Futureworks School of Media provides University education and training in Sound, Music, Film, Television, Games, Animation and Visual Effects. Based in the centre of Manchester, their campus boasts state-of-the-art studios and industry standard production facilities.

Futureworks’ lecturers are experienced industry professionals, who will help you develop the skills needed to succeed in the creative industry. The university also has excellent links to leading employers, giving students the benefits of exciting guest lecturers and fantastic work experience opportunities. In the past few years visiting industry professionals have included Studio Liddell, MPC, EA Dice, John Broomhall (X-Com), Rockstar Games, Outpost VFX, Woodwork Music, Sony Playstation, Unreal and many more.

Futureworks welcomes its students from all over the globe, so if you’re looking to embark on, or enhance a career in Sound, Music, Film, Television, Games, Animation and Visual Effects then look no further…

The Future of Media Education is here. 

Employability lies at the heart of Futureworks. That’s why they not only offer bespoke training courses designed to give you the creative and technical skills you need to succeed, they also put the development of professional skills such as communication, teamwork, and project management are the forefront of your education.

Not only that, the university offers students MyFutureworks, an online hub where students can network and find others to collaborate with and also access a knowledge base. They also run employability events and publish an careers newsletter with the latest industry news and job opportunities.

If you're looking to commercially and internationally release your music then their multi genre, in-house record label, Futureworks Music, has been distributing student and alumni music productions’ into the global marketplace since 2011.

Many Futureworks students have gone on to work for leading AAA game Studios, Indie studios and pioneering film, music and broadcast companies such as EA Games, Rockstar Games, Sony, Warner Brothers, BBC, ITV, Vertigo Films, Sky Sports, Woodwork Studios, Ericsson Broadcast, and many more.

Recognised for their cutting-edge media courses, Futureworks is also renowned for their talented and experienced staff. Most of their team not only teach, but they also continue to practice in their industry, with many of them working on a variety of industry projects including feature films, designing games, illustrating comics and producing music for albums, films and adverts.

Tutors regularly involve students in their own creative projects, giving students practical, real-world knowledge and experience, as well as keeping Futureworks courses on the cutting-edge of industry practices.

Futureworks students are at the core of decision-making policies and processes, and the use of student representation is encouraged wherever possible. You will be able to be directly involved with School Committee meetings once a semester and can also get involved in institution-level change through the Students as Partners system. Recent projects undertaken by the Students as Partners have included setting up a Mario Kart tournament, successfully proposing free sanitary products be available in Futureworks bathrooms and surveying students regarding vaping in communal spaces at Futureworks.

Manchester has many vibrant living-spaces throughout the city, and because it’s got an enormous student population, there is plenty of accommodation aimed at the student market.

Futureworks does not have their own accommodation but do partner with several companies to help get you the best deals.

For more details about accommodation in Manchester, head over to Futureworks’ website. 

Futureworks is packed with the latest gear, software and technology. From their purpose-built 5-storey main campus building at Riverside to their dedicated filming studio at MediaCityUK, there’s plenty of facilities at your disposal.

Their recording and post production studio facilities feature desks, racks and dedicated VO and Foley rooms which include:

• Neve Studio
• Avid S6 Cinema Studio
• SSL Studio
• Mastering Studio
• Neve 51 Studio
• Foley Studio
• Custom Pre Studio
• Toft Studio
• VO Studio
• + many Post Production Suites.

Their studios feature both classic and current audio hardware and come packed with plenty of powerful plugins. 

Futureworks also has film studios based at MediaCityUK, where the BBC, ITV and numerous independent production companies have major production facilities. The studios come with a state of the art MOCAP suite, huge studio filming space and giant greenscreen backdrop for VFX.

Manchester has a huge student population (over 85,000) so there is no shortage of things to do and places to go. Many businesses offer a student discount and there are deals, events, experiences and nights out specifically catered for students. This includes:

Music

Manchester has earned the nickname of the ‘music capital of the UK’, and with its thriving music scene, it really is an inspirational place to study – especially if you are enrolled on one of our audio courses! Home to the largest indoor arena in Europe, The Warehouse Project, Park Life Festival and a myriad of live music venues – Manchester has produced, and plays host to, many of the biggest and best bands in the world.

Arts

There are many galleries and museums in Manchester exploring many walks of life and culture, including MOSI, People’s History Museum, Manchester Museum and the city has a vibrant, colourful and lively community of artists of all media, including numerous indie game studios.

Manchester Comic Con takes place every year at Manchester Central and there is an abundance of gaming clubs and nights to enjoy!

HOME is Manchester’s centre for contemporary culture,where you can discover fantastic new art, theatre, music and films. They also host the Manchester Animation Festival which is the UK’s largest Animation Festival dedicated celebration of the animated art form. There are also numerous independent film festivals running throughout the year; from HOME’s VIVA Spanish & Latin American Film Festival, to Grimmfest, Manchester’s International Festival of Fantastic Film, dedicated to sharing the best in new horror, cult, extreme fantasy and sci-fi.

