About Leeds Arts University
Leeds Arts University is one of the UK's oldest specialist art and design institutions, offering studio-based education in fine art, fashion, photography, graphic design and creative practice in the heart of Leeds' vibrant cultural quarter.
Key Information
Student Statistics
- • 1,800 total students
- • 320 international students
- • 22 student societies
Location
- • Located in Leeds
- • Private university
- • Established 1846
Subject Rankings
Academics & Faculties
Degrees Offered
Bachelor, Master, Foundation, Pre-Master
Popular Subjects
Fine ArtFashion DesignGraphic DesignPhotography
Student-Staff Ratio
12.8 : 1
Faculties & Departments
Fine Arts
Fine Art, Contemporary Art Practice, Painting, Sculpture
Design
Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Interior Design, Jewelry Design
Communication
Photography, Film & Television, Animation, Digital Media
Entry Requirements
Undergraduate
Academic: BBC at A-level or equivalent
Alternatives: International Baccalaureate: 28-30 points, Foundation Diploma in Art & Design
IELTS: 6
R 5.5 / W 5.5 / L 5.5 / S 5.5
TOEFL iBT: 80
Portfolio submission required • Interview may be required • Foundation year available
Postgraduate
Minimum Qualification: Second-class honours degree or equivalent
GPA: 2.8
IELTS: 6.5
R 6 / W 6 / L 6 / S 6
TOEFL iBT: 90
Portfolio submission • Interview may be required
Fees & Funding
Tuition (International)
- Undergraduate: £15,000
- Postgraduate: £15,000
- Foundation: £14,000
Living Costs (Annual)
- Accommodation: £6,500
- Food: £2,400
- Transport: £1,300
- Entertainment: £950
- Other: £1,150
- Total: £12,300
Scholarships
Arts Excellence Scholarships
MeritFor students with exceptional creative portfolios
Value: £3,000 (Partial)
Outstanding portfolio • Creative excellence • Full-time study
Deadline: 2024-06-30T00:00:00Z
International Artist Awards
InternationalFor international students demonstrating outstanding artistic ability
Value: £2,500 (Partial)
International students • Exceptional talent • Full-time study
Deadline: 2024-07-31T00:00:00Z
Campus & Facilities
Leeds, LS2 9AQ, United Kingdom
Central Leeds campus with modern art studios and exhibition spaces
Size: 5 acres
Facilities
Creative
Art studios, Photography studios, Design workshops, Exhibition galleries
Academic
Lecture theatres, Computer labs, Library, Study spaces
Student Services
Careers centre, Student union, Health centre, Counselling services
Libraries
Main Library
Specialist art and design library with extensive resources
24/7 during term time
Sports Facilities
Fitness Centre
On-campus fitness centre and sports facilities
Student Services
Careers Service
Specialized careers support for creative industries
careers@leeds-art.ac.uk
Portfolio Development
Professional portfolio development and critique sessions
portfolios@leeds-art.ac.uk
Accommodation
University Residences
On-campusCreative studio spaces and standard accommodation for art students
Cost: £6,200 - £7,800 (academic year)
Art studios • Exhibition spaces • Self-catering kitchens • 24/7 access
Contract: Academic year (38 weeks)
Private Rented Accommodation
Off-campusPrivate rentals in Leeds city center and creative districts
Cost: £6,500 - £11,000 (academic year)
Varies by property • Close to galleries • Creative community
Distance: 5-15 minutes
Contract: 12 months (typically)
Apply through university accommodation office. Early application recommended for international students.
Dedicated international student accommodation advisors.
Student Life & Support
Clubs & Sports
Clubs: 22
Teams: 6
Cultural Activities
- Art Exhibitions — Monthly
- Creative Workshops — Weekly
International Support
- Visa support: Yes
- Language support: Yes
- Orientation: Yes
- Buddy program: Yes
- Contact: international@leeds-art.ac.uk
Health & Wellbeing
- Medical centre: Yes
- Counselling: Yes
- Disability support: Yes
- Emergency: +44 (0)113 202 8000
Careers & Outcomes
Employability Rank
68
Graduate Outcomes
Employed: 82%
Further study: 8%
Unemployed: 4%
Average Salary
£24,000
annual
Top Employers
Creative AgenciesDesign StudiosMedia CompaniesFashion BrandsAdvertising
Career Services
- Industry Connections: Strong links with creative industry employers and agencies
- Portfolio Preparation: Professional portfolio development and presentation skills
- Creative Career Guidance: Specialized career advice for creative professions
Location & Transportation
Nearest Airport
Leeds Bradford International Airport
12 km • 25 minutes by car
Public Transport
- Train: Direct trains to London, Manchester, and other major cities • £20-100 one way
- Bus: City buses and national coach services • £1.70-15 one way
Local Area
Located in the heart of Leeds with access to world-class cultural institutions
Cost of Living: Medium
Attractions: Leeds Museums, Henry Moore Institute, Royal Armouries, Leeds Town Hall
Shopping: Victoria Quarter, Trinity Leeds, Independent boutiques, Markets
Entertainment: Grand Theatre, Carriageworks, Live music venues, Sports venues
Additional Information
Accreditation
Recognised by UK Government, Validated by University of the Arts London
Partnerships
- Industry: Leeds Museums and Galleries — Collaborations with leading cultural institutions in Leeds
- Research: Arts Council England — Research partnerships on arts education and cultural development
Research Highlights
- Creative Education Research — Research into innovative approaches to arts education (2023)
- Cultural Impact Studies — Studies on the role of arts in community development (2022)
Notable Alumni
- Henry Moore — Influential sculptor known for monumental abstract bronzes (1924)
- Barbara Hepworth — Pioneering modernist sculptor and leading figure in international abstract sculpture (1921)
- Gemma Sherbourne — Designer and illustrator whose work has appeared in The Guardian and Vogue (2010)
Metadata
Source: Official university accommodation, finance, and international student pages plus 2024/25 course catalogue
Last Updated: 2025-12-03T00:00:00Z
Verified: Yes
Contact Email: admissions@leeds-art.ac.uk