The School of Design Celebrates One Year of Professional Learning
The School of Design is proud to celebrate the first anniversary of it's Professional Learning Courses.
Launched in 2024, School of Design Professional Learning (originally PACE) extends the School’s world-class teaching and research beyond traditional undergraduate and postgraduate study. Its courses bring together academic theory, research and industry expertise through flexible, accessible professional learning designed to meet the evolving needs 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. Professional Learning builds on this legacy, translating the School’s academic strengths into opportunities for industry professionals and lifelong learners.
This approach enables individuals and organisations to access the latest thinking in design, research and innovation, while strengthening the School’s connections with industry. In turn, these collaborations ensure that teaching and research are not only world-leading in theory, but also relevant and transformative in practice.
Through a growing portfolio of on-campus, online and Level 7 professional courses, Professional Learning extends the University’s expertise to learners beyond its traditional student community.
Reflecting on the first year, Professor Maria Lonsdale, Director, 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 and Course Design
The team conducted extensive user testing to understand better how learners experience the courses. Through surveys, interviews and advanced tools such as eye-tracking technology, the team gained valuable insights into learner engagement and behaviour. These findings directly informed course development, helping to ensure that learning experiences are interactive, intuitive and impactful.
New On-Campus Courses
Professional Learning introduced new short on-campus courses in colour science, textile testing and design thinking, opening the School of Design’s state-of-the-art facilities to industry professionals. These sessions provide hands-on access to specialist expertise, facilities and resources, while creating opportunities to strengthen collaboration with industry partners.
CPD Accreditation
All Professional Learning courses achieved Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accreditation this year. This recognition assures learners and employers of the quality, rigour and professional relevance of the School’s courses.
Level 7 Professional Courses
Professional Learning launched cohort-based level 7 courses that provide postgraduate-level depth while maintaining flexibility for working professionals. Combining live online sessions and online self-paced learning, these more in-depth courses bring academic rigour into professional contexts. They enable learners to develop advanced knowledge and skills in areas such as expertise, leadership, and critical thinking.
Building for the Future
As Professional Learning enters its second year, the focus is on expanding opportunities for learners and strengthening partnerships with industry and organisations. Priorities include:
- Hosting virtual Open Days to showcase professional learning opportunities.
- Enhancing the website to improve navigation and access to courses.
- Continuing to develop and refine courses in response to learner feedback and emerging research.
- Expanding the portfolio across online and on-campus formats.
- Deepening international collaborations to extend the School’s global reach.
Professional Learning’s first year has been one of innovation, collaboration and growth. Looking ahead, it will continue to strengthen connections between the University of Leeds, and the industries and professionals it serves.
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