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Having recently graduated from English and Drama at Exeter University, I have written this article to showcase the Creative Community in Exeter and some opportunities which are available to students!
I have included schemes my peers have used whilst at University and found useful.
Opportunities at University:
Professional Pathways: Arts, Culture and Heritage Pathway
This is an interactive programme made up of three elements:
Employer-led training - 4 days of technical and employability training delivered by sector professionals (15 - 18 June 2026)
Group project - During the training you will work in small groups on a business challenge before presenting back on the final day
Paid internship - You will be assigned an organisation where you will undertake a 35 hour paid internship (full-time or part-time between 22 June - 3 July 2026)
Find out more about this pathway.
Societies:
We have lots of creative societies where you can follow your passions and create new ones! Many societies perform across the year, including at Edinburgh Fringe.
Art: art society, art history society.
Media: XTV, Exeposé, Razz, Xpression.
Creative Writing: creative writing Exeter.
Theatre: Footlights, Shotgun, Theatre with teeth, Comedy, Shakeco, Eutco, Euact, Exetech.
Want to know more? See the full list of societies!
Other schemes in Exeter:
The Northcott Elevate programme
Elevate is a new artist development programme designed to support South-West artists in taking their next steps. This offers opportunities, discounts to tickets, training and support.
Keep an eye out on this page for additional creative opportunities.
Scratch Nights
Scratch Nights at Exeter Phoenix are an opportunity to showcase ideas/ new work and receive support on this. The next one is taking place on Monday 23 Feb.
The Phoenix also share creative opportunities in and around Exeter, and lots of courses in areas including creative writing, photography, film and directing/producing.
RAMM
The museum offers a bunch of skills programmes. If you are interested in work experience, take a look at their opportunities.
Exeter City of Literature
Check out opportunities arising for writers and competitions and funding applications.
Events:
Career Zone:
Careers event recordings - includes recordings of online sessions as a tool to gather information and potential contacts. Search by keyword e.g. “TV”, “radio”, “film”.
Keep an eye out on Handshake and My Career Zone for Creative Industries networking events.
Exeter Phoenix
A multi performance space. Check out their what’s on for events for local creatives to attend.
Toolkits:
Arts & Culture
Check out the Arts& Culture website, curated by Creative academics across Exeter and Cornwall campuses. Keep an eye out for creative opportunities and toolkits forgetting started with projects.
Many of these organisations also have mailing lists you can sign up to, to hear first about the latest opportunities!