Leeds Arts University Course and Ranking Information (2024)

4.3Overall rating

4.3City rating

3.8Halls rating

4.1Course rating

• 100%

  Full-time

  0%

  Part-time

• 91%

  School leavers

  9%

  Mature students

• 97%

  Undergraduate

  3%

  Postgraduate

• 91%

  UK

  9%

  International

• 89%

  % in job or further studySource: DLHE, 2021

Overview

With a history dating as far back as 1846, Leeds Arts University has been cultivating the next generation of creativity in students for over 170 years through its range of creative arts courses.

A specialist university, Leeds Arts University offers just 19 BA (Hons) carefully curated undergraduate degrees. This focus is its strength, allowing the university to ensure it places all of its efforts and funding into a hand-selected range of qualifications, with a greater focus on the quality of each.

Leeds Arts University also offers a selection of further education courses and also postgraduate degrees for students who wish to continue their studies. In all, there are around 2,500 students attending at any time, creating a diverse but close-knit community.

Students benefit from expert tuition delivered by teachers with extensive industry experience, in courses that are tailored to allow students to express their own creative abilities. With learning occurring in state-of-the-art, purpose-built infrastructure, students benefit from ultra-modern facilities and resources across all courses.

Outside of the classroom, quality student support is available, including specific careers coaching, mental health support, financial guidance, and help finding accommodation.

Based in one of the UK’s top student cities (QS Best Student Cities, 2024), students at Leeds Arts University become part of Leeds’ overall community of 125,000 students, enjoying a thriving and welcoming atmosphere and plenty of entertainment options, day and night.

Leeds Arts University students on WhatUni say:

“It stands out as an exceptional institution for artistic education, primarily due to its unwavering commitment to fostering creativity and innovation.”

“Enthusiastic tutors, engaging course and very good student support especially for students with additional support needs.”

“My course is informative and encouraging and I love the studio space. I also love that the uni cares so much about sustainability and inclusion.”

4.1Course rating

4.2Course content rating

4.2Lecturers and Teaching quality rating

Leeds Arts University offers a focused selection of 19 undergraduate degrees:

• Acting for Screen
• Animation
• Comic and Concept Art
• Creative Writing
• Fashion Design
• Fashion Marketing
• Fashion Photography
• Filmmaking
• Fine Art
• Games Art
• Games Design
• Graphic Design
• Illustration
• Marketing Communications
• Music Production
• Photography
• Popular Music Performance
• Textile Design
• Visual Communication

It also offers seven master’s degrees and two further education diploma courses.

Each course blends practical, hands-on learning with guidance from expert lecturers who are experienced in helping students to develop their own approaches and styles, in fields that are defined less by hard rules and more by the individual creativity that students express.

In the Teaching Excellence Framework (2024), Leeds Arts University received an overall ranking of Silver. Furthermore, student reviews are very positive when discussing how courses are delivered, with students expressing their appreciation of the industry experience of their tutors, and how the lecturers and courses cater for individual students.

Leeds Arts University students on WhatUni say:

“The tutors are really helpful and are always willing to teach you subjects deeply.”

“The teaching approach at Leeds Arts University is a well-crafted blend of in-class and online learning, catering to the diverse needs of students.”

“It feels like the lecturers really have a passion for what they're teaching and that really flows through and helps make their teaching more engaging.”

Eligibility criteria for courses at Leeds Arts University depend on what a student chooses to study. Entry requirements may involve a mix of prior qualifications and a portfolio of previous work.

Students are able to contact the university directly to find out what they need to achieve to get a place on the course they want. Students are advised to do this at the earliest opportunity to maximise chances of success.

Students are encouraged to speak to the university even if they may not meet all of the eligibility criteria. Students can discuss potential ways to boost their application, or receive advice about alternative courses at Leeds Arts University if they are unsuccessful in securing a place on their preferred course.

International students

International students are encouraged to review the entry requirements for qualifications gained in their home country.

Students must also meet the English language requirement for their course. This is generally an overall IELTS score of 5.5, with no band score lower than 5.5, or an equivalent qualification.

UCAS TARIFF CALCULATOR

3.8Halls rating

4.5Facilities rating

Accommodation

Leeds Arts University partners with two private student residences to provide accommodation: Carr Mills and The Leather Works.

Both of these modern developments are situated a short walk from the university campus, a quick bus ride from the city centre. All rooms are en-suite, with prices starting at £123 per week.

The majority of this accommodation is offered to first-year undergraduate students, with some rooms also allocated to students moving from outside the local area to study foundation diploma courses.

Leeds Arts University students on WhatUni say:

“So close a walk to uni and you get everything you need for a great price.”

“Liked the safety.”

“The maintenance people were really quick to fix issues.”

Facilities

Leeds Arts University is well-equipped for every course it offers. With its smaller group of degree options, it is able to focus funding on ensuring that students have the best learning spaces, resources, and equipment they need to succeed in their studies.

Facilities include industry standard audio/visual resources, film and photography studios, music studios and resources, 3D resources, print resources, a range of studios for various uses, and social areas for collaborative work and downtime.

Student reviewers are impressed with the variety of facilities available, as well as the quality of equipment. With the prevalence of industry-standard tools and software across courses, students are able to transfer the skills they learn at Leeds Arts University straight into the working world.

Leeds Arts University students on WhatUni say:

“It boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including well-equipped studios, workshops, and exhibition spaces, providing students with an immersive and dynamic learning environment.”

“Large range of different facilities that I can use throughout my course and my personal work.”

“The facilities available are industry standard which prepares you for working in the industry.”

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4.3Student support rating

The Leeds Arts University Student Welfare Team is available to help students access impartial and confidential advice and guidance across a wide range of issues, from personal counselling to finance and budgeting, and even finding accommodation.

