The Industrial Report provides students with an alternative research pathway to the traditional dissertation, offering opportunities to engage directly with industry professionals and organisations.
A large cohort of Graphic Design students visited a range of studios and agencies within the visual communication sector, selected to align with their individual interests and career aspirations. Divided into smaller groups, students explored eight organisations representing a broad spectrum of creative disciplines, including animation and motion design, branding, campaigns and content, UX and service design, illustration, hand lettering, advertising and publishing.
The studios visited included THG Studios, Hachette Manchester, Valtech Manchester, The Chase, Studio North, Electric Circus, Dotto and Studio Antigravity. At THG Studios, students gained insight into a large-scale creative environment that combines an in-house agency with a 200,000-square-foot production facility capable of delivering full commercial campaigns. They were also able to observe preparations for P.Louise’s Christmas TikTok Live launch and learn more about the production of Overlap, the multi-award-winning football podcast based at the studio.
Alongside the Graphic Design visits, Textiles, Fashion Design & Technology and Fine Art students spent the morning exploring the Manchester Craft & Design Centre and Manchester Art Gallery. In the afternoon, Textiles and Fashion D&T students visited sustainable fashion brand Beaumont Organic, while Fine Art students attended HOME, Manchester’s centre for contemporary theatre, film and visual art.
Throughout the day, students engaged with makers, designers, artists and creative professionals from a wide range of disciplines. They asked thoughtful questions, gained valuable insights into different career pathways and made meaningful connections between their academic studies and the realities of professional practice.
Experiences such as these play an important role in students’ learning, providing opportunities to expand their perspectives, build confidence and develop a deeper understanding of the creative industries beyond the classroom.
We are extremely grateful to all the organisations and practitioners who generously gave their time and shared their expertise, helping to inspire the next generation of creative professionals.