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Based in the heart of Leeds, the BA (Hons) Art degree places you in a dynamic studio environment that reflects industry practice and supports the development of your own creative voice. You’ll be part of a collaborative artistic community where you can refine your style, test ideas, and push your creativity further.
Throughout the course, you’ll develop new techniques, strengthen your studio practice, and build an understanding of how art and commerce intersect to create sustainable career pathways. Teaching and assessment are practice-led, preparing you with the skills and experience needed to succeed in a constantly evolving industry.
You’ll have opportunities to exhibit and sell your work, collaborate with artists, engage with the public, visit exhibitions, and explore the changing art landscape. The course also emphasises the role of art within communities, encouraging you to explore how creative practice can connect people and ideas.
You’ll benefit from strong industry links, showcasing your work in exhibitions and venues across Leeds, including access to studio space at our Mabgate Campus in the city’s Cultural Quarter. Working on both self-directed projects and collaborations with external partners, you’ll gain real-world experience and develop the confidence to progress into professional practice.
TYPICAL OFFER
UCAS Tariff Points: 48 UCAS tariff points from two A-levels (or equivalent qualifications), one of which must be in a relevant subject.
A Levels: 2xD grades one of which to be in a relevant subject.
BTEC Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma: MP, MPP grade in relevant subjects.
T Levels: Acceptable in a relevant subject.
IELTS: IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any component.
International qualifications: International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria.
Mature applicants: University Centre Leeds welcomes applications from mature* applicants who may not have met the academic criteria, but who can demonstrate a wealth of experience in their chosen field. Candidates in this category and otherwise are likely to be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course and may be asked to provide a
portfolio of evidence to support their application.
*21 years and over at the start of the course
RPL claims: The course structure actively supports claims for Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL).
About the course
The BA (Hons) Degree puts your creativity at the forefront and provides you with the opportunity to nurture a strong and coherent art practice.
It offers multiple opportunities for self-promotion including public exhibitions; working with gallerists and curators; self-promotion; collaboration with other artists, designers and makers; working with the public, exploring academic research; and creating an identity for your practice.
The course is driven by the reality of being an artist in the real world and therefore is designed to offer real industry opportunities. The content has been developed with local galleries and art organisations, as well as freelancers.
You will develop your creative skills through technical supervision, critical questioning and individual agency, consolidating your creative identity with an increased understanding of social, cultural and theoretical art debates and influences. You will also prepare for life as an artist following graduation, receiving plenty of time with tutors to discuss your practice, ideas and creativity across a diverse range of course modules.
This course is subject to validation by Luminate Education Group
BLANK_ working Art Gallery
Set in the HE Creative Arts block at Quarry Hill Campus, is a working Art Gallery. BLANK_ is a project space with an accompanying publication that showcases new contemporary creative practice in Leeds. There are plenty of opportunities for students to be involved, including assisting artists and technicians with installation, open events and invigilation.
Find out more about BLANK_ here https://www.blank.org.uk/
We are proud to work in partnership with
If you are applying for 2026 entry, you will need to apply through UCAS.
Modules may include:
Level 4 (Year 1)
Drawing Techniques (20 Credits)
This module will introduce the student to a range of drawing techniques both practically, theoretically and contextually, from traditional methods and approaches to drawing in its expanded forms.
3D Techniques (20 Credits)
This module introduces 3D art techniques using materials such as clay, wood, and plastics. Students will develop skills in casting, sculpting, and digital processes like 3D printing. Alongside practical making, the module explores the history and meaning of materials, examining how they shape the communication of artwork.
Digital Techniques (20 Credits)
Students will work on a range of short projects that will introduce digital art practices and develop their practical and conceptual skills.
Commercial Practice (20 Credits)
This module explores freelance practice in the creative industries, helping you develop entrepreneurial skills and create commercially viable outlets for your work. You’ll learn how to engage audiences, adapt your practice, and explore ways to monetise your creativity, from products to workshops.
Creative Professional (20 Credits)
This module introduces the breadth of roles and career opportunities in the creative arts, encouraging you to research your chosen pathway through case studies of established practitioners. You’ll explore the skills, training, and networking needed for professional development and create a personal plan to guide your career.
