How three creatives found fresh purpose and new paths through Falmouth’s online MAs

Creative careers rarely follow a straight line these days, and it can be hard to find the space you need to grow that fits with your life, rather than working against it. That’s exactly what Falmouth University’s online master’s courses are about: giving creatives an environment that gives them the freedom and inspiration to level up their career or switch direction without losing their balance.

We caught up with three graduates who took very different journeys but all found their spark again while studying online. Whether you’re juggling work, family or just life in general, these stories show how learning can fit in, not take over.

Joseph Millson was an actor for 25 years but felt it was time to create something new, to tell his own stories instead of just performing others’. He chose Falmouth because they’ve been doing online courses properly for a while — not just a quick Covid pivot. “It fit wonderfully around my busy life,” he says. “Sure, there were some mad weeks with deadlines, but honestly, I thrived on that pressure.” What surprised him most was how much the course changed his approach. “I learned how to write even when inspiration isn’t hitting you — which is crucial if you want to work professionally. Now writing is just part of my week, almost every day. The course gave me the discipline I needed.”

For Rehab Eldalil, documentary photography was already her day job, but she wanted to refine her personal vision. Based in Egypt, she needed a programme that allowed her to develop a project close to home while still working. “It didn’t make sense for me to travel abroad to work on a project when I had a story I cared about here,” she explains. The course pushed her to think deeply about ethics and storytelling. “Reading Edward Said’s ideas about the right to narrate really shifted how I approached my work with the Bedouin communities I photograph. It made my practice more collaborative and personal.”

Studying online also meant she was comfortable teaching workshops and running meetings remotely, which became a lifeline during lockdown. “I can balance fieldwork and admin by mixing in online calls — it’s given me so much flexibility.”

Caroline Garland’s path was less traditional. Working as an executive assistant at a national newspaper, she missed being part of the creative world. A brief detour to work with a jeweller left her wanting more, so she took a leap and signed up for Falmouth’s Sustainable Fashion MA.

What drew her in was how Falmouth’s unique artistic heritage and perspective as a university at the end of the country was present in the online course’s slower, nature-first approach. “This course isn’t just about business or trends, it’s about imagining a fairer world and how fashion can be part of that. It made me feel like I could really make a difference,” she tells us. One assignment asked her to picture what her neighbourhood would look like in 2040. Including the Fashion & Textile Museum sparked an event she helped organise for World Climate Day, turning coursework into real-world impact.

Juggling a full-time job and study was intense, Caroline admits, but totally worth it. “I was worried about going back to learning after all these years — anxiety and all — but it’s been the best decision. I’m still buzzing and can’t wait to keep going.”

All three agree that studying online wasn’t just about convenience — it was what made their next chapters possible. Falmouth’s courses are designed from the ground up for remote learning, with tutors who are active creatives themselves and understand the balance needed. Whether it’s building discipline, finding your voice, or simply believing in change, these students discovered tools and confidence they now carry into their careers.