Fashion Design Innovation BA
Year of entry 2026
2027 course information- UCAS code
- W200
- Start date
- September 2026
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 3 Years (Full time)
- Work placements
- Optional
- Study abroad
- Optional
- Typical A-level offer
- ABB (specific subject requirements)
- Typical Access to Leeds offer
- BBC at A Level and a Pass in the Access to Leeds module.
Full entry requirements - Contact
- designundergrad@leeds.ac.uk
Course overview

Make your mark as you embrace cutting-edge fashion technology and fully realise your creativity to solve the biggest challenges facing the fashion industry today.
The fashion world is fraught with issues around ethics, sustainability, economic upheaval and the global supply chain. Explore how to tackle them by gaining a deeper understanding of the latest developments in fashion and textile design.
You’ll draw from the latest research and studies, investigating fashion and textile design, diverse fashion markets and sustainability. You’ll balance this with creative experimentation as you hone your virtual and physical design craft. Then, gain the confidence to produce innovative solutions that weave your practical skills with the latest digital technologies.
You’ll be supported to practice your handiwork independently within our creative spaces, such as our sculpture, fashion design, and knit and weave studios. Our digital print, laser cutting and 3D print, and printmaking workshops are also on hand for you to test your skills and bounce new ideas off your peers.
Global pollution and waste, shifting consumer habits, economic upheaval and the labour exploitation mean the fashion world lives in provocative times. But you’ll champion forward-thinking social, ethical and sustainable fashion design, and upon graduation, you’ll be ready and prepared to build a better fashion industry.
The campus was very appealing, and the School of Design was housed in a beautiful building. The staff and students were friendly and had answers to all my questions. It was a much more positive experience than I’d had at other open days. The chance to do a year in industry also helped me to choose this course over others.
Why study at Leeds
- Be at the forefront of fashion technology: Engage with the latest developments in fashion and textiles to discover material innovations and technological breakthroughs.
- Specialist facilities: Put your skills to the test with our laser cutting and 3D print workshop, XLab for Immersive Technologies and other practical studios. Take a virtual tour of our facilities.
- Access to experts: Glean insights from industry-recognised visiting speakers from across the world.
- Professional membership: As a Fashion Design Innovation student, gain membership to the Association of Suppliers to the British Clothing Industry.
Scholarships for 2026 Entry
Apply for one of two Clothworkers' Company scholarships for UK students to support textiles by funding technical education, skills development and innovative design.
Course details and modules
We highly value research activities and contextual studies as integral to contemporary creative practice. We believe that this means you’ll graduate with the flexibility, adaptability and resilience that employers are looking for.
Throughout the course, you’ll have the opportunity to choose optional modules in a range of related subjects such as strategic fashion management, material explorations, and 20th century fashion history. Discovery modules from across the University include popular subject choices such as business management and sustainability.
We also offer you the opportunity to take part in the Study Abroad scheme or our successful placement year (Year in Industry) between Levels 2 and Level 3; for many students the placement year is a great opportunity to experience the reality of the fashion and textiles industry.
Year 1
In your first year you’ll build a foundation of digital and practical design knowledge and skills, learning about approaches that are changing the way we produce and think about fashion. You’ll explore the fashion and textile industries, examining where change is needed and how we can adapt to meet these challenges. As you progress, you’ll be introduced to key issues in design history, culture and technology and you’ll develop skills in visual communication, research and analysis, critical thinking and academic writing. You’ll develop your own creative fashion design work and have the opportunity to co-create with fellow classmates, building your understanding of the cooperative negotiation needed within wider design practice.
Year 2
In your second year, you’ll build on the experience gained at Level 1, extending your knowledge and creative development. You’ll learn how to apply a range of different research methods to explore the role design plays in our lives, developing your understanding of designing for positive change. You’ll utilise specialist software and practical hands-on skills to address industry-focused fashion design projects that require speculative problem solving, considering future impacts and solutions for a range of contexts.
