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Glasgow School of Art

Glasgow School of Art

Glasgow, UK

The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) is a higher education art school offering undergraduate degrees; post-graduate awards (both taught and research-led) and PhDs in architecture, fine art and design based in Glasgow, Scotland.

Part-Time Job Opportunities

Find part-time work opportunities while studying at Glasgow School of Art

Part-Time Job Opportunities at Glasgow School of Art

The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) offers a vibrant environment for students seeking part-time employment to support their studies and gain valuable experience. With Glasgow's rich cultural scene and the university's creative focus, part-time jobs range from on-campus roles in arts and administration to off-campus positions in retail, hospitality, and creative industries. These opportunities not only provide financial support but also help build skills like time management, networking, and professional development. International students should note UK visa regulations, which typically allow up to 20 hours of work per week during term time for those on Tier 4/Student visas.

On-Campus Part-Time Jobs

GSA prioritizes hiring its own students for various roles, making it convenient to work without commuting far. These positions often align with the creative ethos of the school and can enhance your portfolio or resume. Common on-campus jobs include:

  • Student Ambassadors: Represent GSA at open days, events, and tours. Duties involve engaging with prospective students and showcasing the school's facilities. Pay: £10-£12 per hour. Ideal for outgoing students with strong communication skills.
  • Library Assistants: Support the Reid Library by shelving books, helping with research queries, and assisting in digital archives. This role suits detail-oriented students interested in art history. Hours: Flexible, 5-15 per week. Pay: Around £9.50-£11 per hour.
  • Studio Technicians: Assist in workshops with equipment setup for sculpture, printmaking, or digital media. Perfect for hands-on learners in fine art or design programs. Requires basic technical knowledge; pay starts at £11 per hour.
  • Café and Reception Staff: Work in the school's café or front desk, handling customer service and basic admin. Entry-level roles with training provided. Pay: National minimum wage (£8.60 for 18-20 year olds, £10.18 for 21+ as of 2023).
  • Event and Exhibition Helpers: Support art shows, lectures, and workshops by setting up displays or managing crowds. Seasonal opportunities during festivals like Glasgow International. Pay: £10-£13 per hour, often including free event access.

To apply for these, check the GSA Student Portal or email the Student Services team. Many roles are advertised via the internal job board, and interviews are usually informal.

Off-Campus Part-Time Jobs in Glasgow

Glasgow's dynamic job market offers diverse options for GSA students, especially in the city's thriving creative and service sectors. Proximity to the city center means easy access via public transport. Popular off-campus jobs include:

  • Retail and Shop Assistants: Positions at stores like Waterstones, HMV, or independent galleries in areas like the West End. Involves sales, stock management, and customer interaction. Pay: £9-£12 per hour; flexible shifts around classes.
  • Hospitality Roles: Baristas, waitstaff, or kitchen hands in cafés, pubs, or restaurants near GSA (e.g., on Sauchiehall Street). Glasgow's café culture is booming, with opportunities at places like artisan coffee shops. Evening/weekend shifts common; tips can boost earnings to £10-£15 per hour.
  • Creative Freelance Work: Graphic design gigs, photography for events, or tutoring in art skills via platforms like Upwork or local ads. GSA's network can lead to paid internships at design firms. Rates vary: £15-£25 per hour for skilled work.
  • Tutoring and Mentoring: Help school pupils with art or design through services like Tutorful. Online or in-person; great for pedagogy experience. Pay: £20-£30 per hour.
  • Delivery and Gig Economy: Bike couriers for Deliveroo or Uber Eats, ideal for flexible hours. Earnings: £8-£12 per hour plus tips, but weather-dependent.

Explore sites like Indeed, Reed, or StudentJob UK for listings. Glasgow's minimum wage ensures fair pay, and many employers value creative backgrounds from GSA.

How to Find and Apply for Part-Time Jobs

Securing a part-time job requires proactive steps. Start with GSA's Careers and Employability Service, which offers CV workshops, job fairs, and personalized advice tailored to arts students. Key resources include:

  1. GSA Job Board: Log in to MyGSA for exclusive postings.
  2. External Platforms: Use LinkedIn (connect with GSA alumni), Gumtree for local gigs, or the National Careers Service website.
  3. Networking: Attend GSA events or join societies like the Student Union to hear about openings.
  4. Application Tips: Tailor your CV to highlight creative skills—include portfolios for arts-related roles. Prepare for interviews by practicing questions like "How do you balance work and studies?"
Resource Description Contact/URL
GSA Careers Service Free advice and job listings careers@gsa.ac.uk
Indeed.co.uk Search "part-time Glasgow student" www.indeed.co.uk
Student Beans Discounts and job alerts for students www.studentbeans.com
UK Visas and Immigration Work rights for international students www.gov.uk/student-visa/work

Benefits and Tips for Success

Part-time work at GSA or in Glasgow boosts income (average earnings: £200-£400/month for 10-20 hours/week) while developing transferable skills like teamwork and creativity. It also enriches your student life by connecting you to the local arts community. However, balance is key—GSA advises not exceeding 15-20 hours to avoid impacting academic performance.

Top Tips:

  • Start early: Apply in September for autumn roles.
  • Check tax implications: Earnings under £12,570/year are tax-free via the Personal Allowance.
  • For internationals: Always verify visa compliance; use the GSA International Office for guidance.
  • Build experience: Even volunteer roles at GSA events can lead to paid positions.

With dedication, part-time jobs can transform your GSA experience, providing financial stability and career insights in Glasgow's creative hub.

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