The agreement between the studio complex and Manchester Met’s School of Digital Arts will deliver student placements, joint research and industry-facing innovation

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Versa Studios Manchester and Manchester Met have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to give students the opportunity to work in professional production environments via placements, internships, live project briefs, workshops and masterclasses.

The three-year agreement will focus on research, innovation and skills development, including paid placements for students, collaborative live briefs, joint research and major funding bids. The partnership will explore new ways of developing content and understanding audiences, creating new opportunities for students to help shape Manchester’s screen industry.

It will also support collaborative research in areas including virtual production, audience insight, immersive experiences, creative AI and sustainable production practices, helping to unlock the potential of next-generation creative technologies.

Meanwhile, Versa will join industry leaders on the advisory board of Manchester Met’s £35 million School of Digital Arts (SODA), helping to shape future programmes and ensuring they remain aligned with industry needs.

Kirsty Fairclough, professor of Screen Studies and research and innovation lead at Manchester Met’s School of Digital Arts (SODA), said: “This MoU is a significant opportunity to bring together world-class academic expertise with industry leadership to drive innovation across the creative and screen sectors.

“By working with Versa Studios, we can create powerful new opportunities for our students, develop impactful research and support the continued growth of Greater Manchester as a globally recognised centre for creative and digital innovation.”

The partnership will be delivered through Versa LAB, a recently launched Versa Studios initiative focused on developing new formats with regional creatives and production companies, from concept through to production, using the latest technologies.

Edward Harvey, head of production, Versa LAB, said: “The way content is made and experienced is changing, and we want Versa Studios to be part of shaping what comes next. Working with Manchester Met and SODA brings together the practical knowledge of a live production business with fresh talent and research expertise. 

“It gives students a route into the industry and gives us the chance to explore new ideas, technologies and skills that can support the productions of the future.”

Versa Studios is part of St. John’s, a creative district in central Manchester, and is host to Dragons’ Den, BBC Morning Live and Netflix’s Building the Band.