Sports

Manchester offers superb sports facilities for students to either spectate or use. Home to two of the biggest football clubs in the world (Manchester United and Manchester City) and the National Football museum, Manchester is a football lover’s dream. Manchester Aquatics Centre is located in the heart of the city and Old Trafford Cricket Ground plays host to many world class cricket matches. For keen cyclists, Manchester Velodrome is easily accessible, with the National Indoor BMX Arena right next door.

Nightlife

Manchester has an infamous reputation for an energetic and vibrant nightlife and has a huge range of different bars, clubs and places to socialise. There are student nights, cocktail bars, karaoke lounges: all catering for all types of styles, tastes and music. From Fab Cafe’s science fiction themed bar, to Matt and Phred’s Jazz Club, there is somewhere for everyone. Traditionally, students head for Oxford Road which is home to a variety of student pubs, clubs and venues, but both the Northern Quarter and Canal Street are also worth heading to for a great night out. Comedy fans can head to the Comedy Store on Deansgate Locks or the Frog and Bucket comedy club in the Northern Quarter.

There is so much live music around Manchester that you’ll be spoilt for choice! From the large venues, such as the Manchester Arena, Manchester Central and Bridgewater Hall offering large scale gigs, to more intimate venues such as Deaf Institute, Albert Hall and Gorilla, there is always a chance to enjoy some live music.

Shopping

No matter what your style, Manchester has hundreds of shops for you to browse. These can be found in the vintage boutiques in the Northern Quarter and Afflecks Palace, world renowned designer shops on King Street, high street chains on Market Street and the two large shopping complexes – the Arndale Centre and Trafford Centre. Many shops offer a discount for students too!

Getting Around the City

Manchester has great transport links, many of which offer low student fares. The Metrolink is a quick way to get around the main areas of the city which aren’t in walking distance, there are buses to and from the main student living areas, and, just to make life even easier for you, there are three free buses which run through the city centre and directly past the Futureworks campus. There are also local train stations in the city centre offering local and UK travel and plenty of NCP and private car parks if you’re driving.

Futureworks encourages their students to run club and societies and students have set up a Film Society, an Animation Club, a Magic the Gathering Club, an Album Club and a Production Club. Information on current clubs and societies can be found on the VLE and on notice boards around the campus.

UCLan Student Union also run a large number of societies for you to get involved in at their Preston campus, ranging from the Doctor Who Society to the Fashion Society.

Futureworks understands that you may have difficulties whilst studying and they know that starting university can be tough. Their Student Services department is set up to offer you help and advice regarding health and wellbeing, disability declarations, mental health issues, bullying, discrimination or harassment, or just an ear to listen if you are feeling homesick or need to talk through any personal problems you may face during your time at Futureworks. Any student declaring a disability can talk to the Student Welfare Officer to discuss individual support needed and there is also a counselling service for mental health support. They will also offer guidance on any queries you may have about paying your tuition fees or applying for funding through the Student Loans Company.

All students are given a Personal Tutor for the duration of their studies whom you can talk to about any academic issues you face whilst at Futureworks.

UK/EU students - Fees are currently £9250 per year for new students. You can apply for the full amount of tuition fees from Student Finance for the academic year 2019/2020 onwards.

You can apply for a Maintenance Loan from Student Finance for finance help whilst studying and you can also receive additional help if you have dependents, are independent from your parents or have a disability.

The Academic Quality & Enhancement department at Futureworks make sure you get the most out of your studies by ensuring that their courses are reviewed, monitored and enhanced on an annual basis, and that they are working to guidelines set by the Government and their partner university.

Their most recent QAA Higher Education Review (AP), which took place in October 2017, resulted in the following judgements about standards and quality:

• The maintenance of the academic standards of awards offered on behalf of degree-awarding bodies and/or other awarding organisations meets UK expectations.
• The quality of student learning opportunities at the provider is commended.
• The quality of the information about learning opportunities is commended.
• The enhancement of student learning opportunities at the provider is commended.

Futureworks believes that quality enhancement and assurance is a collective responsibility. The direct contribution that students make, through providing feedback, advice and suggestions, is critical. Input from students is a key feature of all quality enhancement and assurance processes: they need students to give their perspective. Engagement is key to making sure that all of their students are provided with the best possible experience, and you will regularly be asked for feedback on your course so they can look at where enhancements can be made.

To be considered for a course, you will need:

• B,C,C or above at A2 Level
• DMM or above at Extended Diploma Level
• M or above at UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma Level
• Other Level 3 qualifications equal to 104 UCAS points
• A proven interest in the subject area, as shown in your Personal Statement
• At least a C or Grade 4 or above in GCSEs Maths and English Language

Non-UK applicants will need to have an English Language qualification at International Level B2 or higher, such as an IELTS of 6.0 or better (with no component below 5.5).

Please check with our Admissions Team on 0161 214 4602 or email us if you’re not sure if your qualifications are accepted.