Learn Unreal Engine, Build Your Portfolio, Launch Your Creative Career
IN4’s The Creative Engine: Learn Unreal Engine, Build Your Portfolio, Launch Your Creative Career
IN4 Group is delivering The Creative Engine, a fully funded, 10-week Skills Bootcamp in Unreal Engine 5.6, funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
Designed for university graduates, alumni and early-career creatives, the programme offers a unique opportunity to explore how real-time technology is transforming the creative industries.
Over 10 weeks, participants will learn how to create stunning 3D environments, bring characters to life with MetaHumans and animation, and experiment with AI tools for concept art and texturing Taught by experienced industry professionals, learners will follow studio-standard workflows to design cinematic scenes and interactive story worlds.
The Creative Engine Liverpool
Learners are equipped with the technical, creative, and professional skills required to progress into employment or freelance work in real-time production, VFX, and games. The programme blends hands-on technical training with applied professional practice and career readiness, ensuring graduates leave with both the capabilities and confidence to succeed in high-value creative roles.
By the end of the course, each participant will have produced a short cinematic or interactive project to showcase in their portfolio, a valuable asset when applying for roles in the creative industries.
Learners continue to receive support for up to six months after bootcamp completion. This includes CV clinics, job tracking, and interview offers. Alumni retain access to mentoring and career development resources, helping them transition into long-term freelance or employed roles.
Eligibility Criteria
⦿ Resident in Liverpool City Region.
⦿ Graduate or alumni.
⦿ Lived in the UK for at least 3 years.
⦿ Have the Right to Work in the UK.
⦿ 19+ years old on or before August 31st 2025.
⦿ Not been on another fully funded Skills Bootcamp this year.
⦿ Unemployed/ self-employed/ available to commit to work post-bootcamp
If you are unsure about your eligibility, please submit an application and we will follow up with you to confirm your details.
Programme Schedule
⦿ Week 1 (Dec 8): UE5 Setup & Navigation
⦿ Week 2 (Dec 15) Lighting & Generative Art
⦿ Week 3 (Jan 5): MetaHumans
⦿ Week 4 (Jan 12): Sequencer
⦿ Week 5 (Jan 19): Materials & Visual Effects Integration (Virtual)
⦿ Week 6 (Jan 26): Audio & Scene Optimisation (Virtual)
⦿ Week 7 (Feb 2): Lighting Polish & Pre-visualisation (In-person)
⦿ Week 8 (Feb 9): AI-tech prep, AI lab, remote rehearsal (Virtual)
⦿ Week 9 (Feb 16): Portfolio Development & Industry Insights (Virtual)
⦿ Week 10 (Feb 23): Final Showcase & Next Steps (In-person)
Frequently Asked Questions:
We do ask that you are committed to attending all of the sessions, in the case of an emergency or appointment, we ask that you catch up on the content you missed via the session recording and learning materials. Attendance will be tracked on a daily basis.
No previous Unreal Engine experience is required, we just ask that you have creativity, curiosity, and a love for storytelling.
You can express your interest for the bootcamp via the ‘apply now’ button above. We will use the information you provide to confirm that you are eligible to participate.
You will then be asked to complete a short digital skills assessment, to ensure you have the baseline digital skills required to take part on the bootcamp.
You will then be invited to record an informal video interview where you can speak more about your experience, interests, and needs. This is so we can get to know you, ensure that this bootcamp is suited to your needs and make available any additional support that you might need.
Finally, you will need to complete an application form which will ask you for personal information, check that you have the right to work in the UK etc. This form is a requirement since the bootcamp is fully funded.
Once you have completed these steps, you will be sent an offer to join the bootcamp!
We offer access support on a case-by-case basis. Please get in touch with us and tell us what is required – creativeengine@in4group.co.uk
Assessment is based on real-world application including:
⦿ Weekly mini projects
⦿ Mid-point milestone with tutor/peer feedback
⦿ Final team-based Unreal Engine project
⦿ Deliverables: showreel, pitch deck, documentation
Assessment focuses on demonstrable competence, not simply theory. Work is reviewed by industry mentors, reflecting current hiring practices.
Please find below recommended specs. Your hardware should have Unreal Engine 5.6 installed.
Desktop
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11
- CPU: Quad-core Intel/AMD, 2.5 GHz+
- RAM: 32 GB
- GPU VRAM: 8 GB+
- GPU: DirectX 11/12 compatible, latest drivers
- Storage: NVMe SSD recommended (1 TB)
Laptop
- OS: Windows 10 (as above) or Windows 11
- CPU: Recent i7-H / Ryzen 7-H class
- RAM: 32 GB
- GPU VRAM: 8 GB+
- GPU: DX11/12 compatible (RTX 2000-series+/RX 6000-series+ play nicest with UE5 features)
- Storage: NVMe SSD (1 TB)
You will graduate with:
⦿ A completion certificate
⦿ An Unreal Engine showreel
⦿ A cinematic or interactive Unreal Engine project
⦿ CV and portfolio development
⦿ Employer referrals and application support
This reflects standard creative industry hiring practice, where output and tool proficiency matter more than academic awards.
We are committed to providing accessible and flexible support and provide multiple structured support pathways for any of our learners who may be struggling.
⦿ Catch up recordings are available for all online sessions and one-to-one meetings are available with instructors for missed in-person sessions.
⦿ We provide empathy-led mentoring to build confidence and resilience.
⦿ We encourage peer-to-peer support from the outset to foster a sense of community, accountability, and shared experience.
⦿ We offer regular wellbeing workshops (e.g. imposter syndrome, confidence).
⦿ We also offer digital inclusion support, including equipment loans and 1:1 onboarding support.
⦿ We can offer reduced pace options and flexible learning schedules dependent on your needs.
All of our staff are trained in neuroinclusive and trauma-informed practices and are on-hand to support you at any time. We recognise that every learner is different and are committed to providing you with a tailored approach dependent on your needs.
If you have any further access needs please get in touch with us and tell us what is required – creativeengine@in4group.co.uk
The in-person days will be at Edge Hill University. We will make you aware of any changes to this as soon as they are confirmed.
A key part of The Creative Engine is also supporting learners in finding their next role, through a comprehensive programme including tailored introductions, CV support, business planning and mock interviews.
After the bootcamp, you will have the opportunity to launch your career and embark on different career pathways, including:
⦿ Freelancing opportunities through The Creative Engine Freelancing platform
⦿ Employment pathways through our employer partners
It is the goal of the bootcamp to provide you with a career pathway post-bootcamp, so to be eligible to participate, you need to be able to commit to work via one of our various pathways.
We provide you with comprehensive career support during the bootcamp and beyond, including tailored introductions, CV support, business planning and mock interviews.
Please reach out to us on creativeengine@in4group.co.uk or submit an application and we will answer any questions during the recruitment process.
