Factory Academy Course

Managing Creative Projects – Part Time

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Three women sat on the floor surrounded by paper and laptops, working together on a project
Date
21 Sep - 11 Dec 2026
Venue
Online and in person
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Accessibility features available for this event: Wheelchair Access

Learn how to make a plan and execute it – on time, on budget, on point.

Project management is critical to the success of any creative endeavour. This full-time blended learning course will teach you how to define, develop and deliver a brief.

Over nine weeks our expert tutors will teach you all the key tools and skills, illustrated with real-life examples by guest speakers from across the creative industries.

The course is part time, combining one day per week of in-person delivery with flexible, self-directed study as you prepare a Project Initiation Document for a final presentation of your project.

What will I gain?

  • Identify the major components of any project
  • Define your vision and what you want it to achieve
  • Learn how to make the ‘business case’
  • Create documents and tools to help manage a project
  • Recognise risk and how to manage it

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What our students say

  • 'Factory Academy has helped me to build a bridge between my creative practice and the industry by teaching me how to take a project from concept through to outcome.'

  • ‘I’ll take away greater confidence in both myself and my ability to establish a career in the arts, as well as really valuable professional contacts in Manchester’s arts scene.'

  • 'The sheer amount of detail is terrific. The way we're able to put the theory into practice means learning the programme is much more enjoyable and the stakes feel real.'

Who can apply

Anyone with an idea for a creative project living in Greater Manchester, aged 19 or over and currently unemployed or earning under £20,888 . Previous experience not required.

FAQs

How much does it cost?

This course is free to attend.

What are the hours?

This course is part-time at 24.5 hours per week. This includes one day in person per week.

Are deadlines flexible?

No. Weekly deadlines are essential to stay on the course.

What's the focus?

Learning how to plan creative projects, not deliver them.

Do I need experience?

No — just an idea for a creative project to use as a case study.

How is work completed?

Via an online workbook. Laptop, software guidance, and access support are available.

Do I get a qualification?

A certificate of completion (not accredited).

Is it about funding or commissions?

No. It’s skills-focused, not a route to funded work.

Is there any financial support?

Yes. The course is free, with travel reimbursement and a £5 Tesco voucher for each in-person day.

What do people value most?

The network and connections built during the course.

Key dates

Applications open: Monday 17 August

Applications close: Thursday 17 September

Course dates: Monday 21 September – Friday 11 December

How to apply

Click the link below and fill in the application form.

Got any questions? Contact us by email at factory_academy@factoryinternational.org.

Apply now →

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