Creative Arts Futures programme launches for Year 12 students

An exciting new programme designed to inspire and support Year 12 students interested in studying creative arts courses, such as fine art and history of art, begins at the university this March.

Whether it’s Fine Art, Art and Design, History of Art, Cultural & Media Studies, Sustainable Fashion, Fashion Design Innovation, Fashion Marketing — or one of our other courses at Leeds  Creative Arts Futures offers an excellent opportunity to find out firsthand about studying creative arts subjects at university level.

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

Successful 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.

The programme is run by the University of Leeds’ award winning 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 team’s diverse and inspiring programme of outreach activity mirrors the extensive portfolio of courses in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities

Creative Arts Futures 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.

Delivered by experts in their field, outreach activities provide tasters of university study, information about how these subjects will support future careers, and insights from current students who are passionate about their degree subjects as they share their higher education journeys. Outreach sessions are run in partnership with schools from across the university, including a range of projects and initiatives with the School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies.

School of Fine Art History of Art and Cultural Studies building

School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies, University of Leeds. Image © University of Leeds.

Eleanor Johnson, Educational Engagement Officer in the Arts and Humanities Outreach team, said:

"Creative Arts Futures is a wonderful opportunity for Year 12 students to get a real taste of what it's like studying a creative subject at university. Students enrolled on the programme will have the opportunity to take part in inspiring workshops and talks and meet our current undergraduate students and staff, as well as see our excellent facilities."

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

“We're really excited to be able to showcase the facilities and diversity of degree programmes that young people can study in our school.

“Through the interactive lectures and seminars, those who join us in the Creative Arts Futures programme will be able to get a real sense of the vast array of subjects on offer and potential career paths. We are looking forward to engaging with the students taking part in the programme and sharing the exciting possibilities that come with studying creative arts at university.”

Creative Arts Futures is open to all Year 12 students from across the UK via an online application process. Should there be more applications than places, priority will be given to students who live in an area with low levels of progression on to Higher Education and/or meet one or more of our Access to Leeds criteria. Applicants should also be available to attend all the sessions, the first of which takes place on 14 March.

The deadline for applications is Sunday 5 February 2023. Full details about the Creative Arts Futures programme, including the application form, can be found on the Arts and Humanities Outreach website.

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Print workshop, School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies, University of Leeds. Image © University of Leeds.