Visual Communication Leeds Arts University

This practical multidisciplinary 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. You will be given opportunities to develop analogue and digital skills in a wide range of media throughout the course, including illustration, photography, video, graphic design, 3D making and event design. You will then apply these skills to a range of practical briefs using a carefully structured problem-solving approach, drawing upon our team’s extensive academic and industry experience.

Employability through work-related learning is another core aspect of the course. We provide regular opportunities to work on live projects, and students routinely engage with the local community, business clients, and external partners to produce solutions for real commercial enterprises.

Our successful alumni work in various industries, including illustration, television, photography, graphic design, film, animation, visual merchandising, and teaching. Graduate employers include leaders in all areas of the creative sector. In addition, many former students are now established freelance practitioners working for clients across the UK and overseas.

Entry requirements

We will consider all international qualifications specific to your country or region that are equivalent to those below. At enrolment, you should normally have achieved one of the following:

• A-levels: 104-120 UCAS points including an art/design-related subject
• European Baccalaureate: 70%
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: Successful completion of the IB Diploma Programme with a minimum of 26 points or the equivalent of 104-120 UCAS tariff points, including an art/design-related subject
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM
• BTEC Diploma: DD
• UAL Extended Diploma: Merit
• UAL Foundation Diploma: Distinction
• An international qualification equivalent to the above – please check how your qualifications match our entry requirements by selecting your country on our Information for International Students page

We will consider students who do not have art/design as part of their main study but have a portfolio that demonstrates their potential to succeed.

You will also need:

• Evidence of your English Language ability equivalent to IELTS 5.5 with no component less than 5.5. Please see the English Language Requirements section below for details of accepted qualifications
• A short portfolio (examples of work)
• One reference to support your application from an academic teacher, tutor or counsellor