Leeds Arts University
Leeds, United Kingdom • Founded 1846
Updated Sep 2026 · Source: leeds-art.ac.uk · How we collect data
Overview
Leeds Arts University is a specialist higher education institution in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, dedicated entirely to art, design and creative subjects.
Its roots go back to 1846 as the Leeds School of Art, which grew out of the Leeds Mechanics Institute and moved to its current Vernon Street site in 1903; a second building at Blenheim Walk was added in the 1980s, and a £22 million expansion completed in 2019 brought new performance, film and photography, and fashion facilities. It gained full university title in 2017, becoming the only dedicated arts university in the north of England.
Teaching spans Foundation Diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate levels across subjects including fine art, graphic design, illustration, photography, textiles, fashion and furniture design. Past students include Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth and Damien Hirst.
Location & Contact
Mailing address, phone, email, and social channels for Leeds Arts University are listed below.
Academic Details
Leeds Arts University's student body, faculty composition, and recognition framework are below.
Degrees
Also Extended Diploma in Fine Arts and Design; Access to Higher Education Diploma (Fine Arts and Design)
Foundation 1 program
- Fine Arts
Bachelor's 13 programs
- Communication Arts
- Design
- Fashion Design
- Film
- Fine Arts
- Graphic Design
- Marketing
- Music
- Painting and Drawing
- Photography
- Textile Design
- Visual Arts
- Writing
Master's 6 programs
- Design
- Fine Arts
- Graphic Design
- Museum Studies
- Painting and Drawing
- Photography
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Privy Council.
Further Education Courses (Department/Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Design
- Fine Arts
Postgraduate Studies (Department/Division) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Design
- Fine Arts
- Graphic Design
- Museum Studies
- Painting and Drawing
- Photography
Undergraduate Studies (Department/Division) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Communication Arts
- Design
- Fashion Design
- Fine Arts
- Graphic Design
- Marketing
- Music
- Painting and Drawing
- Photography
- Visual Arts
- Writing
Programs Offered
The full set of programmes Leeds Arts University offers is searchable and grouped by level below.
28 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United Kingdom
Honours Degree 19 programmes
Showing 10 of 19.
Scholarships in United Kingdom
Financial-aid options for studying in the United Kingdom, applicable across institutions including Leeds Arts University.
How to apply to Leeds Arts University
A five-step guide to applying to Leeds Arts University.
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1
Identify the right programme
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Leeds Arts University offers 28 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
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2
Check entry requirements
Each programme at Leeds Arts University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
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3
Prepare your application documents
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
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4
Submit via UCAS or the institution
Undergraduate applicants apply through UCAS (ucas.com) rather than directly to Leeds Arts University. Postgraduate applicants apply directly through Leeds Arts University's own admissions portal at www.leeds-art.ac.uk.
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5
Get in touch with admissions
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +44 (113) 202 8000. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Leeds Arts University
Frequently asked questions about Leeds Arts University.
When was Leeds Arts University founded?
Leeds Arts University was established in 1846 (approximately 180 years ago).
Where is Leeds Arts University located?
Leeds Arts University is located in Leeds, United Kingdom.
What is Leeds Arts University's control type?
Leeds Arts University is a private institution.
What is the student enrolment at Leeds Arts University?
Student enrolment at Leeds Arts University is around 2,175.
What programmes are available at Leeds Arts University?
Programmes at Leeds Arts University cover bachelor's and master's programmes.
Is Leeds Arts University officially recognised?
Yes, Leeds Arts University is recognised by Privy Council.
How do I find Leeds Arts University online?
The institution's website is www.leeds-art.ac.uk.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United Kingdom
A quick benchmark: here are the top-ranked universities in the United Kingdom. Useful for understanding how Leeds Arts University compares against the national reference points in higher education, and what alternatives exist if reach institutions are part of your strategy.
Faculties at nearby universities
The institutions below are geographically close to Leeds Arts University.
Where Else to Study Applied Design
Universities in the United Kingdom with Applied Design programmes appear below, alongside Leeds Arts University.
Universities Compared with Leeds Arts University
Universities of a similar scale and standing to Leeds Arts University are listed below.
Studying in United Kingdom: guides and resources
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