This inclusive support service exists to allow students to focus on their studies rather than worrying about other problems which can distract or cause anxiety. Students are encouraged to use the services as they need them, with staff employing an understanding and welcoming approach to put students at ease.

There’s also a study support service, which includes assistance for students with dyslexia or other learning difficulties. This service helps all students who need extra help adapting to the level of study required at university, helping to level the playing field for those that need additional support.

Support is available to any student who needs it at any stage in their study journey, and no matter which course they are studying.

Leeds Arts University students on WhatUni say:

“Everyone is so friendly and there is so much student support. I went to them with a problem and they immediately sorted me long term help.”

“I have had such an amazing time here and the support from my course has been incredible!”

“The staff are always happy to help and answer questions.”

The university can trace its roots back to 1846, when the Leeds Mechanics Institute, which offered drawing classes, merged with the city’s Literary Institute to become Leeds School of Art, later becoming Leeds Arts University. In the 1950s, it helped revolutionise art teaching in the UK as one of the institutions that pioneered the Basic Design Course.

Nowadays, it is the only specialist arts university in the North of England. Offering a compact range of degrees, it plays to its strengths by focusing on select areas, attracting the best artistic talent to teach students.

The university’s carefully curated selection of degrees also permits it to streamline all of its funding towards resources that allow arts students to excel. Unlike larger universities that must spread their funding and experience across different areas, Leeds Arts University is able to commit to providing the best arts qualifications possible.

In 2019, a £22 million building expansion opened, enabling students to benefit from a vast, industry-standard performance auditorium, high-tech studios to support a range of degrees, a postgraduate suite, and a specialist library, amongst other cutting-edge facilities.

Past students include Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, Marcus Harvey, Damien Hirst, Danny Sangra and Omar Kashoura.

Leeds Arts University students on WhatUni say:

“Very open and inviting, exclusive to art students therefore everyone is doing similar courses and all feel included.”

“Brilliant teaching, engaging work, friendly students and staff, excellent facilities.”

“One of the best aspects of my course is the vastness and variety of approaches one can take to create one's work style or portfolio.”

4.0Student life rating

4.5Location rating

3.9Student union rating

Students' Union

The Leeds Arts University Students’ Union represents students and organises events (including induction and orientation events) and activities, as well as negotiating deals with local retailers.

Students who feel they need additional support can seek independent advice and representation from the students’ union. It also manages the administration of student clubs and societies.

Leeds Arts University students on WhatUni say:

“I like the campus cafe, it’s cosy and inviting.”

“Great place and always feel at home there.”

“Leeds is great city to be based with loads of students and affordable housing.”

Clubs and Societies

The students’ union co-ordinates clubs and societies including a film society, book club, Afro-Caribbean society, and life drawing. Societies offer the opportunity to explore hobbies, meet new people, and form lifelong friendships.

Students are also encouraged to start their own societies, and time is allocated each week to allow students to explore clubs and societies, ensuring no one becomes burned out.

Students’ Union

The Leeds Arts University Students’ Union represents students and organises events (including induction and orientation events) and activities, as well as negotiating deals with local retailers.

Students who feel they need additional support can seek independent advice and representation from the students’ union. It also manages the administration of student clubs and societies.

Leeds Arts University students on WhatUni say:

“I like the campus cafe, it’s cosy and inviting.”

“Great place and always feel at home there.”

“Leeds is great city to be based with loads of students and affordable housing.”

City life

One of England’s liveliest cities, Leeds is home to over 125,000 students in total.

The student community enjoys a huge range of evening entertainment, from quiet drinks and quiz nights to great nights out. In the daytime, there are plenty of pubs, restaurants, theatres, cinemas and shops, including the flagship Harvey Nichols store. The city is also home to the annual Leeds Festival Music, as well as famous football and cricket teams.

Many media firms have set up in Leeds, providing opportunities for work experience and potential careers after graduation.

3.9Career prospects rating

Leeds Arts University prides itself in preparing students for life beyond their qualification. As well as teaching the core knowledge of their field, tutors also help to develop soft skills such as problem solving, project management, and time management. As a result, students graduate ready to successfully step into the world of work.

The university’s careers, employability and enterprise team is on hand to provide careers advice and support to students, through meetings, events and workshops. Students and recent graduates are also able to access a careers portal which contains a list of up-to-date and exciting job opportunities in the creative industries.

Whether students are goal-driven or want a bit of direction, the university encourages all students to make use of one-to-one coaching sessions, available at any time during their studies for careers guidance and advice.

Students can access these services, along with others, for up to five years after they finish their studies.

Scholarships/ Bursaries

Leeds Arts University provides a range of scholarship and bursaries in an effort to make study accessible by all.

New entrants whose family income is below £25,000 per annum can access a cash bursary of £250, increasing to £350 and £500 in the second and third years, respectively.

It also offers a one-off cash scholarship to students who progress from one of the university’s further education courses onto one of its undergraduate degrees.

Students who have accepted a place at Leeds Arts University can apply for Skin’s Chancellor Scholarships, which were set up by the university’s Chancellor, the rockstar Skin of Skunk Anansie. Three scholarships are available each year.

Fees

The 2024/25 tuition fees for undergraduate degrees at Leeds Arts University are as follows:

• Home (UK) students: £9,250 per year
• International students: £17,500 per year (£18,600 for BMus Popular Music Performance)

Students from the UK can apply for a tuition fee loan from the Student Loans Company to cover the cost of their fees. This loan is not means-tested and provides the full amount of tuition fees directly to the university.

Students may also be eligible for a means-tested loan to cover the cost of living at university.

There are currently no undergraduate open days available to book at this university.
Take a look at open days at unis across the UK.