Creating Prosperity: the role of higher education in ... - Universities UK

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Creating Prosperity: the role of higher educationin driving the UK’s creative economy384.73 There is, however, a reported tendency to consider creative and artistic talent as something thatindividuals are simply born with. This is, to some extent, a myth. Talent needs to be nurtured anddeveloped. This is quite specifically the role of higher education, and one that is too easily taken forgranted in wider debates about the production of skilled graduates. It is important, therefore, to bearin mind that a crucial part of the contribution that UK higher education makes to the creative economyis its world-renowned creative education, nurturing and developing creative talent.4.74 It is also important to recognise the high unit costs of education in some of the creative disciplines,particularly in studio-based education where there is a large space requirement, and in areas of theperforming arts. Some of the institutions with the strongest global standing in this area, and whotrain the greatest number of students to become successful professionals within this industry, havetraditionally received targeted funding on the basis that the higher costs of these subjects werejustified in relation to the public good they delivered. The almost exclusive focus of the Browne Reviewand the CSR on STEM and medicine means that this funding is likely to be removed, despite thepotential of the creative disciplines to ‘deliver significant social returns’ (Browne 2010, p 47) as wellas contributing to the UK’s economic growth and global competitiveness.4.75 Research shows that graduates in creative arts and design subjects typically consider their educationto be valuable in developing creativity and innovation, and visual and presentation skills. There is alsogrowing evidence to suggest that many of the attributes required for employment, including creativity,problem solving, independence, innovation and collaborative working are intrinsic to a creativeeducation, particularly in practice-based creative and performing arts.p Professional-standard video editing suite at the University of Bolton4.0 Higher education’s contribution
Creating Prosperity: the role of higher educationin driving the UK’s creative economy394.76 However, this still conflicts with the reported view of industry that graduates are unprepared forindustry. This is often presented as a tension between the pursuit of creative practice for its intrinsicvalue and the preparation of graduates for employment. In fact, these are not incompatible goals,and higher education is well placed to deliver on both.4.77 There is evidence of increasing engagement between higher education and industry in coursedevelopment and delivery. Over 60 per cent of higher education institutions involved in creativearts and design reported that external engagement impacts on their teaching – more than anyother group of institutions (PACEC, 2010).11. CASE STUDYThe Skillset Media and Screen AcademiesThe Skillset Media and Screen Academiesprovide a clear example of this engagementin practice, bringing together industry andacademic partners to develop and deliverworld-class industry-relevant education.Skillset is working with universities andcolleges to collaborate with industry partnersto develop new curricula, innovative teaching,world-class research and development, andenhanced business acumen.The model is based on accessibility, flexibility,adaptability, integration and responsivenessto address the needs of a fast-paced,digitally-enhanced industry. It is anchoredby the Skillset Academy Networks (Mediaand Screen), and a corresponding systemof degree and course accreditation tobenchmark standards of excellence. Thereare now 22 Media Academies across the UK,some led by individual institutions and othersthrough partnerships across higher andfurther education.The model is based on partnership and realdialogue between industry and educationand is already having a positive impact onuniversities, industry and individuals. Byforging strong links between educationand industry, the Skillset Media AcademyNetwork has transformed the capability ofuniversities offering practice-based mediaeducation to produce, market and deliverhigh-quality, industry-focused training.Universities have also benefitted from acloser relationship with industry in terms ofenterprise income and contemporary insightsinto current practices.In June 2010, Skillset launched acommunications campaign to promotethe accredited courses within the MediaAcademies (Pick the Tick). Post-Browne,this kind of industry endorsement may helpto demonstrate the strategic importance ofsubjects relevant to the creative economy.q‘We approached the University of Gloucestershire with a project to involve some second-year students on a liveclient-led production. The University’s response was everything we would have hoped for, in terms of recognisingthe significance of the opportunity for the students, in assisting with the recruitment and ongoing support of thestudents involved in the production, and also in their responsiveness and flexibility in working with an externalproduction company. I believe it is exactly the kind of approach that will enhance the University’s ability to workwith professional companies to the ongoing benefit of students, the University and the commercial sector, whichcan only improve the interface between education and employment.’Chris Kemp, Director, Suited and Booted4.0 Higher education’s contribution
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