Leeds Arts University

Leeds Arts University is one of the few independent arts universities in the UK, and the only specialist arts university in the North. It offers eleven specialist arts degrees at postgraduate level. These are MA Animation, MA Creative Practice, MA Curation Practices, MA Creature Design, MA Digital Fashion, MA Fine Art, MA Graphic Design, MA Graphic Novel, MA Illustration, MA Photography and MA Worldbuilding. The university offers state-of-the-art facilities and resources that meet industry standards, including photography studios, Mac suites, printmaking workshops, digital print facilities, specialist arts library and a gallery.

Students benefit from studying right at the heart of Leeds city centre, which has a thriving creative scene. There are internationally renowned galleries and museums, independent restaurants, and festivals that take place throughout the year. 

The university has a close-knit community, and graduates are encouraged to stay in touch, as well as taking advantage of the many schemes designed for students finding work after leaving. These include summer workshops and networking events.

The university will help students throughout their degree to help maximise their chances of success within their chosen field of work. Students are connected to industry while they are studying, to gain contacts and get work experience.

Access to careers workshops and masterclasses are also provided, along with one-to-one careers guidance and support for those interested in going down the freelancer route. Leeds Arts University is also regularly visited by professionals and industry speakers, who give inspiring talks to students about building their career.

Courses are tailored to each student and their creative goals, and are taught by staff within the specialist area or industry. Students can study on either a full or part-time basis, allowing them to choose the best option that suits their individual lifestyle and commitments.

Students have regular contact with visiting professionals and are encouraged to build contacts. Postgraduates also have access to the postgraduate hub where they are based during their period of study.

The Leeds Arts Union is run by a team of elected students, who work for it on a year-long tenure. They work to represent the voices of the students at the university, as well as organising events and activities throughout the term. It is led by a Student President, with other members including a Student Governor, Campaigns Officer and Events Officer.

The university works with the accommodation provider – Hepworth Lodge – where first year undergraduate students have priority over rooms. Liberty Park offers furnished bedrooms in individual flats of up to six students, with the option of an en-suite bathroom. Most postgraduate students prefer to find their own accommodation in the local area, and the university offers help in finding a suitable property that has an approved landlord. There are also websites to help students find other flat mates if they are looking for somewhere to live and wanting to fill the rooms.

Students benefit from the university's £22million state-of-the-art building, which expanded in 2019. Facilities include industry standard film and photography rooms, fashion design rooms, a new postgraduate study suite, a specialist arts library, a print room, plaster workshop, auditorium, Mac suite and an independent coffee shop for students to refuel in-between work.

Leeds is a popular student city, with plenty to see and do. Home to many major music festivals including Leeds Festival, there is a thriving music scene - with many up and coming bands playing at the local bars and pubs.

There are also plenty of food markets, independent coffee shops, bars and clubs for students to enjoy during the evening, along with a shopping centre, art galleries and museums. Leeds is also close to the Yorkshire Dales, and other big cities, including Manchester and Liverpool.

The university runs various clubs and societies for students to get involved with. These consist of sports clubs, such as football, netball and run club, and with societies including life drawing, the vegetarian society and the cheese society. Students have the chance to create their own club or society too.

Throughout their time at university, students will have access to a number of support systems. These include the Student Welfare Team, who are there to provide information and guidance on applying for courses, funding and finance, accommodation, counselling, disability support and any other student related issues. Students needing additional study help can get help from the university's Academic Support staff, while all pupils will have access to a personal tutor.

In 2020/21 fees were:

UK - £9,250 (full-time), £4,625 (part-time, per year)

International

• £15,700 (excluding MA Creative Practice and MA Fine Art)
• £16,800 (MA Creative Practice and MA Fine Art)

Vice-Chancellor’s Postgraduate Scholarship

£2,000 is awarded to one student for one year, after being elected by a panel of staff. This is based on an application form.

Studio Space Scholarship

One student can gain access to studio space for a year during their studies.

Vice-Chancellor’s International Postgraduate Scholarship

£3,000 is awarded to five students as a tuition fee reduction.

International Studio Space Scholarship

All international students on the MA Fine Art or the MA Creative Practice will get a dedicated creative studio space.

Postgraduate loans

All UK students can apply for a postgraduate loan up to a maximum value of £11,222.

Curation Practices

During their course, students will have access to specialist tutors, as well as the opportunity to meet professional curators and visiting lecturers from industry. Each student will become part of the course's partnership network, where they will be resident with a partner organisation and in close proximity to professional curators so that they can enhance their skills and experience.

Photography

Students benefit from access to professional standard facilities throughout the course and will also have many opportunities to attend events such as the Unseen in Amsterdam, Photo Paris and Photo London. Visiting speakers from the industry include, Guy Martin and Ewen Spencer.

For a place on any of the MA courses at the university, students will need to have obtained an undergraduate degree in a subject related to the course, along with a reference to support their application from an academic or a creative practitioner.

All courses at Leeds Arts University are taught by tutors who are in the industry and are designed for students to get the most out of them. Courses also prepare students who want to go on to take a PhD, as well as going into the workforce after graduating. Students are encouraged to work independently to enhance their creative potential, but are supported throughout by specialist teaching staff.