Key Information:
- The Graduate Scholarship Programme (GSP) is a support scheme open to BA and MA students from the School of Art, Media and Creative Technology, who graduate in 2026
- The programme aims to support you to develop a career as an artist / creative practitioner
- The main programme runs for 12 months; with mentoring taking place for up to a further 6-8 months.
- There are a maximum of 5-6 places which will be awarded through an application and interview
- Applications open on 30th March 2026
- The deadline is 5pm on Friday 22nd May 2026
- Interviews to take place on Tuesday 9th June 2026
- There is no charge to take part in the scheme
About the Programme:
Run by University of Salford Art Collection with Castlefield Gallery, and in collaboration with our professional partners, the Graduate Scholarship Programme was established in 2014 to support artists in the crucial first year and the initial period after graduation. The programme runs for up to 18 months and grants graduates time, resources and the opportunity to develop their practice and shape their future careers within a supportive framework.
We want to encourage artists to remain in Salford and to develop their professional practice within the artist community in the city: the programme is a unique opportunity to further develop professional skills and gain vital industry experience and relationships with benefits lasting beyond the programme.
About the Scholarship:
Scholarship packages are tailored, but can include:
- Professional development and advice including coaching, career, practice and professional development sessions, 1-2-1 advisory sessions, studio group crit days, and mentoring
- £1000 bursary towards time and expenses to engage with the programme, which may include e.g. materials and travel
- Studio space and studio support for 12 months, based at studios including Paradise Works, Hot Bed Press, Islington Mill and Castlefield Gallery New Art Spaces
- Research trips regionally and nationally, sometimes including overnight stays and networking
- Free 12-month Castlefield Gallery Associates membership See Castlefield website for benefits: Castlefield Gallery Associates – Castlefield Gallery
- Opportunity to have artwork acquired (via gift) into the University’s permanent Art Collection as a legacy of the programme
In 2025/6, we awarded five places on the scheme, with studio spaces including Islington Mill and Paradise Works. The programme evolves each year as we endeavour to offer opportunities to the graduates we think we can best support. Over 50 graduates have benefitted from the scheme so far.
Click each header below to read more information:
>Eligibility
Eligibility:
The programme is open to University of Salford final year undergraduates from the School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology (who are due to graduate or complete their studies in July 2026) – plus there will be a maximum of one scholarship open to an MA graduate (due to graduate or complete in September 2026). Applicants who will be undertaking further study at the time of the scholarship (e.g. starting an MA in 2026) will not be eligible. Previous scholars will not be eligible.
The programme takes place in Salford and Greater Manchester (as well as UK research trips and some online sessions) and applicants must be able to attend. Further information and guidelines are available below.
>Accessibility
Accessibility:
We aim to remove barriers, bias or discrimination that prevents individuals or groups from realising their potential, and to develop organisational cultures that positively value diversity. If you have access needs and wish to discuss these in relation to the application and interview stage, or the opportunity more broadly, please contact: artcollection@salford.ac.uk
We are committed to equal opportunities and will work with the successful selected applicants to support access requirements through reasonable adjustments during the programme. Where disclosures are made and access needs are identified, this will be discussed in more detail with selected candidates after interview stage.
>Care and Consideration
Care and Consideration:
Please note, we approach the delivery of the programme with the aim of enacting care and consideration for all involved. To this end we operate a zero tolerance policy towards hostile, disrespectful or abusive behaviour towards staff, volunteers, partners and others, in all communications.
How to apply:
Open for applications: from 30th March 2026
Application deadline: 5pm on Friday 22nd May 2026
Shortlisted applicants: will be interviewed in person on Tuesday 9th June 2026
Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
1) Please read the guidance on this page, and in the guidance form (below)
2) Download and complete your application form (below)
3) Prepare an up to date CV (maximum 2 pages)
4) Prepare up to four examples of your work (image, video or audio) as an attachment or weblink
5) To apply, send the form, your CV, and your artwork examples to:
K.Marchant@salford.ac.uk with the subject line “GSP Application”
by the deadline: 5pm on Friday 22nd May 2026.
Click below to download the Application Guidance in Word Format or PDF Format
Click below to download the Application Form in Word Format or PDF Format
All information and guidance, including accepted formats and eligibility, is on this page and in the guidance form download. For any further enquiries, please email: artcollection@salford.ac.uk
Find out more:
In 2025 we awarded five places on the scheme, with studio spaces including Islington Mill and Paradise Works. The programme evolves each year as we endeavour to offer opportunities to the graduates we think we can best support. Over 50 graduates have benefitted from the scheme so far. In 2024 we celebrated 10 years of the scheme with our exhibition and programme CATALYST.
