Overview of Placement Opportunities at Glasgow School of Art

The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) is renowned for its innovative programs in art, design, and architecture, and it places a strong emphasis on preparing students for successful careers through comprehensive placement and employability support. Placements at GSA are integral to the curriculum, providing hands-on experience that bridges academic learning with professional practice. Whether through structured internships, industry collaborations, or self-initiated projects, students gain real-world skills that enhance their portfolios and employability. The school's central location in Glasgow's creative quarter fosters connections with leading cultural institutions, design studios, and tech firms.

Types of Placements and Internships

GSA offers a variety of placement opportunities tailored to different disciplines, including fine art, product design, fashion, digital media, and architecture. These placements typically last from a few weeks to a full academic year, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in professional settings.

• Summer Internships: Short-term placements during holidays, often with local galleries, design agencies, or museums. For example, fashion students might intern at Scottish Fashion brands, while digital designers could work on app prototypes for tech startups.
• Year-Out Placements: Integrated into degree programs, these allow students to spend a year in industry. Architecture students, for instance, collaborate on live projects with firms like PagePark Architects.
• International Exchanges: Partnerships with institutions like the Rhode Island School of Design or European design schools enable global placements, exposing students to diverse creative industries.
• Self-Directed Placements: Students can propose their own opportunities, supported by academic advisors, to align with personal career goals.

Placements are supported by dedicated coordinators who help secure positions, negotiate terms, and ensure they meet learning outcomes. Funding options, such as bursaries or Erasmus+ grants, are available to cover travel and living expenses for eligible students.

Graduate Employment Statistics

GSA boasts impressive graduate outcomes, with a high percentage of alumni entering creative professions shortly after graduation. According to the latest Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) data, over 90% of GSA graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of completing their degrees. The school's focus on employability ensures that students are not only creative but also business-savvy, ready to navigate freelance, studio, or corporate environments.

Discipline	Employment Rate (%)	Average Starting Salary (GBP)	Top Sectors
Fine Art	88%	24,000	Galleries, Museums, Freelance
Product Design	95%	28,500	Manufacturing, Tech, Consulting
Fashion & Textiles	92%	25,000	Apparel Brands, Retail, Sustainability
Digital Media	96%	30,000	Animation, Gaming, Advertising
Architecture	91%	32,000	Architectural Firms, Urban Planning

These figures highlight GSA's strong track record, with many graduates securing roles in prestigious organizations like the BBC, Burberry, or the Victoria and Albert Museum. The school's alumni network further boosts opportunities, as former students often mentor or hire current ones.

Career Support Services

Beyond placements, GSA provides robust career guidance to ensure students are placement-ready. The Student Employability Team offers personalized advice, including CV and portfolio reviews, interview preparation, and networking workshops. Key services include:

• Annual Careers Fair: Featuring over 50 exhibitors from creative industries, held in the school's iconic Mackintosh Building.
• Workshops and Talks: Sessions on freelancing, intellectual property rights, and digital marketing for artists, led by industry experts.
• Mentorship Programs: Pairing students with alumni in fields like graphic design or interior architecture for ongoing advice.
• Online Resources: Access to a dedicated portal with job listings, placement databases, and skill-building tools like Adobe Creative Cloud certifications.

For international students, additional support includes visa guidance for UK placements and connections to global job markets. GSA's emphasis on sustainability and ethics also prepares students for roles in emerging areas like eco-design and social impact projects.

Success Stories and Industry Connections

GSA's placements have led to remarkable career launches. For instance, a recent product design graduate secured a role at Dyson after a placement developing sustainable prototypes. In fashion, alumni have contributed to collections for Alexander McQueen, crediting GSA's industry links. The school's partnerships with organizations like the Glasgow International Festival and Creative Scotland provide exclusive access to high-profile projects.

Overall, placements at GSA are designed to empower students as versatile professionals. By fostering creativity alongside practical skills, the school ensures graduates thrive in a competitive global market. Whether aiming for studio ownership, corporate design, or cultural leadership, GSA's support equips you for a fulfilling career in the arts.