Leeds Arts University founded in 1846 as the Leeds Mechanics’ Institute, Leeds Arts University have been at the forefront of Art and Design education in the UK for over 170 years. The university is the only specialist Arts University in the North of England, offering a variety of internationally recognised Foundation, Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses. In 1842 the Leeds Mechanics Institute merged with the Literary Society, which led to the formation of The Leeds Government School Design four years later. In 1903 the School moved to Vernon Street which we still have today.
Leeds Arts University students benefit from expert staff, award-winning facilities, including the 2019 WhatUni Student Choice Award for Best Facilities, and a creative atmosphere where anything feels possible. This makes Leeds Arts University the best place to begin your creative journey.
The university committed to helping you maximise your chances of success. Connecting you with the industry while you’re studying, and provide lots of opportunities to build the skills and experience you need for an impressive CV. Also, helping you prepare for going freelance (becoming self-employed) or for finding just the right job and for developing your career once you’ve graduated. Even after you graduate, you could still use our facilities – either by joining our Creatives in Residence programmes or by applying for residency in one of our funded studio spaces.
Location
Leeds, England (UK)
At Leeds Arts University we pride ourselves on our state-of-the-art resources and libraries. We have won the Whatuni Student Choice Award for Best Facilities three times in six years (2019, 2016 and 2014) and came second in 2017 and 2018.
All our buildings have been designed and built for specialist arts education, whether this was the Vernon Street art school in 1903 or our latest building at Blenheim Walk which was completed in January of 2019. Dedicated course studios set up to facilitate specialist disciplines are complemented by open working areas designed to enable students across courses to meet up, work and socialise together.
In 2016 The Independent named Leeds the best student city in the UK, in 2017 Leeds was named one of the top European destinations by Lonely Planet Guide, The Telegraph called Leeds Britain’s most underrated city, and the University has been shortlisted in the Whatuni Awards for City Life three times in the past four years! With around 300 restaurants, cafes and bars you will never be short of refreshments. For somewhere that perfectly combines food and drink look no further than Bundobust. An independent bar selling vegetarian and vegan Indian street food with an extensive selection of the world’s best craft beer, it’s a must try for anyone who loves spicy food and exciting ale.
School & Faculty
- Animation
- Fine Art
- Graphic Design
- Creative Practice
- Fashion
- Film
- Photography
- Visual Communication
