Opportunities at Glasgow School of Art

The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) is renowned for its innovative approach to art, design, and architecture education. Beyond the classroom, GSA offers a wealth of opportunities to enhance your learning, build professional networks, and prepare for a dynamic career in the creative industries. From scholarships and internships to international exchanges and research initiatives, these opportunities are designed to support students at every stage of their journey. Whether you're an undergraduate or postgraduate, GSA's dedicated careers team and industry partnerships open doors to real-world experiences.

Scholarships and Financial Support

Financial barriers should not hinder your creative ambitions. GSA provides a range of scholarships and bursaries to help fund your studies. These awards are merit-based, need-based, or targeted at specific groups, ensuring accessibility for diverse talents.

• Merit Scholarships: Awarded to high-achieving incoming students based on portfolio quality and academic potential. For example, the Principal's Scholarship offers up to £5,000 per year for undergraduates demonstrating exceptional promise.
• International Scholarships: For overseas students, the GSA International Award covers partial tuition fees and includes a living stipend. In 2023, over 50 international students benefited from these funds.
• Subject-Specific Bursaries: Programs like the Fine Art Bursary support students in sculpture or digital media, providing equipment grants up to £1,000.
• Hardship Funds: Emergency support for unexpected financial difficulties, including travel grants for fieldwork.

To apply, check the GSA website during the admissions cycle. Deadlines typically fall in March and October, and many scholarships require a personal statement alongside your portfolio.

Internships and Industry Placements

GSA's strong ties with the creative sector mean practical experience is at the heart of your education. Internships allow you to apply skills in professional settings, from design studios to galleries.

Key programs include:

Program Name	Duration	Focus Areas	Benefits
Summer Internship Scheme	8-12 weeks	Graphic Design, Fashion	Paid positions; mentorship from industry leaders
Studio Placement Program	1 semester	Architecture, Product Design	Academic credit; portfolio development
Creative Industries Placement	Flexible (up to 6 months)	Digital Media, Animation	Networking events; potential full-time offers

Partnerships with organizations like the BBC, Burberry, and local Glasgow galleries provide placements. In the past year, 85% of participants secured jobs or further opportunities post-internship. The GSA Careers Service offers CV workshops and application support to help you land these roles.

International Exchanges and Study Abroad

Expand your horizons with GSA's global network of over 100 partner institutions. Studying abroad fosters cultural exchange and diverse perspectives essential for creative professionals.

• Erasmus+ Program: EU exchanges for up to a year, with funding for travel and living costs. Popular destinations include Italy's Politecnico di Milano and Sweden's Konstfack.
• Global Mobility Scholarships: Non-EU options in the US (e.g., Rhode Island School of Design), Australia, and Asia, covering flights and visas.
• Short-Term Workshops: Two-week intensives in places like Japan or New York, focusing on themes like sustainable design.

Approximately 200 students participate annually, returning with enriched portfolios and international collaborations. Applications are handled through the International Office, with info sessions held each semester.

Research and Innovation Opportunities

For those inclined towards academia or cutting-edge practice, GSA's research centers offer hands-on involvement. The Glasgow Urban Laboratory and Digital Design Studio lead projects on urban regeneration and VR technologies.

• Undergraduate Research Internships: Paid summer positions assisting faculty on funded projects, often leading to co-authored publications.
• Postgraduate Research Degrees: PhD opportunities with stipends up to £18,000, focusing on areas like craft and material culture.
• Innovation Challenges: Competitions like the GSA Design Challenge, where teams pitch ideas to industry panels for seed funding.

These initiatives connect you with experts and resources, boosting your CV for roles in R&D or consultancy.

Career Development and Extracurriculars

GSA's Employability Hub provides tailored support, including one-on-one coaching, job fairs, and alumni mentoring. The annual Creative Careers Fair attracts over 100 employers, from startups to global brands.

Extracurriculars enrich your experience:

• Student-Led Societies: Join the Animation Society for film festivals or the Sustainability Group for eco-design projects.
• Volunteering: Opportunities with Glasgow's arts scene, like curating exhibitions at the Glue Factory.
• Entrepreneurship Support: The GSA Incubator offers workspace and business training for launching your own studio.

With 95% graduate employability within six months (Higher Education Statistics Agency data), GSA equips you for success. Engage early—attend orientation workshops to discover what's right for you.

In summary, GSA's opportunities transform education into empowerment, blending creativity with professional growth. Explore, apply, and thrive in this vibrant community.