Careers and Employability Support

At Leeds Arts University, we are committed to equipping our students with the skills, experience, and networks needed to thrive in the creative industries. Our dedicated Careers and Employability Service provides comprehensive support throughout your studies and beyond graduation. From personalized career coaching to industry workshops, we help you navigate the competitive world of arts, design, and media. Whether you're aiming for a role in fashion, animation, graphic design, or fine art, our team ensures you're prepared for a successful launch into your professional journey.

Our approach emphasizes practical experience, fostering creativity alongside professional acumen. We collaborate closely with industry partners to align our programs with real-world demands, ensuring graduates are not just talented but employable. In the latest Graduate Outcomes survey, over 95% of our undergraduates were in work or further study within 15 months of graduating, a testament to our robust placement and support framework.

Placement Opportunities

Placements are integral to many of our undergraduate and postgraduate programs, offering hands-on experience in professional environments. These opportunities allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in real settings, build portfolios, and gain invaluable insights into industry practices.

• Mandatory Placements: Courses like BA (Hons) Fashion Design and BA (Hons) Animation include structured placements, typically lasting 8-12 weeks in the final year.
• Elective Placements: Students across disciplines can opt for summer or semester-long placements, supported by our placements coordinator who matches interests with opportunities.
• International Options: Partnerships with institutions in Europe and beyond enable global placements, such as design studios in Berlin or animation houses in Canada.

Recent placements have included collaborations with renowned organizations like the Victoria and Albert Museum, BBC Creative, and local Leeds-based agencies such as Seven Leeds. These experiences not only enhance CVs but also often lead to full-time job offers.

Internship Programs

Our internship scheme bridges the gap between education and employment, providing paid and voluntary opportunities tailored to creative fields. The Creative Internships Network, in partnership with regional creative hubs, offers positions in advertising, digital media, and performing arts.

• Duration and Structure: Internships range from 4 weeks to 6 months, with flexible scheduling to fit academic calendars.
• Application Process: Students apply through our online portal, with CV and portfolio reviews by industry mentors.
• Success Stories: Alumni like Sarah Jenkins, now a lead illustrator at a top London agency, credit her internship at a Leeds graphic design firm for kickstarting her career.

We prioritize diversity and inclusion, ensuring internships are accessible to all, with funding support for underrepresented students through bursaries.

Graduate Destinations and Employability Statistics

Leeds Arts University boasts impressive graduate outcomes, with many alumni securing roles in prestigious firms or launching successful freelance careers. Our focus on entrepreneurship also empowers students to start their own ventures, supported by incubation programs.

Program Area	Employment Rate (15 months post-graduation)	Top Destinations
Fashion and Textiles	96%	Burberry, ASOS, Freelance Design Studios
Animation and Visual Effects	94%	Aardman Animations, Framestore, BBC
Graphic Design and Illustration	97%	Penguin Books, The Guardian, Local Agencies
Fine Art and Photography	92%	Galleries, Tate Modern, Independent Artists

These figures are drawn from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) data for 2022/23, highlighting our strong track record. Additionally, 85% of graduates report that their degree was pivotal in securing their first role in the creative sector.

Skills Development and Workshops

To bolster employability, we offer a range of workshops and resources designed to build essential skills. These include:

• Portfolio Building: Expert sessions on curating standout portfolios for industry submission.
• CV and Interview Prep: Mock interviews with alumni and professionals, plus tailored CV reviews.
• Entrepreneurship Training: Modules on business planning, funding, and marketing for creative startups.
• Digital Skills: Courses in Adobe Suite, 3D modeling, and social media strategy.

Our annual Careers Fair connects students with over 50 employers, from global brands to indie studios, facilitating direct networking.

Industry Partnerships and Alumni Network

Strategic alliances with industry leaders ensure our curriculum remains cutting-edge. Partners include the Creative Industries Federation and Leeds City Council's cultural initiatives, providing guest lectures, live briefs, and mentorship schemes.

The vibrant Alumni Network offers ongoing support, with events like portfolio critiques and job-sharing forums. Many graduates return as visiting tutors, closing the loop on knowledge transfer.

In summary, Leeds Arts University's placement services are designed to transform creative passion into professional success. By integrating placements, internships, and targeted support, we prepare you for a dynamic career in the arts. Join us and step confidently into the creative world.