Opportunities for promoting societal inclusion through higher education cultural and creative industries courses: Evidence from UK business schools

Abstract

The Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI) workforce is reportedly highly skilled yet lacking diversity, with higher education institutions playing a key role in developing graduates and their capacity to contribute to positive societal change. Consequently, this contribution explores how inclusivity is embedded and promoted via collaboration with businesses and communities in undergraduate and postgraduate CCI courses offered by UK business schools, where many of these courses are based. This is addressed via a qualitative content analysis of public-facing course materials commonly used by students when deciding on their course of study. Findings showcase how inclusive practices feature in curriculum design and delivery, assessment and feedback, engagement with businesses and the community, and employability support for graduates. These inform recommendations for higher education institutions on how to contribute to broadening inclusivity in the CCI labour market and beyond.