Future Freelancers is BACK for 2026…bigger and better!
DMU Made’s immensely popular ‘Future Freelancers’ programme is returning bigger and better for Autumn 2026, and the team is hugely excited to work with a whole new group of students and recent graduates.
The programme is completely free for all participants, and offers a week-by-week deep-dive into the thriving world of Freelancing, through interactive workshops, inspiring co-working sessions and specially-tailored one-to-ones. If you’ve ever been interested in freelancing, or setting up your own business, either alongside your studies or after you graduate, this is the programme for you!
During this 13-week programme you will gain invaluable insights from inspirational guest speakers, as well as the award-winning DMU Made Team. Your participation will be recognised in a certificate personally presented to you at the prestigious annual DMU Made awards ceremony, as well as being officially recorded on your university HEAR (Higher Education Achievement) Report.
Places are strictly limited, and you can book yours (for FREE) here: https://my-gateway.dmu.ac.uk/events/event.html?execution=e1s1. All current DMU students and anyone having graduated DMU since 2024 is eligible to take part.
Whether you’re entirely new to freelancing and just curious, or already running successful ventures of your own, this programme will help take you to the next step, and beyond.
Last year, Future Freelancers built a loyal community of 80 students and graduates from all 3 DMU faculties, gathering each week to learn, share ideas and experiences, and collaborate.
New for 2026 - £150 Future Freelancers Grant!
We know how vital funding can be on the Freelancing journey, and one of the most exciting changes to Future Freelancers 2026 is DMU Made’s offer of a £150 Grant for completing the programme, subject to meeting eligibility criteria. The Grant can be spend in any way you wish towards your business or freelancing, and details of the grant criteria can be found on the MyGateway registration page.
Can I take part in the programme if you have done it before?
Yes, each year we change the content, although some key aspects will be repeated. If you have received a DMU Made Startup grant before, you will not be eligible to receive it again. If you participate in the Future Freelancers DMU Global trip to Girona, you will receive your Grant through this.
Why participate?
The number of active start-ups established at universities is experiencing unprecedented growth, with a 70% increase over the past decade, creating more than 64,000 jobs.
This entrepreneurial surge reflects broader changes in the UK job market. Traditional employment paths are no longer the only route to professional success. Freelancing and ‘portfolio careers’ (where professionals work part‑time across multiple organisations, often at senior levels) are becoming increasingly mainstream. This is particularly common among Gen Z, with 36% saying they ultimately want to run their own company.
This programme is to help you prepare for the rapidly changing job market, bit will also provide skills and learning which you can apply now – as more and more students are turning to freelancing to earn money alongside their studies.
With over half of the global workforce now self-employed, there could not be a better time to sharpen your entrepreneurial skillset, for free!
Future Freelancers DMU Global Trip
As part of the programme, student have the opportunity to opt-in to a DMU Global trip to Girona, Spain. Just 40 minutes away from Barcelona, this beautiful medieval city provided a number of filming locations for Game of Thrones. Thanks to special bursaries from DMU Global and DMU Made, students will pay only £200 to participate.
Applications for this trip close 26 May at 9am. Conditions apply, please refer to the terms relating to registering as a Sole Trader/registering a business, carefully: DMU Made: Creative Industries and Freelancing in Girona, Spain – DMU Global
Work space
The DMU Made Studio space is available anytime the library is open - which can mean 24/7 access! We encourage you to utilise it to work on your ventures.
About DMU Made
DMU Made is part of Careers Team and supports students and recent graduates in relation to Freelancing, Entrepreneurship and Self-Employment. We deliver a range of competitions, events and workshops, as well as providing support on a tailored one-to-one basis. For more information on our current opportunities please visit www.dmumade.com/takepart or email dmumade@dmu.ac.uk – we would love to take your questions!
