D&AD Shift is an industry-led school for self-taught creatives over the age of 18 from outside traditional education. It’s free and held at night (plus occasional weekends).

Applications for the 2024 UK edition are open until May 27

Shifters learn from a global network of creatives at both peer level and industry level and receive 1:1 mentoring from industry professionals. It builds a strong portfolio with projects from world-leading brands and collaboration skills for creatives who usually work independently. Learning and support conitunes after the Shift programme.

It is held at night and occasional weekends, so Shifters’ work is not interrupted. The programme covers key disciplines and topics essential for working in advertising, design and production across 120 hours of learning. It also covers professional skills such as collaboration, bravery and resilience.

It takes just 30 minutes to apply for Shift via the form here.

You don’t need a pre-existing portfolio to apply. D&AD Shift wants to find out about you, how you think and about your ideas, so be creative. You can share a design, a campaign concept, a piece of artwork, a video, some photographs, lyrics, a story, anything — it’s up to you.

To be eligible for Shift you must not hold a university degree in any subject, or be studying towards one. You will be asked to upload three examples of your work.