Year 3
All of this will prepare you for your final year, in which you’ll apply all the practical and academic skills you’ve learned. This will culminate in several large independent projects that draw on both research and practice skills.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
Fashion Essentials: Design, Materials and Production (40 credits) - This module builds a foundation of digital and practical knowledge and skills in the key areas of fashion design development, garment construction and textiles for fashion. You’ll explore practices and processes in the fashion and textile industries and examine where change is needed, developing your creativity through research and practical projects incorporating individual and group work. You’ll learn about digital approaches that are changing the way we design, produce, and think about fashion. You'll engage with problems such as waste reduction and fashion surplus, exploring how the industry is adapting to meet these challenges, and enabling you to propose potential design-focused solutions.
Design Studies: Foundation (20 credits) - This module provides opportunities to develop the foundational skills of scholarly research, academic writing and critical thinking. You’ll be immersed in key issues and debates informing the changing values and future of design and consider how these have been influenced by social and historical forces. It will equip you with the skills to read and understand academic texts and apply theoretical ideas to your own design practice. You’ll also be introduced to research methods for finding and analysing texts and images.
You’ll develop your awareness of the complexity of challenges that design and society faces and your ability to analyse the relevance of and make connections between the contexts, issues and subject fields that will shape your future studies and professional careers.
Creative Challenges and Communication (20 credits) - This module involves a range of rapid and team-led design jams as you are taught a variety of design thinking skills that are both broad and discipline-specific. Being able to visually communicate design solutions in a range of formats is fundamental to this module – principles of type choice, layout and image usage are taught.
You must take one module (each 20 credits) in a defined specialist area of study. These may include modules in areas such as:
The Fashion Industry
Materiality in Design
You will also take another 20 credit optional module in the School of Design or 20 credits from the University's range of discovery modules.
Optional modules
(20 credits each)
Introduction to Photography
Colour Design and Application
Creative Thinking
Please note that the above are optional modules and will only run subject to sufficient enrolments. If a module has low student demand, it may not be offered, and you may be asked to choose an alternative
Year 2
Compulsory modules
Fashion Experimentation: Challenges and Transformations (40 credits) - In this module you’ll research, experiment and challenge current thinking and practices in fashion. You’ll learn about the materials innovations and technology research that’s informing fashion and textile futures and advance your digital and practical skills from Level 1. Extending your knowledge and creative development through a series of design projects, you'll utilise specialist software and practical hands-on skills to address industry-focused briefs that require speculative problem-solving, thinking forward to future impacts and solutions encompassing local to global perspectives.
Design Studies: Exploration (20 credits) - This module will develop your research and analysis skills and show you how these can be used to tackle the complex challenges faced by society today. You'll learn how to apply a range of different research methods to explore the role design plays in our lives. This module will equip you with an understanding of how you can use design research to create positive change in the world and the confidence to put this knowledge into practice.
Design for Interaction and Experience (20 credits) - This module teaches skills in planning and designing post digital experiences. Team-based demonstrations introduce you to the potential of emerging technologies that may shape the future of design. You will engage with new media theories that help contextualise your work. Practical principles of designing for physical interaction (such as designing installations or digital experiences) are introduced and you learn how best to present your creative responses using a range of techniques.
You must take one module (20 credits) in a defined specialist area of study. These may include modules in areas such as:
20th Century Fashion
Fashion Management Issues & Strategies
You will also take another 20 credit optional module in the School of Design or 20 credits from the University's range of discovery modules.
Optional modules
(20 credits each)
Strategic Marketing for the Creative Industries
Digital Photography
Designing for Colour
Contemporary Illustration
Collage Culture
University of Leeds Discovery Module
Please note that the above are optional modules and will only run subject to sufficient enrolments. If a module has low student demand, it may not be offered, and you may be asked to choose an alternative
Year 3
Compulsory modules
Major Research Project (40 credits) - In your final year, you’ll carry out an academic research project, building on the research and analytical skills developed throughout your studies. You’ll select from a range of project types, enabling you to focus on a subject of specific interest, developing the skills required for your future career.
Fashion Design Contexts: Self Directed Project (40 credits) - This module consolidates and builds on knowledge gained at Levels 1 and 2 of the course, encouraging focused and autonomous enquiry to formulate innovative fashion design solutions for a context of your choice. You’ll take ownership of the entire process, developing a negotiated brief that identifies your key design objectives and encompasses each stage of the design process, from research and concept development through to final outcomes.
