be assured that the skills they are learning are relevant.
Because of their work outside of teaching, tutors can involve their students in real-world creative projects and provide opportunities for hands-on practical experience, as well as the opportunity to network with other industry professionals.
The Futureworks industry advisory group is comprised of representatives from leading creative media businesses and members of Futureworks academic staff, with a main objective to enhance the depth of knowledge and key skills that students possess.
Interested? Order a prospectus to find out more about the uni and the courses on offer.
GET PROSPECTUSFutureworks course applicants are required to achieve 104 UCAS points or higher, which can be gained via a number of qualifications, for example:
Graded Examinations in Music Performance and Arts Award (Gold) can also count towards UCAS points. Students need GCSE Maths and minimum English Language qualifications of Grade 4 or International Level B2 or higher, such as an IELTS (or equivalent) of 6.0 or better, with no component below 5.5.
Successful applicants are invited to interview and will have the opportunity to talk about their work, influences and interests. Some courses require a short portfolio of work, and prospective students are advised to contact the Futureworks Admissions Team for more detailed information on the application process.
UCAS TARIFF CALCULATORSend a message directly to the uni to learn more about their entry requirements.
ASK A QUESTIONManchester is a dynamic city with a very large population of almost 100,000 students including approximately 20,000 international students. While Futureworks does not offer its own accommodation, there is a huge variety of student housing options available throughout the city, suitable for all budgets and preferences.
The rental housing market in Manchester is well-established, and the city has various zones with a high density of private sector accommodation aimed at short-term student lets. The university maintains partnerships with several local companies which help students get the best deals on their accommodation, and the Futureworks website has an accommodation page which includes further information.
Futureworks’ purpose-built Riverside building contains five storeys of specialist facilities, training spaces and technological resources for students to use during their studies. Facilities include:
Studios are equipped with current and classic audio hardware, featuring a selection of powerful and industry standard plugins. Students enjoy access to the MediaCityUK film studio, where the BBC, ITV and many independent production houses maintain major production facilities.
This dedicated filming studio is packed with industry-grade equipment, including a motion capture suite, set-building facilities, and professional grade lighting equipment.
Find out more about the accommodations and facilities in person at the uni.
BOOK OPEN DAYWhat's it like to study at this institution? Current students and alumni share their opinion...
VIEW 293 REVIEWS WRITE A REVIEWE Emily Reviewed 22 Feb 23 Game Art BA (Hons) The main building itself is quite a small, quaint campus - it is quite easy to bump into people and get to know others who aren't on your course. The location is extremely convenient, you are a 10-20 minute walk from most places in the city centre, and although there is no specific Futureworks... READ FULL REVIEW
T Tom Reviewed 21 Feb 23 Music Production BA (Hons) Futureworks have some great facilities and equipment to use to help with assignments or even just for personal use. The tutors are friendly and always willing to help and even just have a good chat with. The university offers games nights and many other events which are run by our student council... READ FULL REVIEW
The Student Services department is there to help support students during their studies for any and all issues, from feeling homesick to applying for the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) or giving advice on mental health.
All Futureworks students are allocated a personal tutor at the beginning of their studies. Having a specific personal tutor means that students always have someone to talk to about matters concerning the course, enabling them to gain the most from their studies.
Futureworks also has a dedicated Student Welfare Officer who works with students on an individual basis and offers support for pastoral issues. There is also an in-house counselling service which is free to use for Futureworks students at any point during their studies.
Futureworks is committed to the development of their students as self-motivated, independent, lifelong learners. The principle of inclusion and the drive towards the employability of graduates is reflected in the support offered.
Find out more about the student support offered on the university’s website.
VISIT WEBSITEThe quality assurance processes at Futureworks enable them to safeguard the academic standards of their courses. Degree programmes are delivered in partnership with the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and are reviewed, monitored and improved on an annual basis.
Futureworks believes that quality enhancement and assurance is a collective responsibility and that engagement is key to making sure that students at Futureworks are provided with the best possible experience. The direct contribution that students make, through providing feedback, advice and suggestions, is critical and students are regularly asked for feedback about their course in order to ensure that enhancements can be made. Student Partners are elected every year which enables the student voice to be heard at an institutional level.
