School of Design Professional Learning marks two years with a new name
School of Design Professional Learning at the University of Leeds is marking its second anniversary with a new name that better reflects its place within the University.
A new name reflecting academic expertise
Previously known as PACE, the initiative is now entering its third year as School of Design Professional Learning. The change gives it a clearer identity, highlighting the academic expertise, research, and creative knowledge that underpin its professional learning offer.
School of Design Professional Learning brings the expertise and research of the University of Leeds to individuals and organisations around the world. It offers practical, research-informed learning opportunities for people looking to develop their skills, expand their knowledge or take the next step in their careers. Whether learners want to explore a new area, strengthen their existing expertise or gain additional professional development to support their CV, the courses provide opportunities to build knowledge and apply it in practice.
Alongside its offer for individuals, School of Design Professional Learning works with organisations to develop tailored learning and development solutions. By understanding businesses' and teams' needs, it helps organisations address skills gaps, strengthen existing capabilities, and equip employees with the knowledge and skills needed to respond to changing industry demands. This approach links the University's academic expertise to practical workplace challenges, supporting both individual development and broader organisational goals.
Drawing on the strengths of the University of Leeds School of Design, the team brings together academics, technical specialists, learning content designers and creative specialists. This multidisciplinary approach combines research with industry insight to create high-quality learning that connects academic knowledge with professional practice.
The course portfolio spans a range of design disciplines, including fashion, textiles and colour as well as design, branding and communication. All courses are CPD certified, meeting high educational and professional learning standards.
Expanding professional learning opportunities for the future
Over the past two years, the team has expanded its offer, covering online and on-campus learning options, and continues to grow by strengthening industry relationships and exploring new ways to make the University's knowledge accessible beyond the traditional academic environment.
This repositioning of our offer builds on the years of experience, knowledge and data across our teams and the wider University of Leeds strategic aims across professional learning. We are working to build a cohesive and collaborative offer, where learners can explore and experience courses and programmes across disciplines, and our realignment to School of Design Professional Learning is key to making this possible. Moving forward, we plan to build a strong portfolio that offers learners and organisations opportunities to develop their careers, skills, and training requirements, from introductory levels through to advanced level 7 courses. At a time when technological advancement and innovation move faster than ever, we will continue to develop learning designed to keep pace with change and help learners stay ahead.
Laura Wade – Associate Director Strategy & Operations
As School of Design Professional Learning enters its third year, the team is building on its experience and expertise to create new opportunities for individuals and organisations to learn, develop and thrive. With a growing portfolio of courses informed by academic research and industry needs, it is committed to making the University of Leeds' knowledge accessible to a wider audience and supporting professional development at every stage of a career.
Explore School of Design Professional Learning to discover the courses available, find the right learning opportunity for your goals, or discuss tailored training solutions for your organisation. Visit the website to find out more and take the next step in your professional development.