Fashion Design Innovation (20 credits) - The premise of this module is to undertake research and development work that will inform your direction in the 40 credit Fashion Design Contexts: Self Directed project module. This will include practical and/or digital experimentation, and examine innovation in fashion design thinking, processes and outcomes. There is a focus on socially, ethically and environmentally responsible approaches, which address current real-world needs or future fashion scenarios.
You will also take another 20 credit optional module in the School of Design or 20 credits from the University's range of discovery modules.
Optional modules
(20 credits each)
Contemporary Advertising
Collaborative Marketing and Promotion
Fashion Styling and Photography
Social Design
University of Leeds Discovery Module
Please note that the above are optional modules and will only run subject to sufficient enrolments. If a module has low student demand, it may not be offered, and you may be asked to choose an alternative
Learning and teaching
Creative problem solving and design thinking methods are central to our teaching in the School of Design. Your learning will be enhanced by a range of contemporary teaching methods which encourage active learning and are underpinned by inclusive and authentic learning activities, including team working, creative sprints and industry facing scenarios.
We follow a campus-based blended learning approach, you’ll have a range of resources in the virtual learning environment which are accessible at all times, including videos and pre-work to help you prepare. You’ll attend lectures designed to invite engagement and participation, seminars which enable you to delve deeper into key topics, workshops to learn and practise design making and critiques and tutorials to discuss work in progress.
Collaboration with staff and your peers is the foundation of our teaching and learning, giving students input into their learning journey. Some of your core modules will be studied with your classmates from other design disciplines, so you will benefit from our community of learners, encountering diverse perspectives and exchanging your ideas with global industry practices in mind. Your module tutors have dedicated office hours, which means there is always the opportunity to ask questions.
A typical week in your first year may include eight to 12 hours of in-person and online study, one to three hours of specific workshop and studio activities, regular personal tutor sessions and private study. You’ll also have the ongoing support of your Academic Personal Tutor.
Private study is important at university and a potentially significant change from the way you have been taught previously. This is time where you can reflect and critique materials from taught session, including further reading, writing, designing and making. You’ll be guided through this process by your tutors to help you develop your knowledge and research skills. The ability to work independently is a key skill for your development as a creative professional and thinker.
There is an active visiting speaker programme, formed of industry and academic experts, including School of Design alumni.
Specialist facilities
The School of Design offers excellent facilities and technical support for sharpening your creative skills. Have the freedom to work independently in our range of dedicated and inspiring spaces. You’ll also have access to practical workshop studios and specialist facilities, including our:
- sculpture programme studio
- 2D programme studio
- fashion design studio
- knit and weave studio
- photography studio
- digital print workshop
- laser cutting and 3D print workshop
- printmaking workshop
- XLab for Immersive Technologies
- 3D workshop
You can consult our expert technicians who are equipped with the skills that can help bring your work to life.
The School also provides valuable support to enhance your student experience and prepare you for the workplace:
- free dedicated software
- technical induction programmes
- free access to LinkedIn Learning
- free cameras and video recorder on loan
- supporting a Degree Show
- external promotion
- Yorkshire Fashion Archive and Membership to the Association of Suppliers to the British Clothing Industry
- visiting speakers from industry or other institutions around the world
Programme team
On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed through a variety of methods, these include visual 2D and 3D responses, portfolios of text and image, blogs, short videos, presentations as well as more traditional essays, reports and occasional exams. Some of your assessments will be based upon collaboration with your peers. This collaboration could be in the development of artefacts, proposals and/or various forms of visual and textual communication in response to problem-based issues.
The nature of assessment will change as you progress through your course:
- at Level 1 assessments focus on your understanding and acquisition of new knowledge and practical, digital, academic and professional skills
- at Level 2 assessments focus more on establishing how well you understand, analyse and apply this new knowledge and new skills in relation to real-world, local and global settings
- in your final year study becomes more self-directed with forms of assessment often being negotiated and agreed with tutors
Throughout each year of study, it’s to be expected that you’ll find that assessments are progressively more challenging. To support you as you navigate assessment at the different levels of study, we provide formative as well as summative assessment. Formative assessment gives staff an opportunity to give you feedback on personal progress, in good time before a summative deadline. Given the range of assessment types in any one level of study, formative assessment and feedback enables you to reflect upon your personal progress and establish which forms of assessment allow you to play to your strengths.
