The creative industries are crucial to the UK economy, generating approximately £126 billion annually. While widely recognized for their cultural impact, the full range of career opportunities available to creative graduates can sometimes be overlooked.
During our recent E-Conference for International Educators: Europe and Eurasia, Darren Murphy from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) hosted an info session for our community of high school counselors to highlight the diverse opportunities within the creative industries. Darren shared insights into the range of programs and career pathways available to international students in the UK, emphasizing how LIPA helps students build careers in fields they may not have considered.
From performing arts to production, design, and emerging digital technologies, creative careers span industries such as film, media, gaming, fashion, and even business. Institutions like LIPA provide specialized training and industry connections that prepare students for dynamic and evolving creative careers.
During the info session, Darren offered an overview of why studying performing and visual arts undergraduate programs in the UK could be a good option for international students, the application processes, and the career opportunities available after graduation.
Why study a creative degree in the UK
With nearly 100 specialist arts institutions across the UK (most public), students can access a wide range of high-quality creative study options. Whether in vibrant cities like London or smaller creative hubs, students remain easily connected to key industry centers, allowing them to access opportunities, networks, and resources that support their creative growth and career development.
Darren mentioned how the UK has diverse creative courses delivering high-quality teaching, with many faculty members also working actively in industry alongside teaching. During their time at university, students can access specialist equipment, flagging the high standards across institutions. However, he stressed that counselors should encourage students to check how much access to the equipment is permitted, as policies can vary – some may allow use only during class, while others offer access outside of class hours.
Darren highlighted one big advantage of studying in the UK for international students – the opportunity to stay and work after graduation. The UK’s Graduate Visa allows students who have completed an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in the UK to live and work there for up to two years. This opens doors to gaining professional experience in the creative industries, whether as performers, designers, or in other creative roles, helping students build their careers in a vibrant and dynamic environment.
Career Preparation
Employability is incorporated extensively into creative degree programs in the UK. Darren emphasized that the courses are designed to get students industry-ready, with teaching including understanding how the industry operates and essential professional skills to navigate the business side of the creative world, alongside performance and art practices.
Courses aim to replicate industry working practices incorporating industry-supported projects and professional briefs. Many institutions collaborate directly with industry associates who provide real-work opportunities, attend showcases, and offer masterclasses for students.
Darren mentioned that students have access to comprehensive career support, particularly at LIPA, during their studies, including guidance on setting up a business and securing freelance opportunities, with the idea of producing self-employed professionals ready to thrive in the industry.
Building a strong professional network is also a key focus. Students connect with creative professionals globally, forming lifelong relationships that support their careers. With 25% of the student body at LIPA being international students, the university places a strong emphasis on student support, including mental health and well-being, to help students succeed personally and professionally.
Application processes, portfolios, and auditions
Creative arts academic entry requirements are often flexible to ensure accessibility for a diverse range of students. In most cases, the portfolio, interview, and audition are the most important factors for gaining a place.
Submitting applications is typically via UCAS or UCAS Conservatoire, with additional materials such as portfolios, audition recordings, and written statements. Every institution has different guidelines for auditions and interview processes, meaning it is crucial that students follow the specific instructions for each program and university. For performance-based auditions, students might need to submit a recorded audition, attend an in-person audition, or participate in an online assessment to demonstrate their range and diversity. Darren encourages counselors to review these guidelines with their students to ensure they meet all the specific requirements.
What should students do now?
To prepare for applying for creative programs, Darren suggests that students should focus on documenting their creative processes and experimenting with new ideas. Instead of only presenting what they think admissions teams want to see, students—especially those applying to institutions like LIPA—are encouraged to showcase their creativity. Think outside the box and aim to innovate rather than imitate.
Common application mistakes
- Lack of academic rigor: Failing to demonstrate the methodology behind creative work, including research, planning, and idea development, can weaken an application.
- Playing it too safe: Students don’t need to be afraid to present original, idea-driven work. Highlighting what inspired projects and what the work says about the applicants helps institutions understand who they are creatively.
- Technical issues: Ensuring that digital submissions are accessible is a must. Check permissions, file formats, and links to ensure work can be easily viewed.
- Prioritizing quantity over quality: More is not always better. A thoughtfully chosen portfolio with high-quality work is far more effective than an overwhelming number of pieces.
For international students passionate about creativity, studying in the UK offers a pathway to a career in a dynamic industry. Institutions like LIPA provide the skills, experience, and professional networks they need to turn their passion into a profession. You can watch the info session from the SRT E-Conference for International Educators: Europe & Eurasia in full here >>
