Why study Business at a creative university

International Business Management

Picking the right university for your Business degree is a big decision that will have an impact long after you graduate. Your application could well shape the course of your career for years to come, influencing not just what you learn, but how you think, the people you meet and the opportunities you’ll encounter along the way. 

Many applicants gravitate towards larger, generalist universities, often drawn by scale or familiarity. However, this isn’t the only route – and for some students, it will not be the most effective one. There are clear advantages for those who choose specialist creative universities such as Falmouth University for their studies. 

These institutions offer a different kind of experience – one that places greater emphasis on creativity, collaboration and real-world application. For students interested in a career in business, this means developing not just technical knowledge, but the mindset and adaptability needed to succeed in a fast-changing, idea-driven world. 
 

What are creative universities? 

Creative and arts universities like Falmouth are built around multi-disciplinary innovation. Unlike more traditional institutions, they specialise in subjects such as theatre, music, film, fashion and digital media, although many also offer more vocational industry-aligned courses alongside these, covering everything from digital marketing to festival management

What sets them apart is their approach to learning. Arts universities tend to prioritise practical, project-based work over traditional lectures and exams. Students are encouraged to experiment, collaborate and develop their own ideas, often working in studio environments that reflect real-world creative industries. 

This creates a culture where innovation and individuality are not only supported but expected. It’s an environment designed to prepare students for industries that are constantly evolving and demand original thinking. 

Falmouth University students sitting on beanbags discussing a business concept on the floor

How are Business courses at creative universities different? 

There’s a common misconception that a Business degree is all about learning to use spreadsheets and charts. In reality, it’s about people and ideas, reflecting the real world of business. Here at Falmouth, this is the foundation of what we teach. 

The Cornwall Business School (CBS) offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses that explore business through both commercial and creative lenses. Led by academic staff with real industry experience, its programmes span areas such as business management, marketing, tourism and events.

We want our students to develop the ability to communicate effectively, solve problems and generate ideas that can be applied in real-world contexts. To that end, assessment at CBS is more practical. Instead of traditional exams, students are primarily assessed through live briefs, research projects and presentations to industry professionals.

This creates a more hands-on experience that reflects the pace and expectations of modern workplaces. It also helps build confidence, adaptability and professional communication skills – qualities that are highly valued in the workplace. 

Collaboration is another major advantage, with opportunities to work on projects alongside students from fashion, music, game development and other creative disciplines. This mirrors the way many businesses now operate across multiple specialisms. 

What are the benefits of studying Business at Falmouth?

We aim to give our students an experience of what it is really like to work across various industries. A good knowledge of business practices and theory is important, and a core part of what we teach here at Falmouth. But for any company, it’s outcomes that matter, and this is what we work to instill in our students across all modules. 

At Cornwall Business School, we place more importance on coursework, giving students projects on which they can develop and hone their business skills. They are involved at every stage of the process, from research and development through to pitching to industry leaders here in Cornwall and beyond. 

Students don’t just learn about business – they actively practise it. This might include developing a marketing campaign for a local brand, launching a startup concept or pitching a business idea to a panel of industry professionals. 

At universities like Falmouth, there is also ample opportunity to collaborate with other departments. This helps students gain experience across a wide range of creative subjects, from fashion and design to music, film and gaming, reflecting how modern businesses often operate across multiple disciplines. 

"Being surrounded by filmmakers, designers, photographers and digital creatives taught me how to collaborate across disciplines, which are skills that I now use daily."

Archie Miles, BSc(Hons) Business Entrepreneurship & Innovation alumnus and founder of Shore Link

How important is creativity in business? 

In modern business, creativity is becoming an increasingly valuable commodity. The challenges of our time – climate change, resource constraints and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence – require creative thinkers who can approach problems from new angles and develop innovative solutions. 

Here at Falmouth, we don’t just teach the basics of business management. Our approach is to teach students how to think laterally, adapt quickly and solve the unexpected problems that arise day to day for business leaders. 

Studying in a creative environment helps you build these skills naturally, rather than treating them as an afterthought. You’re constantly exposed to new ideas, different perspectives and experimental ways of working, all of which strengthen your ability to think creatively in a business context.

Student writing on a whiteboard, Falmouth University

Are Business degrees from arts universities valued by employers? 

Employers are increasingly looking for more than just academic knowledge of business principles. They want graduates who can think independently, communicate effectively and bring fresh ideas to the table. 

A degree from a creative university demonstrates that you’ve developed these skills alongside your business knowledge – and that you’ve had experience applying them in real-world scenarios. 

Graduates from institutions like Falmouth University often leave with a portfolio of work, practical experience and confidence in presenting their ideas. That combination can make a real difference when starting out in your career – especially in industries where innovation and adaptability are key.

Our Business, Marketing & Events courses

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Get in touch

Any questions? 

If you have any questions about undergraduate study at Falmouth, get in touch with our Future Studies team.  

T: +44(0) 1326 254350 
E: futurestudies@falmouth.ac.uk 

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