Open Days
We understand that leaving school and going to University is a big step. We aim to give you all the information you need to make the right decision.
Click here to find out more about our open days.
What You'll Study
Stage One – Based at the University’s Vernon Street site, the course begins with a range of short projects. These develop your understanding of art and design ‘languages’ through a wide range of media. You will also develop your technical knowledge across a range of processes.
Stage Two – Your work begins to follow a specialist path: Graphic Communication (which may include graphic design, comic and concept art, illustration, animation, creative advertising, photography, and filmmaking), Fine Art (which may include drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, installation, and performance), Fashion & Textiles (which may include fashion or costume design, fashion branding, or textile design) or 3D Design (which may include product design, interior design, theatre design, design crafts, and architecture). You are encouraged to use a range of media and engage in one-to-one tutorials and group critiques.
Stage Three – You will undertake a ten-week project that you propose and time manage. The project forms the bulk of work you will exhibit at the End of Year Show. A programme of lectures, seminars, research, and reading will introduce you to the broad scope of art and design. You will develop an understanding of contemporary practice within your specialist pathway and compile a critical journal, preparing you for effective degree-course interviews.
Specialist Resources
You’ll be based at the University’s Vernon Street site, with access to excellent facilities according to curriculum needs.
Entry Requirements
We will consider all applicants with the minimum entry requirements who apply by 25 January 2023. We look at your GCSE results and projected A level grades. You will be required to submit a maximum of six examples of work which show your interest and ability in art, design and/or technology.
For full entry requirements please visit www.leeds-art.ac.uk/FEentry
Please be advised that these include achievement of English and Maths GCSEs at grade 4/grade C or above.
Finance & Accommodation
Funding for the Foundation Diploma course
The Foundation Diploma course at Leeds Arts University is classed as further education and because of this students are not eligible to apply for the maintenance loan through Student Finance England. Those aged 19 and over, are eligible to apply for the Advanced Learner Loan to help pay for their tuition. For further information, see our Tuition Fees page here.
Accommodation for Foundation Diploma students
There is accommodation available for those attending the Foundation Diploma course at Leeds Arts University. If you are successful in your application and have accepted your offer, we will then send the accommodation information to you via email, which will contain an online form for completion. Upon the form's return the accommodation provider will be notified and at this point they will send out information regarding deposit payment and a contract for completion.
Where Next?
Our students go on to study creative courses at degree level and then on to careers across a wide range of disciplines. The nature of the course means that many make lifelong friends who become important members of their creative network. The course has a ‘family’ ethos and former students come back and visit to share their knowledge and experience with current students.
Past Students
Prominent former students have included Danny Sangra, Sam Arthur, Georgina Starr, Damien Hirst, Thomas Houseago, Marcus Harvey, Georgia Shaw, Jill Shaddock, Phil Proctor, Laura Carlin, Alex Farrar, Nicholas Wheatley, Lucy Clout and Si Scott.
Key Information
Application Information
When completing your application you are required to set up an account on our Applicant Portal.
What to include in your personal statement?
Tell us little bit about yourself. What do you like making creatively? What are your hobbies? Tell us about your favourite artists/designers and how they influence you? What are your future aspirations? Why have you applied to Leeds Arts University.
What next?
Once you have set up your account and submitted your application, we will request a maximum of six examples of work that show your interest and ability in art, design and/or technology.
What images should I include with my application?
We are interested in seeing a few examples of your best work. These should represent what you have been working on at school, college or in your personal time. We love to see drawings and your ideas, but we are most interested in what you want to show us which may be photography, art, textiles, graphic design, or fashion. Each piece of work you submit may contain multiple images of your work, if you wish.
Our decision
In order to guarantee that your application will be considered, it must reach the Admissions department by 25 January 2023. Applications received after 25 January 2023 will be considered according to availability.
The University will review your application and inform you of our decision as soon as possible through the Applicant Portal. Please regularly check the Portal and email account for any updates from us.
Whilst we hope to get a decision to you within four weeks of receiving your application, please note that the current pandemic may affect our ability to meet that timeline.
@laufoundationfineart Fine Art Pathway
