Careers and employability

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Preparing you for your future

Employability underpins teaching and learning in the School of Design and we are committed to ensuring you are fully prepared for a career in the design sector.

We have excellent industrial partnerships and you'll engage with industry experts throughout your degree through activities such as visiting guest speakers and field trips. Many members of teaching staff are also former design industry professionals. We have one of the most successful Year in Industry programmes, with nearly one third of all undergraduate students taking one year out to gain experience throughout their degree. There are also opportunities to study abroad which is a fantastic opportunity to expand your horizons and demonstrates cultural awareness and independence to potential future employers. 

Your degree will provide you with advanced theoretical and practical skills in your area of study and you'll develop excellent transferable skills such as teamwork, project management and communication through working collaboratively on group projects. This combination of experience will make you a highly employable graduate.

Career support

Our experts in the University’s Careers Centre will support you to make informed decisions about your career path. They can provide you with advice about the range of opportunities available to you and support you in taking the steps you need to take to pursue your choices. You’ll also be encouraged to attend on-campus events such as graduate recruitment fairs, employer networking and information sessions, and meetings with our alumni to help you understand and plan your career path. 

Leeds University Union provides career-related support through the part-time job hub, student societies and other activities throughout the year.

Additionally, you’ll have opportunities to:

• Take part in our Fashion Forum lecture series, giving you the opportunity to hear directly from invited fashion and textile industry experts, who are keen to share their industry knowledge, tips and experience with you
• Develop entrepreneurial skills or start your own business with help from our SPARK business start-up service

Career destinations

Our graduates are highly regarded by employers and progress onto a wide range of careers, in 2017 83% of our graduates were in graduate level employment or further study within six months of graduating (DLHE). Examples of popular career choices for School of Design students are:

• Fashion
• Marketing
• Manufacturing
• Media and journalism
• Retail
• Product design
• Graphic design.

In recent years our students have gained graduate jobs with a variety of companies including:

• Abercrombie & Fitch
• French Connection
• Next
• River Island
• H&M
• Ted Baker
• Nike
• Hugo & Marie
• Marks & Spencer.