Professional/Short course Leadership and Resilience for Creative and Cultural Work Skills Bootcamp
Page last updated 18 August 2025
Introduction
Our Skills Bootcamp is built for ambitious professionals in the creative industries - whether you are employed by an SME or working as a freelancer.
For SME employees, the programme will strengthen leadership and management capabilities, preparing you to step into senior roles and contribute to business growth.
For freelancers, it offers a practical toolkit to enhance your business strategy, client relationships, and long-term sustainability.
In the West of England, the creative industries is a thriving sector, employing talented professionals and contributing significantly to the region's economy. As this dynamic sector continues to evolve, the demand for skilled leaders, whether within organisations or running their own businesses, will be greater than ever to navigate the challenges of the modern creative landscape.
By developing future leaders, we aim to ensure long-term resilience and success for organisations and freelancers across the creative industries, helping them thrive in a competitive market and build sustainable futures.
If you want to play a leading role in the growth of your organisation, join us to unlock your leadership potential and make a lasting impact on your career and the creative sector.
Click here to see our programme brochure (PDF) for full details, including session content and dates.
Entry requirements
Due to funding restrictions, all learners must meet the following criteria:
- Be aged 19 by 8 September 2025.
- Live in or work for an SME organisation based in in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset or North Somerset.
- Not currently be in full-time or part-time education.
- Have the right to live and work in the UK.
- Have not registered and attended (including partial completion) any other Skills Bootcamp since April 2024 from any provider.
- Have your employers agreement to attend and achieve the required outcomes.
Structure
Content
Our Skills bootcamp is structured through a mixture of live tutor led interactive sessions, practical insights visit and self-study resources. Alongside this, learners will be supported by an industry mentor who has extensive experience of working within the sector.
Across the ten weeks you will explore topics including:
- Empowering creative teams through effective leadership
- Developing organisational resilience
- Building a brand in the creative industries
- Co-creating value in client-agency relationships
- Written agreement: the importance of contracts
- Networking and pitching skills
- Sources of funding
- Cultivating a creative and innovative organisational climate
- Future developments in the creative industry
Click here to see our programme brochure (PDF) for full details, including session content and dates.
Prices and dates
Supplementary fee information
September 2025 cohort
Application deadline: Wednesday 17 September 2025
Programme start date: Wednesday 1 October 2025
To be informed of upcoming cohort dates, please contact us at bootcamps@uwe.ac.uk or complete our expression of interest form via the Apply Now button and one of the team will be in touch.
Bootcamp fees
This Skills Bootcamp has limited spaces available for freelancers/business owners or individuals applying through their SME employer.
100% government-funded for Self-employed or freelancers - The full course fee is £3,518.10. However, this Skills Bootcamp is fully subsidised, with the government covering 100% of the total cost for eligible learners applying with self-employed or freelancer status.
90% government-funded for SME employers(inc charities and CICs) - This Skills Bootcamp is heavily subsidised, with the government covering 90% of the total cost for eligible learners applying through their SME employer.The full course fee is £3,540.50, but SME employers pay just 10% - only £354.05 per learner.
Please note: This Bootcamp is currently open only to applicants sponsored by SME employers or applying with self. If you're an employee of a large organisation or an independent learner in an SME, please complete the Expression of Interest form in the How to Apply section so we can notify you about future availability.
The Skills Bootcamps Programme is funded and managed by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and delivered by UWE, Bristol.
How to apply
Places are offered on a first come, first served basis to eligible applicants.
Please complete our expression of interest form via the Apply Now button and one of the team will be in touch to progress your application.
For further information
- Email: bootcamps@uwe.ac.uk
- Telephone: Please email or use the enquiry form to contact us.