The School of Design Celebrates One Year of PACE
The School of Design is proud to celebrate the first anniversary of the Professional Academy for Creative Enterprise (PACE).
Launched in 2024, PACE was established to extend the School’s world-class teaching and research beyond traditional undergraduate and postgraduate study. PACE courses unite together academia and industry, by incorporating academic theory and expertise directly into flexible and accessible professional learning. Its courses are designed to equip learners with research-informed skills that respond directly to the demands of today’s creative and professional sectors. For decades, the School of Design has prepared students to think critically, design creatively, and address global challenges. PACE builds on this legacy by reimagining the School’s academic strengths for industry professionals.
This model supports lifelong learning, enabling individuals and organisations to access the latest thinking in design, research, and innovation. It also enhances the School’s collaborations with industry, ensuring teaching and research are not only world-leading in theory but also transformative in practice. Through a growing portfolio of on-campus, online, and advanced professional courses, PACE ensures that the University’s expertise benefits learners far beyond its student body.
Reflecting on the first year, Professor Maria Lonsdale, Director of PACE, said:
It’s about taking the knowledge we have in academia and making it accessible and applicable to what professionals are doing in industry—and how they can use it to advance their own knowledge and their mission within their company.
Achievements in the First Year
User Testing & Course Design
PACE conducted extensive user testing to gain a deeper understanding of how learners experience our courses. Through surveys, interviews, and advanced tools such as eye-tracking technology, PACE gained deep insights into learner engagement. These findings directly informed course improvements, ensuring learning is interactive, intuitive, and impactful.
On-Campus Courses Launched
PACE introduced new short on-campus courses on colour science, textile testing, and design thinking, opening up the School of Design’s state-of-the-art facilities to professionals. These sessions provide hands-on access to expertise and resources while strengthening collaboration with industry partners.
Flexible Online Micro-Courses
PACE launched micro-courses designed to fit into busy schedules, each delivering practical knowledge in just 1–2 hours. The free Define & Discover series has already helped hundreds of learners explore new areas of interest, offering accessible pathways into professional learning.
CPD Accreditation
All PACE professional and executive courses achieved Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accreditation this year. This recognition assures learners and employers of the quality, rigour, and professional relevance of PACE’s programmes.
Advanced Professional Courses Launched
PACE launched cohort-based advanced courses that provide postgraduate-level depth while maintaining flexibility for working professionals. These courses combine live online sessions, collaborative projects, and optional on-campus workshops. They deliver academic rigour tailored to professional contexts, enabling learners to develop advanced expertise, leadership, and critical thinking.
Building for the Future
As PACE enters its second year, the focus is on expanding opportunities and strengthening partnerships. Priorities include:
- Hosting virtual Open Days to showcase advanced professional learning.
- Enhancing the website for improved navigation and access to courses.
- Continuously updating course design informed by learner feedback and new research.
- Expanding the course portfolio across online and on-campus formats.
- Deepening international collaborations to extend global reach.
PACE’s first year has been one of innovation, collaboration, and growth. Looking forward, PACE is committed to building stronger connections between the School of Design, the University of Leeds, and the industries and professionals it serves.
Stay connected by subscribing to the PACE mailing list or following PACE on Instagram and LinkedIn.