Futureworks works hard to ensure that the voice of its student population is represented and that students remain at the centre of decision-making policies and processes. Each semester, students are given the opportunity to be directly involved with school committee meetings, where they can bring forward issues for discussion with their programme leaders and Head of School.
At an institutional level, lead student partners are able to take part in the Academic Board, Safeguarding Panel and Access & Participation working group and are also invited to become Widening Participation Ambassadors.
Students also run their own Student Partner Committee which focuses directly on the student experience. This committee has successfully run community events, set up an online community discord server and also led successful initiatives such as removing vaping in communal spaces and implementing free sanitary products in the Futureworks buildings.
Futureworks encourages their students to organise clubs and special interest societies, creating communities of enthusiasts which contribute to the student experience and the wider university culture. Students have previously run successful clubs and events including board games, LGBTQ+, online games, album club, and film club. Information on current clubs and societies is found via the community discord server.
The UCLan Student Union also runs a large number of societies which Futureworks students are able to get involved with at their Preston campus.
Manchester supports a diverse student population, with plenty of things to do and places to see. Many businesses offer student deals and discounts for a range of products, activities, events, and nights-out. Considered by many to be the music capital of the UK, Manchester has a buzzing live-music and nightlife scene and plays host to many of the best UK and international acts in the world.
Manchester is also home to numerous art galleries and museums, with a vibrant heritage of artists and designers and is a lively hub of contemporary culture. There are many independent film festivals throughout the year, offering everything from Latin American cinema, Spanish cinema to sci-fi and horror.
World class sports teams perform weekly, and Manchester also has a fantastic public transport network, which offers low student fares on all services including buses, trams and a highly efficient local and nationwide rail system for fast access to other parts of the UK.
See the campus and city for yourself in person by booking an open day place.
BOOK OPEN DAYEmployability lies at the heart of Futureworks. They believe that a student’s first day at Futureworks is their first day as an industry professional, with a focus on developing professional skills such as communication, networking and project management.
Students looking to release music can use Futureworks Music, the schools’ multi genre, in-house record label which has been distributing student and alumni productions into the global marketplace since 2011. The team has over 20 years of industry experience, covering live performance, artist management and business support – giving students the opportunity to break into the commercial world.
Futureworks graduates have found work at leading AAA game Studios, and pioneering film, music and broadcast companies such as EA Games, Sony, Warner Brothers, Rockstar Games, BBC, and many more. The school runs careers events and publishes a monthly careers newsletter with the latest industry news and job opportunities.
Futureworks is committed to providing support for students where funding is a barrier to participation, contribution and attainment. Scholarships and bursaries are primarily aimed at achieving higher representation of the following groups:
There is also consideration for the following groups:
Financial support is provided in the form of full tuition fee scholarships, entrance bursaries to help with costs of starting a degree, sundries bursaries to help towards the cost of specific course items, emergency loans and hardship funding.
UK/EU applicants - Tuition fees are currently GBP 9,250 per year for new students. Students can apply for the full amount of tuition fees from Student Finance for the academic year 2023/2024.
Applicants should be aware that Futureworks is unable to accept applications from students requiring a student visa.
Prospective students are encouraged to visit the Futureworks website for full details.
Send a message directly to the uni to learn more about their scholarships and bursaries.
ASK A QUESTION
Riverside,
New Bailey Street,
M3 5FS
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You'll be shocked by the number of clubs and societies on offer at Futureworks. There's something for everyone! As well as being able to pick different clubs and societies, most courses let you choose modules at different points through your degree.
As well as personalising your course through optional modules, you may have the chance to do a work placement during your studies. Developing your professional skills through work placements is a great way to add to your CV and boost your employability.
If you want a job you love (and who doesn't?), getting a job in a field you're passionate about is a great place to start. By studying a subject you really enjoy, you'll be qualified for a range of jobs relating to that subject, which you'll hopefully love.
For those who aren't ready to give up on education after an undergraduate degree, you'll have the opportunity to progress to postgraduate study such as a master's or even a PhD.
Futureworks's accommodation is designed to be as straightforward and stress-free as possible. All your bills are included in your rent, you'll have free WiFi and your rent also includes security and maintenance.
You'll have access to communal areas like kitchen and dining facilities, where you can socialise with other students you're living with. Disabled students will find several rooms adapted in accessible halls to suit a range of access requirements.