A built between Middlesbrough and Portugal’s Algarve is entering a much bigger phase, with four more Teesside University degree routes planned for students at creative technology school ETIC_Algarve.
The two institutions have worked together since 2019. Their first Teesside-approved courses at ETIC_Algarve, BA (Hons) Games Design and BSc (Hons) Games Development, began in September 2024. From October 2026, subject to final approval, the portfolio is due to expand into digital media, film, music and photography.
Four new routes for creative students
The proposed additions are BA (Hons) Digital Media and Communications Top-up, BA (Hons) TV & Film Production Top-up, BA (Hons) Music Production Top-up and BA (Hons) Photography Top-up. A top-up degree lets students build on an existing qualification to gain a full honours degree.
ETIC_Algarve is based in Faro and teaches practical, industry-facing subjects including design, communication, audiovisual production, music, technology and the creative arts. The new courses will be delivered through Teesside University’s School of Arts & , giving students in Portugal access to UK qualifications without leaving the Algarve for the whole of their course.
The relationship is not confined to course validation. A growing mobility programme is also creating placements and internships in both countries. That gives students and graduates the chance to experience a different working culture, make professional contacts and test their skills away from the classroom.
A two-way creative connection
Teesside University says the expansion follows the progress of the existing games programmes and reflects a shared emphasis on practice-based learning. ETIC_Algarve director Nuno Ribeiro said the earlier courses had shown the value of pairing the Portuguese school’s industry-led approach with Teesside’s academic expertise.
For Teesside, the partnership extends the university’s international while keeping Middlesbrough connected to a growing creative and digital sector in southern Europe. For ETIC_Algarve students, it creates several new ways to turn specialist into a recognised honours degree and, potentially, an international career.
The four new programmes are expected to begin in October 2026 once the remaining approval process has been completed.
: Course details, dates and partnership information were checked against Teesside University’s announcement of 20 August 2026. Image: Teesside University.