Authentic assessment means relevant assessment, in terms of contemporary contexts and relevant to your personal interests and your future aspirations. The authenticity of assessment is an important consideration in how we design assignments and project briefs. This means that we think carefully about the relevance of assessment outcomes; not only in academic terms but also in terms of your chosen career path, skill development needs and the future of work in your chosen discipline. Where appropriate, there will be an element of choice in your assessment. Some projects will allow you to choose the focus and format of your submission.
Dialogic teaching methods emphasise in-class discussion and support staff / student debate. This approach to teaching and learning enables staff to hear all student voices. In turn, for some modules, this in-class dynamic may facilitate and inform the co-production of assessment tasks. Co-production of assessment tasks means that staff and students work together to devise fair and inclusive assessment; both formative and summative. This allows staff to consider the requirements of a module alongside opportunities to allow students to harness their strengths.
While remaining considerate of module and course learning outcomes, where relevant and beneficial, we strive to adopt a flexible approach to assessment design. This flexibility allows us to respond to student voice, maintain an agility that allows us to react to global, social and cultural change and respond swiftly to opportunities to devise projects with our industrial partners. We aim for all assessment to be relevant, meaningful and engaging.
Entry requirements
A-level: ABB including art/design subject or media. Excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking.
If you don’t have an art or design-related subject but you are taking Media Studies A-level, we may also consider your application based on a high grade at GCSE in Art/Design and a portfolio of recent and relevant work. Please contact us for more information about portfolio submission.
GCSE: at least 5 at Grade 4 (C) or above including English
Alternative qualification
Access to HE Diploma
Pass diploma with 60 credits overall, including at least 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. An interview and a piece of written work may be required.
BTEC
DDM in art/design. Excluding Art Foundation Diploma; please see Other Qualifications section.
Example combination offers
Distinction in BTEC Extended Certificate/Subsidiary Diploma plus BB in two A Levels or Merit in BTEC Extended Certificate/Subsidiary Diploma plus AA in two A Levels
Distinction Distinction in BTEC Diploma plus C at A Level or Distinction Merit in the BTEC Diploma plus A at A Level
Cambridge Pre-U
M1, M1, M2 including art/design or media.
International Baccalaureate
34 points overall with 16 at Higher Level including 5 in Visual Arts and 4 in English.
Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3 including art/design or media.
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
BB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers OR B in Advanced Highers and AAABB in Highers OR AABBBB in Highers.
Welsh Baccalaureate
The Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (SCC) / Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is acceptable in place of an A level. Applicants must achieve a grade B alongside AB at A level (excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking).
Other Qualifications
UAL Extended Diploma: Distinction in the UAL Extended Diploma (or High Merit where available).
Art Foundation course: Whilst we welcome applications from students who have completed an Art Foundation course it is not a requirement for entry and doesn’t usually count towards entry requirements.
In exceptional cases, we may make you an offer conditional on achieving an Art Foundation qualification: we may consider your application if you’re taking a validated Art Foundation course and have ABB or above at A-level not including Art or Design.
Extended Project Qualification: If you’re taking the EPQ, we may make you an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. In this case that would be BBB, plus EPQ grade A.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
If you live in a neighbourhood where there is low participation in higher education, we may be able to give priority to your application.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.
Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year
This course is designed for students whose backgrounds mean they are less likely to attend university (also known as widening participation backgrounds) and who do not currently meet admissions criteria for direct entry to a degree.
The course will give you the opportunity to be taught by academic staff and provides intensive support to enable your development of academic skills and knowledge. On successful completion of your foundation year, you will progress to your chosen degree course. Find out more about the Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year
Alternative Entry Scheme for Mature Students
If you are a mature applicant (over 21) and you don’t have the required A Levels or GCSE English and maths qualifications, you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme (subject to meeting the eligibility criteria for the scheme). As part of this, you may be asked to take tests in English and maths and to write an essay.
Contact the Lifelong Learning Centre for more information.
International
We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications, please visit our international equivalencies page to find out more about entry requirements for your region.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
Fees
UK: £9,790
International: £28,750 (per year)
The amount of tuition fees you pay is based on whether you are classified as a home (UK) or international student. Find out how we assess your fee status.
