Insight
50 Years of SAE
Ever since its early days in Sydney back in the seventies, SAE Institute has evolved to become a global player in creative media education.
It was back in 1976 when the first SAE Institute launched with entrepreneur Tom Misner setting up SAE in a small classroom that was previously used as a small advertising studio.
Following the successful Sydney launch, SAE took its innovative learning model further afield to establish new campuses in other Australian cities such as Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne. In the coming years, SAE continued to expand with colleges launching in Berlin, London and beyond.
As SAE celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, there are now more than 40 campuses in some of the world’s most exciting destinations with vibrant learning experiences available in the US, Mexico, the Middle East, South America and South-East Asia. In the UK, SAE is now proud to offer its leading programmes in London, Liverpool, Glasgow, Leamington Spa and Leeds.
From its launch, SAE has aimed to provide students with a unique learning environment where they can turn their ideas and passions into careers. As we reach this half-century milestone, our teams are looking to the future and how our programmes can shape the next generation of creatives. Whether it be Film Production and Audio Production to Creative Computing and Game and Interactive Audio, our courses play a vital role in educating and inspiring anyone wanting to launch a successful creative career in the UK and beyond.
SAE History
1970s
SAE was set up in Sydney by original founder Tom Misner in 1976. He went on to form numerous Australian and international business ventures as well as expanding SAE across multiple campuses both in Australia and beyond.
1980s
After a period of rapid growth, SAE landed in London in 1985, opening its first international campus in the mid-eighties.
SAE was one of the first colleges of its kind in the UK to offer industry-led teaching and connect creatives with industry opportunities after they completed their studies. Initially, SAE could be found on Caledonian Road near King’s Cross before it moved to its current location in the vibrant heart of East London.
1990s
SAE continued to experience rapid growth during the nineties. With degree programmes validated by Middlesex University in 1997, SAE continued to develop its vocational education courses with undergraduate and online postgraduate provision. At the time, SAE’s programme made a significant impact, standing out from traditional universities by offering industry-led teaching and accelerated degrees.
The launch of SAE Glasgow was another significant milestone while new campuses also opened in North America in New York and Nashville.
2000s
At SAE London, the 2000s saw one of the biggest moments with the college moving locations from Caledonian Road to its current space on Kingsland Road.
The aim was to grow the size of the campus to offer learning experiences for more students than ever before. In 2000, SAE also began licensing franchise schools in India, opening four that year. During the decade, a whole host of other locations were opened in Liverpool, Madrid, Brussels, Bangkok, Leipzig, Barcelona, Dubai, Amman, Cape Town, Istanbul, and Serbia.
2010s
SAE again raised the bar for its programmes as it became an associate member of GuildHE in July 2013. This endorsement underlined the quality of SAE’s provision, coming from one of the UK’s two recognised representative bodies for higher education.
2020s
In the 2020s, a change of ownership took place with French higher education provider AD Education (ADE) acquiring SAE in Europe.
Steffan Davies, Managing Director, SAE UK South West Europe, said: “This marks the start of an exciting new chapter, bringing together two experts in creative media education, with strong student-centric values who share the same ambition of creativity and innovation through delivery of higher education creative arts, media and digital programmes.
It’s the latest chapter in an ongoing story of SAE growth and passion for enhancing the education experience from those initial classes in Australia. During the last 50 years, SAE has expanded into a global success story, redefining what creative education can be.
SAE’s leading UK Campuses
SAE London
SAE’s London campus was the first to open in the UK and marked a huge moment, not just for the brand but also for the evolution of creative education in the capital.
The first UK campus is now one of the largest SAE institutions with students having the opportunity to immerse themselves within the biggest tech and creative sectors. Our Web Development students recently had the chance to connect with industry professionals at the CityJS Conference. Alongside other learning experiences, SAE also invites industry onto the campus by hosting IMSTA FESTA, a global music technology event that brings together musicians, producers, engineers, songwriters and industry professionals for a day of learning, discovery and networking.
The campus can now be found in buzzing East London between Hackney and Shoreditch, one of the most exciting and creative parts of the city. You’ll be able to study at our campus on Kingsland Road while also hone your creative skills at our nearby Bankstock Studios.
SAE Liverpool
Merseyside is loved for its rich cultural heritage and history with a vibrant music and creative scene. SAE’s campus is close to the heart of the city and features state-of-the-art professional recording studios, film and production spaces, high-spec Mac and games labs, and collaborative production rooms.
