Applications welcome from Year 12 students for Leeds Futures – Creative Arts

Applications are now open for Leeds Futures – Creative Arts, a programme designed to inspire and support Year 12 students interested in studying art-related courses at the University of Leeds.

Leeds Futures – Creative Arts provides an opportunity to learn about courses like Fine Art, History of Art, Sustainable Fashion, Fashion Marketing and Textile Innovation, or any of our other creative arts courses.

Through a series of online sessions and a campus taster day, participants will take part in taster lectures, seminars and practical sessions – these will reflect the diverse range of creative arts courses offered at the University of Leeds.

Successful Year 12 applicants to the programme will have the chance to meet current students and academics to find out all about student life and what it’s like to study creative arts courses at Leeds. There will be opportunities to explore our studios and facilities, and find out about career opportunities available to graduates.

Participants will be supported until the point of submitting their UCAS application in Year 13.

Pathway for Leeds Futures – Creative Arts programme 2025.

Now in its fourth year, Leeds Futures – Creative Arts is run by the Arts and Humanities Outreach Team, one of a group of teams within Educational Engagement dedicated to engaging students from schools and colleges in subject specific activities and events.

The programme is part of a wider outreach offer to schools and colleges that showcases the importance of arts and humanities and their value to society. A range of rich and varied programmes across the year encourages students to explore and analyse the world around them, as well as develop their critical thinking and creativity. Outreach sessions are run in partnership with schools from across the university, including the School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies.

I gained an insight into university life and I learned a lot about the courses.

Previous participants have described their experiences of the overall programme and sessions:

“It was nice meeting new people and taking part in different activities.”

“I found it very beneficial as I gained an insight into university life and I learned a lot about the courses. It was also, a nice way to get out of my comfort zone and meet new people, and I really enjoyed it.”

“It was such a fun experience and it is definitely one of my core memories.”

It was a nice way to get out of my comfort zone and meet new people.

Creative sessions in previous years have included a workshop on collaborative screen printing, experimenting with colour and composition through playful printmaking. One participant said:

“I loved the engagement in the session and all of the practical tasks we experienced.”

Printmaking workshop in the School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies, University of Leeds. Image © University of Leeds.

Dr Rebecca Starr, Lecturer in History of Art and Widening Participation Lead in the School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies, said:

“We’re really excited to welcome students to campus to get a sense of what it’s like to study creative arts subjects at university.

“You will have the opportunity to attend interactive workshops, information sessions and tours of campus.

“Even if you’re not sure of what you’d like to study, applying and being a part of Leeds Futures will be a great way of getting a taste of what you can be doing in the not-too-distant future.”

More information

Leeds Futures – Creative Arts is open to all Year 12 students from across the UK via an online application process. Please check the Leeds Futures eligibility guidelines before applying to make sure you meet the application guidelines.

Applicants should also be available to attend all the sessions across the duration of the programme, beginning with an online welcome event on 13 March and an on-campus Taster Day on 26 March.

The deadline for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 2 February 2025.

Find out more about the Leeds Futures - Creative Arts programme and how to apply.

Find out about courses in the School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies.

Feature image

Inside of of the fine art studios in the School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies, University of Leeds. Image © University of Leeds.