Futureworks

Futureworks is an independent school specialising in the creative media sector, offering degree-level study in film, television, sound, music, animation, games and visual effects. Rob Magoolagan, Ben Norris and Chris Mayo set it up in 2007; the first cohort graduated in 2011, and in 2012 the school relocated to its Riverside campus. Three schools deliver the teaching: Sound and Music Production; Film, Television and Media; and Art and Design. Between them they run nine degrees, either BA (Hons) or BSc (Hons), in fields such as audio engineering, music production, game audio, game art, games design, animation with illustration, independent filmmaking, editing, and visual effects with virtual production. The Open University validates these awards.

Industry-standard facilities include edit suites, audio studios and dubbing theatres, plus a purpose-built film studio equipped for motion capture, whose LED volume supports virtual production. In addition to the main campus in central Manchester, the school makes use of studio space at MediaCityUK in Salford. Class sizes are small, and tutors continue to work professionally in their fields. In the Teaching Excellence Framework it has earned Silver ratings, and its partnership with Avid is long established.

Information for International Students

International applicants who accept a place at Futureworks can receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), as the school is licensed as a Student sponsor. Applications go through UCAS or straight to the school. English must be demonstrated at CEFR level B2 or higher, for instance through IELTS 6.0 overall with no skill below 5.5; other approved qualifications, such as those from Trinity College London, LanguageCert and PTE Academic, are also recognised. Before the CAS is released, a deposit of half the first-year tuition fee is required, and each year's fee must be settled in full ahead of that year's start.

Futureworks differs from most universities in two respects that matter for financial and career planning. Students holding a Student visa are not permitted to take any employment in the UK, and on completing their course graduates cannot apply for the Graduate Route. The school does not own halls of residence; it provides guidance on private student housing across Manchester and Salford and identifies a number of providers favoured by its students. Once teaching starts, support is available for wellbeing, learning and disability.