Ravensbourne University Career Opportunities & Graduate Outcomes Complete Guide for Applicants (2025)
See how Ravensbourne University prepares creative students for the job market in 2025 — internships, graduate roles, career support and tips to land creative industry jobs.
🎯 Introduction
Ravensbourne University London is a specialist creative and digital institution based on the Greenwich Peninsula (next to the O2). It's built around practice-led teaching for industries such as film & TV, fashion, design, animation, user-experience and digital product design. For applicants who care about jobs after graduation, the key question is: how well does Ravensbourne convert study into careers?
This guide explains Ravensbourne's employability focus, typical graduate jobs and sectors, internship and placement pathways, career services and alumni support — plus practical steps you can take now to improve your chances of getting the job you want in 2025.
🔧 Employability Focus — What Ravensbourne Does for Students
Ravensbourne is structured to be industry-facing and practice-centred. That shows up in several ways:
Project-based learning — many modules are studio/project-led and mirror industry workflows.
Industry briefs & live projects — students frequently work on real briefs set by companies, which builds portfolio-ready work.
Guest lecturers & masterclasses — practitioners from media, design and fashion come to campus to teach and critique.
Short professional courses — skills-focused short courses and workshops (e.g., showreel editing, UX tools, DAWs) help students stay current.
Small cohort and studio environment — close staff contact means tailored feedback and strong portfolio development.
All of the above is aimed at creating graduates who can step into junior creative roles — not just with theory, but with demonstrable projects and work-ready skills.
💼 Graduate Jobs & Common Career Paths
Ravensbourne graduates typically move into roles across the creative and digital industries. Common entry-level roles include:
Motion graphics / VFX artist, 2D/3D animator (film, TV, advertising)
Social media / digital content producer (brands, music/entertainment companies)
Employers who commonly recruit creative graduates (across the UK market) include creative agencies, production companies, broadcasters, tech startups, and in-house design teams. Many graduates also start freelance careers or launch creative micro-businesses.
🔁 Internships, Placements & Freelance Pathways
Hands-on experience is central to breaking into creative jobs. Typical routes students use:
Short internships / industry placements — often during summers or placement years; these can turn into graduate jobs.
Live client projects on course — some modules partner with companies; strong project outcomes can become job leads.
Freelance work while studying — many students pick up small client projects or assist on shoots to build credits.
Student festivals & showcases — end-of-year shows, graduate exhibitions and pitch events put work in front of employers.
Work shadowing and micro-placements — one-day or week-long placements to learn specific tools and roles.
💡 If you're aiming for industry, treat every short project or internship as both learning and networking — deliver on time, stay professional, and ask for referrals.
🧭 Career Services & Alumni Support
Ravensbourne's careers and employability support typically includes:
Showcase & graduate exhibition support — help preparing graduate shows and public-facing portfolios.
Industry networking events & employer fairs — on-campus and online events connecting students with recruiters.
Portfolio reviews & mock interviews — portfolio clinics with tutors and visiting professionals.
Alumni network & mentorship — previous students often return to offer mentorship, internships or freelance opportunities.
💡 Make regular use of these services — they're low-effort high-return ways to refine your job applications and meet employers.
📈 Graduate Outcomes — What to Expect (Realistic View)
Rather than single-number promises, here's a realistic picture for creative graduates:
Short-term: many graduates secure entry-level or freelance work within the first 6–12 months. Creative roles can be project-based, so expect an early mix of short contracts and part-time work.
Medium-term: with 1–3 years' experience, graduates often move into permanent junior roles, specialist technical roles (e.g., compositor, UX researcher) or build a steady freelance client base.
Portfolio matters most: in creative industries, a strong, current portfolio or showreel is often more influential than grades.
💡 Tip: timing and persistence matter. The creative sector recruits year-round; treat job search as part of your weekly schedule.
✅ How to Maximise Your Employability at Ravensbourne — Practical Steps
Build a market-ready portfolio — quality over quantity: 6–10 polished pieces that show process, not just final images.
Complete at least one industry placement or internship — even short ones; they lead to contacts and references.
Show your workflow — document briefs, iterations, tools used, and outcomes on project pages. Employers want to see how you think.
Network intentionally — attend masterclasses, industry panels, and graduate shows; follow up with thoughtful messages.
Develop complementary skills — learn basic front-end coding, version control, or industry-standard software (NLEs, Adobe Suite, Figma).
Create a professional online presence — LinkedIn + a personal website/portfolio; keep both updated.
Freelance for real clients — small paid projects teach deadlines, client communication and pricing.
Practice pitching — present your work to tutors and peers; public pitching improves confidence for interviews and client meetings.
✅ Conclusion
Ravensbourne University is designed to prepare students for creative and digital careers through practice-led learning, industry projects, and targeted careers support. If you focus on building a standout portfolio, gain real-world experience (internships/freelance), and use the university's networking and careers services, you'll significantly improve your chances of landing graduate roles in 2025 and beyond.
❓ FAQs — Quick Answers
Do Ravensbourne graduates get jobs in London?
👉 Yes — London's creative market hires many graduates, and Ravensbourne's location helps with events, networking and placements.
Is freelancing a realistic route after graduation?
👉 Absolutely — many graduates combine freelance work with part-time roles early on; plan finances and build client testimonials.
How important is a degree versus portfolio?
👉 In creative fields, a strong portfolio often outweighs the degree alone. The degree helps with structured learning and credentials, but the portfolio opens doors.
What if I want to work outside creative industries?
👉 Transferable skills (project management, digital tools, communication) make graduates suitable for roles in marketing, product teams, and tech companies.
How can international students access internships?
👉 Use the careers service to find paid/credited internships; check visa permissions for work hours and placement terms.