Tuition fees for UK students
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2026/27 are £9,790.
Subsequent years
The UK government sets the maximum tuition fee caps that universities can charge UK students. This means your tuition fee in future academic years will reflect any changes set by the government.
The government has confirmed that the fee for 2027/28 will be £10,050.
From 2028/29 onwards, tuition fees are likely to increase annually, at least in line with inflation, and may rise further if the government increases the fee cap.
Tuition fees for international students
The international fee applies for each year of full-time study and will remain the same for the duration of your course.
Read more about tuition fees.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
We expect that you will have to pay for the printing and production of visual and written coursework. Toile fabrics are provided at wholesale costs, but in final year you may wish to use a particular fabric. We encourage you to find sponsorship if possible.
There are optional study trips abroad which will involve an additional cost: details will be provided as these are arranged.
Additional cost information
There are additional costs of study that students need to cover. We estimate that these additional costs could be as described below, but this amount may vary depending on how you decide to respond to university briefs and the range of materials and techniques you decide to adopt.
Equipment and material costs
Students need to cover the cost of printing their work during the course, including specialist print workshop costs. Students also need to cover costs of copying and supplying their own basic materials (eg pens, pencils, cutting tools, paper, ruler) and more course specific materials (eg sketchbooks, specialist papers, specialist fabrics, sculpting materials, specialist tools), as well as print portfolios.
The approximate cost of these items in recent years has been:
• Level 1 – £100 - £170
• Level 2 – £150 - £250
• Level 3 – £250 - £600
Computers and digital equipment
To ensure you can make the most of your studies at Leeds, you’ll need to make sure your laptop meets the system requirements for your course.
Some of our courses require the development of work using industry standard specialist software. As/if required by your course, the School will provide this to you when you arrive. We also use a blended learning model where you’ll need to access course materials and video conference using a computer or mobile device (eg laptop, tablet, smartphone). Costs for a laptop will vary depending on the exact specification. You should expect to pay between £1500 -2,500.
If you’re buying a new laptop for your studies, then we recommend that you wait until you’re registered as a student so that you take advantage of discounts given to university students. Delaying purchasing also allows you to find out from your course leader what you need. Depending on your circumstances you can benefit from a laptop loan or further support from our Financial Assistance Fund.
You’ll also have access to further digital equipment in our studios and using our loan scheme. You may decide to purchase your own equipment (from Year 1 or as your studies progress) which will result in additional costs. Examples include a drawing tablet (£150 - £500) and digital camera (£200 - £1500).
There may be additional costs related to your course or course of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Scholarships are also available to help fund your degree. Find out more and check your eligibility below:
Applying
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
Read our guidance about applying.
Documents and information you’ll need
If you have not studied art/design at A-level (or equivalent), we may also consider your application based on a high grade at GCSE along with a portfolio of relevant work. Please contact us for more information on portfolio submission.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Computers and digital equipment
To ensure you can make the most of your studies at Leeds, you’ll need to make sure your laptop meets the system requirements for your course.
This courses require the development of work using industry standard specialist software. As/if required by your course, the School will provide this to you when you arrive. We also use a blended learning model where you’ll need to access course materials and video conference using a computer or mobile device (eg laptop, tablet, smartphone). Costs for a laptop will vary depending on the exact specification. You should expect to pay between £1,500–£2,500.
If you’re buying a new laptop for your studies, then we recommend that you wait until you’re registered as a student so that you take advantage of discounts given to university students. Delaying purchasing also allows you to find out from your course leader what you need. Depending on your circumstances you may be able to benefit from a Student Loan or Bursary, or the University Financial Assistance Fund.
You’ll also have access to further digital equipment in our studios and by using our loan scheme. You may decide to purchase your own equipment (from Year 1 or as your studies progress) which will result in additional optional costs. Examples include a drawing tablet (£150–£500) or a digital camera (£200–£1500).
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2026
This course is taught by
Contact us
School of Design Undergraduate Admissions
Email: designundergrad@leeds.ac.uk
Career opportunities
Flexibility, resilience and transferable skills are desirable traits for creative professionals. As a School of Design student, you’ll gain crucial industry knowledge and the practical skills to flourish in a variety of careers.
