Leeds Arts University

Leeds Arts University is an independent art school, and one of the leading institutions in the UK for art, design and crafts. Founded in 1846, the College currently has over 1,000 students studying degrees, and a further 900 taking their masters. Further education courses such as GCSE and A-level learning are also offered.

Leeds Arts University has state of the art facilities which include on an on-site art and design library, studio, workshop and exhibition spaces, while many tutors are currently working industry specialists, ensuring you will be learning from the best.

Over 95% of Leeds Arts University graduates who took part of the Creative Futures Survey were found to be employed following their time of study. More than three quarters were employed in the creative industries.

The below entry requirements are for 2023/24 entry.

We value creativity foremost and are looking for students who are passionate about their work and can demonstrate this through their application.

Our undergraduate minimum requirements are:

• 112 UCAS points from any combination of A Levels/T Level/Extended Diploma/Foundation Diploma. One qualification should be in a relevant subject; or
• BBC from three A Levels; or
• A minimum of one Distinction and two Merits (DMM) from an Extended Diploma or a Merit from a UAL Extended Diploma or T Level in a relevant subject; or
• 112 UCAS points from a recognised Access to Higher Education course specialising in art and design with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3; or
• An international equivalent to 112 UCAS points in a subject related to your proposed course of study. Kindy contact our admissions counsellor for country-specific information.

All home applicants aged under 21 must have GCSE English at Grade 4/Grade C or above, or English Functional Skills Level 2 at Pass. International applicants must have a minimum IELTS overall score of 5.5, with no individual component below 5.5 (or recognised equivalent).

Examples of work:

For all BA (Hons) degree courses (with the exception of BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance) you will need:

• To set up your portal
• You will then be asked to submit a maximum of six examples of work from your portfolio for consideration. The files should be no larger than 30MB in total and it is essential that no more than six examples of work are uploaded.

For BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance you will need:

• 112 UCAS points from any combination of A Levels/Diploma/Extended Diploma. One qualification should be in a relevant subject, this may be a Rockschool Level 3 Music Practitioner qualification.
• A Level of performing ability equivalent to ABRSM/Rockschool/Trinity Grade 8
• Music theory understanding to Grade 5 level

Performing ability and theoretical understanding will be assessed through a practical performance of (1) a set piece relative to a specific instrument or voice and (2) an original song, instrumental composition, or arrangement of an existing song that has been uploaded to a suitable video sharing platform (YouTube, Vimeo or Weibo) for remote review.

For BA (Hons) Creative Writing and BA (Hons) Creative Advertising:

• For these courses, an interview forms part of the Admissions process. Providing that you meet our entry requirements for these courses, and submit your examples of work within the required deadline you will be offered either an in person or remote interview.

For BA (Hons) Creative Writing you will need:

• Evidence of your writing interests in the form of samples of your work. Your work should demonstrate your developing, imaginative and creative skills.

English language requirements:

• You’ll need to have passed GCSE English Language or English Literature at Grade 4/Grade C or above, or English Functional Skills Level 2 at Pass. For mature students, an Access to Higher Education qualification in art and design will also be acceptable to demonstrate English language ability. For mature students who are unable to provide formal evidence of an appropriate standard of English, the University may request completion of its own English proficiency test.

Our postgraduate minimum requirements are:

• An undergraduate UK honours degree or international equivalent in a subject related to your proposed course of study or;
• A degree-equivalent postgraduate diploma/professional qualification

Applicants who hold a degree from another discipline or have experiential learning in lieu of a degree that can demonstrate appropriate knowledge and skills may also be considered for entry, subject to an interview and/or the submission of a satisfactory portfolio related work in support of their application.

English Language Requirements:

• Leeds Arts University will accept IELTS (International English Language Testing System) with a minimum overall score of 6.0, with no individual component below 5.5, as being the minimum acceptable level for English Language proficiency. Comparable English Language Tests may also be considered.

• You must also supply one reference to support your application. This may be from an academic or a creative practitioner.

• Applicants who meet the entry requirements above will be required to submit a personal statement outlining their intentions for MA study. 

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

• Leeds Arts University has a commitment to widening access to higher education. The University demonstrates this commitment through its widening participation schemes, arrangements for transfer and recognition of prior learning.

Additionally, academic requirements for international students vary from country to country, kindly contact our admissions counsellor for more information!