Collaboration with NextGen RISE will see UCEN Manchester students develop skills sought by employers
UCEN Manchester has announced an exciting new partnership with NextGen RISE, which will give students on the higher education provider’s BA (Hons) 3D Game Art & Visual Effects and The Animation Industry HND courses access to an exclusive bootcamp.
Working with NextGen RISE will allow UCEN Manchester to immerse its students in the vibrant world of animation, visual effects, and games development. As part of a team, students will gain hands-on experience, mirroring the dynamics of a professional studio environment.
Launching in January 2026, this innovative programme will see professionals at Next Gen Skills Academy supervise and support eligible students as they develop 3D assets to industry standards.
Marcia Deakin, Co-Founder of NextGen, said: “This partnership is all about bringing the creative industries directly into the classroom. Our work with UCEN Manchester will give their students an early career advantage, helping them to develop studio experience and understanding, create some great work for their portfolio, and build the employability skills sought by employers in one of the UK’s most exciting creative cities.”
Manchester is recognised as one of the largest media and digital clusters in Europe and is home to more than 10,000 creative and digital businesses. This partnership with NextGen RISE builds on UCEN Manchester’s already strong industry alignment, ensuring its students have exposure to studio pipelines, production practices and feedback from those hiring into the sector today.
Katy Rushton, Programme Leader for The Animation Industry course at UCEN Manchester, said: “I’ve followed the work of NextGen Skills Academy for a while now and seen the great opportunities they bring to students giving them real world industry experience. So, I’m really excited that our students will be taking part in this project. It’s going to be a great experience for staff too.”
Ben Elson, Programme Leader for Creative and Media Arts at UCEN Manchester, added: “I'm really excited to be working with NextGen. This project gives our students a valuable chance to build on their industry experience and showcase what they’ve learned and created.
"It's a unique opportunity in Higher Education and a brilliant bridge between study and stepping into the professional world. Our course is all about developing key skills and highlighting student talent, this partnership offers a fresh and exciting way to do both.”
Find your future at UCEN Manchester and join the School of Art, Media and Make-Up. Apply now to start studying in September 2025.