Design-forward thinking, research skills and critical reasoning will stand you out from the crowd. We’ll help you gain the edge in many industries, including your chosen career path.
As you cultivate your professional understanding and broaden your practical and research knowhow, you’ll be prepared for an exciting career in the world of fashion.
You’ll become a confident communicator with excellent presentation skills as well as an analytical problem-solver with a robust mind for research.
Finally, you’ll sharpen your visual, critical and commercial awareness and come to fully understand the key factors driving today’s fashion industry.
Where this degree could take you
Our graduates have pursued a rich variety of careers in the fashion industry, including; design, pattern cutting, garment technology, buying, trend forecasting, PR and journalism. They’ve gone on to work for companies like:
- Abercrombie & Fitch
- Puma
- Cos
- All Saints
- Next
- Jenny Packman
- Burberry
- New Look
- Next
- River Island
- Ted Baker
- Tommy Hilfiger
- Warehouse
- French Connection
- H&M
- Christopher Kane
- Hobbs
- Mint Velvet
- Victoria Beckham
- Marks and Spencer
- Oliver Bonas
- Whistles
- Superdry
- Urban Outfitters
- Paul Smith
Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years
by the UK's leading employers
Careers support
At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.
Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.
- Dedicated Employability Team – meet with our qualified careers consultants and specialist employability and placements officers, on hand to help you choose the right path and develop the skills to get there. They can support with CV and cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile building, mock interviews and navigating AI: get confident with tailored advice and techniques.
- Employability and networking events – get involved in a full range of events, including careers fairs and specialist industry talks with employers who are actively recruiting. You’ll also benefit from mentoring and a supportive careers community, helping you make connections, build your network, and shape your journey as a future professional.
- Skills training – we embed transferable skills training in all our programmes to support your transition to the workplace. Gain expertise employers value, such as communication, problem-solving and research and data analysis.
- MyCareer system —– access a dedicated portal where you can book careers appointments, view helpful resources and browse vacancies and events. Access digital tools, including LinkedIn support, video‑interview preparation, plus global job market and visa guidance. We also offer pre‑arrival support to help you prepare for career planning in the UK and make the most of your time with us.
- Exclusive opportunities – bring your enterprise to market with our award-winning business advice service, Spark. Apply for vacancies only available to our students. And hone your skills further with Leeds University Union, home to volunteering opportunities and over 300 clubs and societies.
Explore more about your employability opportunities at the University of Leeds.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
Studying abroad is a unique opportunity to explore the world, whilst gaining invaluable skills and experience that could enhance your future employability and career prospects too.
From Europe to Asia, the USA to Australasia, we have many University partners worldwide you can apply to, spanning across some of the most popular destinations for students.
This programme offers you the option to spend time abroad as an extra academic year and will extend your studies by 12 months.
Once you’ve successfully completed your year abroad, you'll be awarded the ‘international’ variant in your degree title upon completion which demonstrates your added experience to future employers.
Work placements
Make connections, practice skills and build future confidence in your future with an industrial placement year as part of your course.
A work placement can be a great investment in your future:
- Choose from 100+ organisations in the UK and overseas.
- Build industry contacts within your chosen field.
- Be in direct contact with potential employers thanks to our close industry links.
- Advance your experience and skills by putting course teachings into practice.
- Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in your chosen industry.
- Improve your employability.
- All placements sourced by the University are paid positions
- We also offer shorter-term placement opportunities.
Our Employability Team are here to help you every step of the way. They run several placement sessions to answer your questions, discuss available opportunities and support you with CV writing and interview preparation.
If you decide to undertake a placement year, your period of study will be extended by 12 months.
If your application is successful, during placement, you'll be supported by an industrial supervisor from within the company, plus an academic supervisor who will keep in touch throughout.
On successful completion of your placement year, you'll be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.
Students in our Faculty have recently completed placements at:
- JD Sports Fashion
- Ralph Lauren
- Primark
- French Connection
- E.L.V Denim
We can’t guarantee a work placement. The job market is competitive – and there may be competition for the placement you want. You’ll have to apply the same way you would for any job post, with your CV and, if successful, attend an interview with the organisation. That said, we encourage everyone to apply.