New talent programme launches to support creative students in the North East

Journalism students from the University of Sunderland have been selected to take part in a new industry initiative that takes creative learning out of the classroom.

Independent magazine retailer Unique Magazines , who deliver publications around the world, has launched The Creative Talent Programme to support students and build a creative community in the North East.

It will combine industry insight, creativity and hands-on experience with a series of monthly sessions for students that complement their work at university.

Taking place at Unique’s headquarters, in Gateshead, the opportunity is open to a select number of students on the journalism, fashion journalism and sport journalism programmes, as well as students at Northumbria University and University Centre Middlesbrough.

Journalism courses at Sunderland have ranked fourth in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2027.

Credit: Unique Magazines

John Porrett, Founder and Managing Director at Unique Magazines, said: “There is an incredible amount of emerging talent across the North East and we want to give students opportunities to showcase their work, meet and learn from people already working in the industry, build their confidence and make connections that could help shape their future careers.

“I want students to feel that this is their programme – somewhere they can be inspired, share ideas, meet like-minded people, and discover opportunities they might not otherwise have known existed.”

The first function, taking place tomorow, is the university mixer event, hosted in Unique’s Mag Room and Mag Studio, to introduce the Sessions & Makes workshops and provide an opportunity for students from the universities to connect. Other sessions over the year include workshops on creating a magazine, photography, hair, makeup and fashion styling, and building a magazine brand.

Liz Lamb, Senior Lecturer in Journalism at the University of Sunderland, said: “This is an amazing initiative that supports creative students across the North East and recognises the wealth of talent in the region. The programme will give our journalism students access to professionals and a host of exciting workshops, as well as the opportunity to develop their talents further and enhance their employability in a competitive industry.

“When I was approached by Unique to take part in the initiative, it was an instant yes. Not only is it important to champion the print industry, but also to support the future magazine writers and editors – and this programme does just that.

“We have had an amazing response so far.”

Sarah and Ellie from Unique Magazines in the Media Hub at Sunderland university.
credit: Liz Lamb

Ellie Purvis and Sarah Johnson from Unique visited St Peter’s Campus last week and officially launched the programme to journalism students.

Students can also enter the Creative Talent Award.  Sunderland students who create a magazine as their final project at university have the chance to win an award and have five copies of their work professionally printed and stocked in Unique’s store. They will also be in the running for the overall award winner alongside students from the other participating universities.

Sunderland journalism students with Ellie and Sarah from Unique Magazines credit: Liz Lamb

Sarah Johnson, general magazine director, said: “Some of the best inspiration can be found in a magazine you’ve never heard of, created by someone doing something completely differently to everyone else.

“I’d love to see more young creatives discovering print – whether that’s reading it, being inspired by it, working within the industry, or creating something of their own.”

Ellie Purvis, Content, Social & Events Executive at Unique, said the company is passionate about supporting the future generation of creatives in the North East.

“We’re aware of the pressures students can face to move elsewhere in search of more opportunities, but we want to make it clear: there are opportunities here too, if you know where to look, she said.”

To find out more about the Creative Talent Programme click here.

To find our more about our journalism programmes click here