University news
University of Sussex reaffirms commitment to local arts and education as new degree programme launched
By: Tom Walters
Last updated: Monday, 1 July 2024
Campus from air
- New Creative Industries BA launched in partnership with Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival
- The two organisations have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding, formalising a long-standing collaborative relationship.
- Agreement builds on the University’s position as Higher Education Partner for the Brighton Festival, with future collaborations planned across both teaching and research.
In a recent event, University of Sussex Vice Chancellor, Sasha Roseneil, launched a brand-new undergraduate degree in partnership with the Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival, providing students with industry knowledge and experience of the cultural sector, from performing arts and music to film, festivals and publishing.
The Creative Industries Batchelor of Arts (BA) is now open for applications for September 2025 and will provide applicants with the opportunity to partake in relevant, hands-on work experience with companies across the cultural sector that will benefit their future career.
The course, which has been co-developed by sector professionals, will also see students study the ideas that underpin the creative industries, and to think innovatively about the future of the cultural sector against a backdrop of climate change and AI.
The University has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival committing to future collaborations and reaffirming its commitment to the arts. This builds on the University’s role as Education Partner for the Brighton Festival and will expand across both teaching and research.
University of Sussex Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sasha Roseneil, said:
“At Sussex, we are committed to expanding access to the arts and supporting the creative industries. I am delighted that we will be deepening our existing relationship with Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival, which brings together two core institutions that serve as a key part of Brighton and Hove’s distinctive identity.
“This agreement, and our new Creative Industries degree, will see us collaborate across education, academic research, and community activities.
“It really builds on our role as Education Partner for Brighton Festival and underlines our commitment to community learning and social transformation through the arts.”
The MoU, which sets out a joint commitment to a wide-ranging programme of collaboration, will see activities ranging from the staging free creative events in local neighbourhoods to providing 5G experimentation between the University’s tech experts, students and the arts.
The agreement will also see University of Sussex students and staff take an active involvement in Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival activities, helping to make an active contribution to enriching community life and providing Sussex students with a unique experience and insight into the cultural scene locally.
Andrew Comben, Chief Executive of Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival, said:
“We are delighted that our relationship with the University of Sussex continues to grow, with our two organisations set to collaborate on a rich range of projects benefitting staff, students, alumni, and local audiences.
“We’re looking forward to collaborating more closely and matching the eclectic spirit of our year-round events and programming with the expertise and innovation of the University of Sussex.”
At a time of widespread cuts to the arts, this announcement reaffirms the University's commitment to the creative industries. Over the years Sussex has played a significant part in bringing academic expertise to the forefront of the arts through curated programming, as well as facilitating community arts, learning and engagement and as Education Partner for both the Brighton Festival, and the Turner Prize, held recently at Towner Eastbourne.
Anyone interested in applying for the course can access it by following this link.