How universities are helping diversify the creative industries

Being a TV professional and academic from a lower economic background, my heart sank when reading the recent article in the Guardian - Working-class parents do not see film and TV as a viable career for their children (4 September 2024). It highlighted how, despite real attempts to improve the diversity of talent within the industry, there is still a way to go to overcome what Netflix calls the “class chasm” in the arts.

Part of my success breaking into the industry was due to my time at university, where it was instilled in me that the door was not closed to 'the likes of me'. Universities must play a pivotal and pro-active role in helping to bridge the gap between students from working class families and the creative industries. I lecture at Solent University, which prides itself on being accessible to anyone who wants to learn, with a high number of students who are the first in their family to attend university. Solent, and other universities like it, are creating graduates from a wide range of backgrounds and minority groups who are work ready, but more importantly have the confidence to succeed.

Over my 10 years teaching on BA (Hons) TV Production and Postproduction, I’ve been proud to see a high number of our diverse graduates pursue successful careers in the creative industries. Key to this success is an industry accredited curriculum, driven by real-world learning. For example, in their second year the students are able to work on live briefs with external clients, allowing them to develop professional practice and a real understanding of industry expectations. A recent client project for the NHS allowed them to produce a number of impactful films around mental health.

Industry also advises that students should come up with a career plan before they graduate. My students do just that – researching potential jobs roles, interviewing industry practitioners, and filling any skills gaps they may still have - a ‘confidence boot camp’, in order to prepare for the industry they are about to enter.

Understanding that the Creative industries are driven by freelance work, our students learn how to network effectively and build their own industry contacts before leaving. We also provide a ready-made network of contacts in the form of our previous graduates, who are always willing to support and offer valuable advice.

And this approach pays off.

Dean Massey, a TV Production graduate was selected for the annual Sky news camera traineeship, and in 2020 won the Royal Television Society (RTS) Camera Operator of the Year.

Lilly Grant a graduate from our Postproduction for Film and TV degree is working for Apple TV, as an edit assistant. Both were offered additional support during their three years of study with a Royal Television Society bursary.

Lilly says, “University shifted my view of what was possible in TV and film, especially with being neurodivergent. Solent gave me the skills and support I needed and helped me feel confident in my unique perspective. It made me realise that people like me have a place in the industry. For underrepresented students, places like Solent are key in breaking barriers and fostering diversity in the creative industries.”

Emily Chan, another of our post-production graduates gained a place on the Channel 4 Production Training Scheme aimed at graduates who may face barriers in accessing a career in the TV industry. She says, “Having a diverse workforce is not just ethical but essential.”

Our graduate success stories demonstrate to prospective students and their parents that there is a way into the industry for people from all backgrounds and that university can provide a platform for them to pursue their creative dreams. It’s good for the students, but it’s good for us all, to have people working in television and the arts who reflect the great majority of people in this country.

Kate O’Driscoll is a Senior Lecturer on BA (Hons) Television Production and BA (Hons) Postproduction for Film and Television.