Shape your creative career

UAL graduates go on to work for a huge range of businesses and organisations in the creative sector. Many also start their own businesses and brands, or work as self-employed practitioners.

The creative industry includes any businesses that generate jobs and wealth by using somebody's creativity, skill and talent. There are a diverse range of sectors making up the creative economy, which you could work in after graduating. These include but are not limited to:

• advertising, marketing and PR
• architecture and spatial design
• crafts and handmade goods
• design: product, fashion, graphic, interior
• film, TV, radio and podcasts
• photography
• games, computing and digital technologies
• libraries and archives
• museums and heritage
• music and sound arts
• publishing
• performing arts
• visual arts and galleries

In 2023-2024, there were 2.4 million jobs in the creative industries in the UK alone, accounting for 7% of all filled jobs, according to the UK Parliament's analysis of creative industries growth, jobs and productivity.

And, the creative industries are 1 of 8 sectors offering the highest opportunities for growth both in the UK and worldwide, according to the UK government's consultation, ‘Invest 2035: the UK's modern industrial strategy’.

The type of career you can get with a creative degree will depend on the course you study, your interests and how you decide to apply the skills you’ve learned. Creative courses often produce graduates with a transferable skillset, leading to roles in a range of fields. Check the 'Careers' section on each course for more information.

Get inspired by our student and graduate stories below or explore other alumni stories.

In a competitive jobs market, it’s important to gain industry experience in addition to your studies.

Your future employers want to see how you can apply the skills and knowledge you’ve learnt and work experience is a great way to show this. UAL offers lots of opportunities to gain industry experience even before you graduate.

• ArtsTemps connects UAL's creatives with paid roles so you can earn while you learn.
• Creative Opportunities promotes jobs, paid internships, volunteering roles, scholarships and competitions to UAL’s students and alumni.
• not just a shop, UAL's store, sells products and artwork by our students and alumni to the public and offers support to develop products.
• UAL's work placement year for undergraduates, the Diploma in Professional Studies, is an opportunity to gain industry experience between your second and third year.
• We offer other skills-based Optional Diplomas such as the Diploma in Creative Computing and the Diploma in Apple Development.
• Creative Shift is our professional development programme prioritising students from underrepresented backgrounds.
• UAL Showcase is our global digital platform where you can share your work and make connections with future employers and creative collaborators.
• Our courses offer opportunities to respond to mock or live industry briefs, sometimes collaborating with brands in the creative sector. See the ‘Industry experience and opportunities’ section of each course.
• You can take part in exhibitions and shows, including graduation shows which are attended by members of the public and industry professionals.
• Benefit from our expert teaching staff with their years of industry experience, knowledge and connections.

UAL’s Careers and Employability service is there to support you from your first day with us until 5 years after you graduate. The range of support on offer will help you to build a career doing what you love. We encourage all students to make the most of:

• careers toolkit full of tips and resources
• events and workshops
• awards, funding and mentoring
• job and internship opportunities
• freelance and business support
• opportunities to exhibit and sell work
• one-to-one appointments.

As well as having access to UAL's Careers and Employability Service, our 6 Colleges and Creative Computing Institute offer additional careers support.

• Visit London College of Fashion employability and find out about their programme, Graduate Futures.
• London College of Communication supports students through The Employability Hub.
• UAL Creative Computing Institute, Chelsea College of Arts, Camberwell College of Arts and Wimbledon College of Arts offer support through The Hub, Greenhouse and Launch.
• Central Saint Martins has regular collaborations with brands for student and graduate projects such as the L’Oréal Professionnel award.

We’ve been the top university for student start-ups three years running (HESA data, June 2025). The support we can offer to help you launch your own brand or business depends on the type of start-up you have. You could:

• apply to get your art or products stocked in UAL’s store not just a shop
• start networking and building your freelance experience by finding work with ArtsTemps or Creative Opportunities
• apply to launch or grow your business with our funding and awards
• access advice and tips with our freelance and business support
• join UAL’s Enterprising Alumni Network after you graduate to connect with other freelancers, collaborate and find clients
• engage with UAL Alumni Association to connect with fellow graduates and access careers support for 5 years after graduation.