Study at Leeds Arts University

Why study at Leeds Arts University

Teaching is practice-based, with workshops, studios and industry-facing briefs across art, design, fashion, film, photography, music and related fields. The university holds a Silver rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework, and its chancellor is the musician Skin. Student work is shown publicly each year in the university's end-of-year shows, and its long history and single-subject focus give it a distinct identity among UK universities.

Location and student life

The university has two city-centre sites: Blenheim Walk, its main campus opposite the University of Leeds, and Vernon Street nearby. Linked accommodation at Carr Mills and The Leather Works sits within a 15 to 20 minute walk, and the city centre is a short bus ride away.

Leeds is an established student city with a lively student social, art and music scene, and the university notes that living costs, including accommodation, are generally lower than in London or Manchester. Students are based close to galleries, venues and shops in a compact centre that is easy to get around.

Courses and subjects

Undergraduate degrees cover fine art, graphic design, illustration, animation, games art and games design, comic and concept art, filmmaking, photography, fashion photography, fashion design, textile design, 3D design and craft, creative writing, marketing communications, music production, popular music performance, visual communication and creative technologies.

Postgraduate options include MAs in fine art, graphic design and illustration, alongside further master's courses, and the university also runs further education routes such as the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design and the Extended Diploma in Creative Practice.

Entry requirements for international students

International applicants apply with predicted grades or equivalent qualifications, an academic reference and a portfolio or audition, and requirements vary by course. Typical undergraduate offers range from 104 to 120 UCAS tariff points with GCSE English at grade 4/C or equivalent. English language evidence is also required, for example a SELT IELTS for UKVI at the level stated on the relevant country or course page, and the university offers a Foundation Diploma route for those preparing for degree study. Check the exact requirements on the course page before applying.

Accommodation

The university guarantees a place in its linked accommodation for all first-year students who firmly accept their offer and complete booking by the published deadline (9 June for 2027 entry). Rooms are at Carr Mills and The Leather Works, both within a 15 to 20 minute walk of the Blenheim Walk site, with preferential rates for bookings made through the university. Some rooms are also held for Foundation Diploma and postgraduate students.

Scholarships and funding

International students are automatically considered for International Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships, awarded on academic merit, application strength and portfolio or audition, with awards starting from a £2,000 first-year tuition fee discount. The university also offers two GREAT Scholarships of £10,000 for postgraduate students from China and India, a 20% first-year discount for applicants from partner universities, a 10% progression discount and a 5% early payment discount. Awards change each year, so check the scholarships page for current details.