BA (Hons) Visual Communication at Leeds Arts University

Programme overview

This practical multi disciplinary course is ideal for students who want to explore a breadth of creative sectors, pursue their own interests, and work directly with industry for real-world results. Through a carefully structured process, we will teach you to become a highly-skilled and creative visual communicator with an authentic and individual voice, ready for employment in the creative industries. Learning through doing is central to our approach.

Duration: 3 years full-time / 4 years with placement year | Study mode: full-time (optional placement/sandwich year) | Intake: September | Location: Leeds, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year one: Core principles of design and communication are introduced within graphic design, photography and film, printmaking, and illustration. Year two: You will develop your creative practice and apply your skills to real life-projects whether self-directed, client-based or competitions. Year three: You’ll consolidate the focus of your creative practice.

Career pathways

Graduate employers include Aardman Animations, BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Topshop, VICE Magazine (New York), Wallpaper Magazine, Saatchi & Saatchi, Tate Modern, Design Museum, The White Company, We Are Fallon, Marks and Spencer, Ilkley Literature Festival, David Oldham Photography, Bloomsbury Publishing, Sonar Festival, LBi London, Glastonbury Festival, I-am Associates, ASDA Marketing, Dubit Ltd, Red Star 3D, East Africa Playgrounds, Omobono, Kontra Oslo, Rapha Racing Ltd, Opera North, Left Bank Leeds, TNR Communications, OMD UK, 10 Associates, Haaretz, and New Era Cap.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Typical offer 104-120 UCAS tariff points from any combination of A Levels/T Level/Extended Diploma/Foundation Diploma (expected subjects depend on the course); GCSE English Language or Literature at grade 4/C or above, or English Functional Skills Level 2 Pass. International: A-levels 104-120 UCAS points including an art/design-related subject; IB Diploma 26 points; European Baccalaureate 70%; BTEC Extended Diploma DMM; BTEC Diploma DD; UAL Extended Diploma Merit; UAL Foundation Diploma Distinction; IELTS 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5; one reference. Applicants may be assessed through personal statement, predicted grades, reference, examples of work and digital audition or interview. Course requirement: Portfolio of 10-15 examples showing visual skills in more than one medium, clear communication and engagement with contemporary issues.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,790 a year (2026/27). Home fee per year for years one to three; optional placement year charged at 20% of the annual tuition fee; rises to £10,050 in 2027/28. Home students who already hold a degree pay £10,540 in 2026/27. Source

International applicants: GBP 18,600 a year (2026/27). BA/BSc (Hons) international fee per year; optional placement year charged at 20% of the annual tuition fee; increases by inflation in later years. Source

Intake: September

Duration: 3 years full-time / 4 years with placement year

Apply through the official page: https://www.leeds-art.ac.uk/apply/how-to-apply-undergraduate

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