Art in Context (20 Credits)
This module introduces key theories and principles to help you develop a critical understanding of your creative practice. Through lectures, seminars, and workshops, you’ll explore how art and design evolve within social, political, and cultural contexts.
Level 5 (Year 2)
Collaboration (20 Credits)
This module introduces interdisciplinary collaboration, requiring you to work with practitioners from other creative fields to produce a practical project. You’ll build a professional network, explore new approaches, and reflect on the value of collaborative practice in the creative industries.
Contemporary Issues in Art (20 Credits)
This module introduces key debates and issues in contemporary art, helping you develop a critical perspective on your own practice in relation to the wider industry. Through lectures, seminars, and discussions, you’ll explore the evolving role of the artist, market dynamics, and social engagement.
Critical Practice (20 Credits)
This module explores the relationship between theory, research, and practice, encouraging you to create artworks informed by contemporary culture, politics, and art history. You’ll develop your critical voice while examining how artists use research as a core part of their creative process.
Extended Project (40 Credits)
This module develops your practice into a well-resolved body of work for exhibition, encouraging experimentation with ideas, concepts, and techniques. You’ll also produce an artist talk and engage with galleries, curators, and arts professionals to contextualise your work and develop audience engagement.
Art and Community (20 Credits)
This module develops your ability to engage with audiences and work within communities, through projects such as workshops, or public events. You’ll gain practical experience and an understanding of how to collaborate with organisations, audiences, and creative networks to support your practice.
Assessment methods may include:
Step into inspiration at our brand-new, purpose-built Mabgate Campus and creative arts studio, a dynamic creative hub designed for artists and makers alike. Whether you're developing a concept, or bringing bold ideas to life, you’ll find industry-standard studios, and a collaborative environment tailored to your craft. Every space is designed to reflect the real creative world, giving you the freedom, tools, and energy to explore, experiment, and excel in your discipline.
The course prepares you for a range of roles in a variety of areas, dependent on your own areas of interest and career aspirations. It allows the development of a strong body of contemporary work which may lead to work as a practising artist or further study, as well as many freelance or community projects and directives.
You may wish to follow a career in arts administration or curating or go on to explore further areas of research following your dissertation.
Students may wish to progress internally on to the MA Creative Practice or PGCE course, or externally on to other creative MA programmes or teaching qualifications.
These degree opens doors to a range of job roles across different creative sectors including fine art, museum, gallery and cultural roles and creative industry careers.
Potential jobs include:
TYPICAL OFFER
UCAS Tariff Points: 48 UCAS tariff points from two A-levels (or equivalent qualifications), one of which must be in a relevant subject.
A Levels: 2xD grades one of which to be in a relevant subject.
BTEC Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma: MP, MPP grade in relevant subjects.
T Levels: Acceptable in a relevant subject.
IELTS: IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any component.
International qualifications: International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria.
Mature applicants: University Centre Leeds welcomes applications from mature* applicants who may not have met the academic criteria, but who can demonstrate a wealth of experience in their chosen field. Candidates in this category and otherwise are likely to be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course and may be asked to provide a
portfolio of evidence to support their application.
*21 years and over at the start of the course
RPL claims: The course structure actively supports claims for Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL).
For the latest version of the University Centre Leeds Regulations please click here.
There are additional costs associated with the practical elements of this programme, which may include:
These costs will be led by the nature of the work that you produce, however you will be expected to meet the costs of production of your projects.
Applications are open for 2026 entry.
To apply directly to study at University Centre Leeds as an international applicant, please visit our 'How to apply' page and complete the steps.
You can also apply through UCAS.
For more information please visit our 'How to apply' page.
Course fees for Undergraduates are £14,000 (GBP)
For 2025 Entry: Scholarship available £3,000 (GBP) all courses.
For 2026 Entry: Scholarship available £4,000 (GBP) all courses.
For more information about fees and scholarships, please click here.
Please see our entry requirements page for additional requirements as an international student
International students will study 5 additional hours on top of the regular timetable.
For more information about visa and immigration, please click here.
Our online and in-person Open Events give you a chance to hear from tutors, discover the range of student support available, and find out for yourself why University Centre Leeds has the highest rating for student satisfaction in the city (NSS 2025).
Open Days
Want to find out more about the wide range of courses, student support and more available for students at University Centre Leeds?
Access your University Centre Leeds Prospectus now.
