UTC@MediaCityUK Opens

A brand new University Technical College UTC@MediaCityUK opens for its first students today (4^th September) in Salford.

Designed for 14-18 year olds who have a passion for shaping digital and creative content the UTC’s students will study a mixture of academic GCSEs, A levels and technical qualifications as well as getting hands-on, practical experience in specialist pathways such as TV & Film, Graphics & Design, Radio & Audio, and Interactive Media & Gaming.

The UTC is supported by a strong network of employers including ITV, Cisco, Flix, UKFAST, Unity, dock10, Oracle, Deluxe, Panasonic and Adobe, and will also be working with Apple, Google, Autodesk and the BBC.

The specialist pathways will be taught in close collaboration with the employer partners and with the University of Salford, and will involve students planning, pitching and producing projects using industry standard equipment. The new state-of-the-art four-floor campus at the heart of MediaCityUK has been specially designed to support the unique curriculum. Facilities include industry standard filming studios, radio studios, live lounge, gaming and design labs, science cluster and a rooftop football pitch.

The college, which is sponsored by the University, the Lowry and educational charity the Aldridge Foundation, welcomed its first year 10 students on Friday, with year 12s starting tomorrow (8 September). The 250-plus students starting this year come from Salford, Manchester, Trafford, Bury, Bolton, Wigan, Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale and Thameside.

Principal Anne Casey said: “The UTC will provide high-quality academic and professional-standard education. Our students will experience an outstanding academic syllabus and work with some of the biggest names in one of our fastest moving industries.

“Creating digital content is the passport to tomorrow’s jobs – not just in the media but across every business sector. Access to leading-edge technology and industry experts will give our students the skills, experience and qualifications to access exciting career prospects.”

“Since joining the UTC myself I’ve been bowled over by the enthusiasm of students, parents and local employers for what we offer. Applications to join us this year were so strong that we have had to open waiting lists. After months of preparation it is so exciting to welcome our first students through the doors.”