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Creative Shift: diversity in the creative industries

Students meeting at a networking event

Creative Shift is our programme of extra-curricular events and activities that aims to help shape a diverse creative industry.

Not everyone has access to professional contacts, experience, support, or confidence needed to thrive in their creative practice.

That's why we're dedicated to supporting students who are underrepresented in the sector. Find out more about what we do and sign up to benefit from our: free events, live briefs, links to industry and more.

Who we support

Creative Shift opportunities are free and open to UAL students who meet all of the following criteria:

  • Are home (UK) students.
  • Are currently studying on an undergraduate course.
  • Whose parent(s)/ guardian(s) have not completed a University degree.

If this applies to you, sign up to our monthly newsletter to hear about upcoming opportunities and events:

Sign up now

What we do

We run extra-curricular projects and workshops that help students to:

  • Collaborate with other students from across UAL.
  • Get paid work experience.
  • Connect with creative people and brands.
  • Build professional experience and a portfolio.
  • Work on live briefs with real brands.
  • See behind the scenes of the working world and get guidance and tips.
  • Develop the skills, mindsets, and connections to thrive in the world of work.

Our projects:

Students taking photographs of each other as part of the photography project through the Connect To student group.
Students taking photographs of each other as part of the photography project through the Connect To student group.

Connect To

Join our student-led creative network for the chance to collaborate on projects with students, UAL staff and industry professionals.

A colourful graphic with the word 'gradual' overlaid

Gradual podcasts

Explore the questions and challenges that many new graduates will face. Listen to unfiltered stories from creative professionals.

Mentoring at Artsmart 2015 with Sharmadean Reid

Professional mentoring

Apply to be matched with an industry mentor to support you with your career and the steps you need to take to get there.

A group of students inside the artist Sokari Douglas Camp's studio which is full of photographs and sculptures
A group of students inside the artist Sokari Douglas Camp's studio.

Visits out

See behind the scenes of creative companies, meet professionals, build your network, ask questions and understand the roles available.

Womens' fists in the air
Illustration by Nia Hefe Filiogianni

Women+ In Leadership

Read about our programme of events and activities set up to inspire and empower women+ to break through the glass ceiling.

Photo of an employer talking to two students
Part Time Jobs Fair 2018. Photo by Unai Mateo

Brands and employers

Want to work with young, capable students with fresh perspectives and ideas? Find out how your company can partner with us.

Our programmes are only funded for specific students. If the criteria above does not apply to you, you can still benefit from UAL's Careers and Employability services.

Creative Shift is part of UAL’s commitment to fair access, student success and progression in Higher Education. For further information contact us at creativeshift@arts.ac.uk.