Studying here will see students join one of the most creative communities in the country while also opening up opportunities via local industry partnerships, including with Liverpool Sound City.
SAE Liverpool is also connected with local music businesses, including the Jacaranda label and event promoter. The Jacaranda Campus Label pilot has provided students with opportunities to understand how record labels work and immerse themselves within the city’s local live music scene.
SAE Glasgow
The Glasgow campus has been operating within the city’s creative sector for three decades. With BBC Scotland, STV, Blazing Griffin, King Tut’s, and the Barras all part of Glasgow’s cultural character, SAE alumni have plenty of opportunities to forge a successful creative career.
SAE Glasgow Music Business alumna Hannah Oman is a recent student success story who took advantage of industry networks. After graduating, she turned an internship with DF Concerts and Events, Scotland’s largest live music promoter, into a full-time role. She’s now working for the company as a Marketing & PR Executive.
SAE Leamington Spa
Launched in 2023, SAE Leamington Spa was set up in response to the vibrant gaming industry that has exploded in the area. The campus shares a building with The Fold, a commercial creative co-working space as well as home to independent agency and industry partners, Cogent.
SAE student Oliver Crowe was able to take advantage of our local connections by sourcing work opportunities for his photography work.
SAE Leeds
SAE Leeds is the newest UK campus opening in 2025, launching at the Electric Press. Students have a chance to take advantage of an open and active creative community, with regular events, productions, and meetups. This gives them opportunities to meet industry professionals, understand how the industry works, and build confidence before graduating.
Now SAE spans more than 40 campuses across 20 countries, connecting students to cross border collaboration and global creative careers.
While more students than ever before can enjoy the education provided by SAE, the mission remains the same – to provide specialist courses and a learning experience that can inspire the next generation of innovative and creative minds. Our aim is to continue expanding and providing a platform for emerging creatives across a range of sectors to excel.
Our SAE partnerships keep us connected with industries
SAE is proud of its industry connections, a network of creative partners that enable students to have a direct link to unique experiences and work opportunities.
These relationships also help shape the content of our courses and ensure students can hone skills held in high regard by potential employers.
Our industry partners include Ableton, IK Multimedia, Soundsnap, Acon Digital and many more. SAE is also the lead educational partner with Liverpool music industry conference, Sound City.
Our SAE success stories
SAE’s reputation is built on our people, from our current students to those alumni who have made an impact within their profession since leaving our classrooms.
Some of our success stories from over the years include:
Penny Opiah
SAE London Music Business alumna Penny Opiah has built a multifaceted career spanning artist management, marketing and culture-building within R&B. As the founder of Neo Music, she has developed the platform into a respected space championing R&B across the UK. Alongside leading Neo Music, Penny works as a freelance marketing manager for both major and independent labels.
Ricky Damian
Our Audio Production alumnus started working for Mark Ronson after completing his studies.
Among the projects included the hit Uptown Funk, for which he won a Grammy for Record Of The Year in 2016.
On top of the collaborations with Mark Ronson, he has engineered/produced and mixed for a range of acts including Sam Smith, Sampha, Yebba, Jorja Smith, Ezra Collective and more.
Sebastian Barker
Our SAE Liverpool Film Production alumnus Sebastian Barker has been busy navigating the creative industries since he left our classroom.
He has built a career in digital content production, working as a full-time video editor for popular YouTube creator ChrisMD. Much of the content he has had a hand in creating has had millions of views.
Ross Mcintosh
SAE Glasgow Game Art & Animation alumnus Ross McIntosh has built a thriving career as a contract environment artist, contributing to major game franchises while also sharing his expertise as a former lecturer at SAE.
His career highlights since graduating include his work on Silent Hill: Townfall, developed by Screen Burn Interactive (formerly No Code Studio).
Oliver Ball
Graduating in 2025 from our Web Development degree, Oliver began building real-world ventures while still studying. During his time at SAE, he co-founded NoSnore, a niche e-commerce brand designed to help people block out snoring, which quickly gained traction. Within its first year, the business scaled rapidly.
STUDY AT SAE
Whether you want to work in Film Production, Audio Production or more, there are many different opportunities to elevate your career in the creative industries with us.
Our degrees will provide you with the skills, experience and knowledge to succeed at the highest level.
