How to apply for art and design at Leeds Beckett University: Leeds School of Arts degrees in Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration and Animation, Fashion and Product Design need 104–112 UCAS points and a portfolio, direct applications are free, and a 55–70% Gaokao score is considered – portfolio requirements and timeline for students in China, Canadian high school students and transfer students

Leeds Beckett University is in Leeds in the north of England. Its art and design degrees are run by the Leeds School of Arts and taught at City Campus in the city centre. This guide covers September 2027 entry (2027/28) using Leeds Beckett's own pages, for students at high schools in China, students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver), and transfer students. The Leeds Beckett UCAS institution code is L27.

1. Courses

The Art and Design subject page lists these BA (Hons) degrees, each three years long and starting on 20 September 2027 (UCAS codes in brackets):

• Fine Art (W100): painting, sculpture, installation, photography, printmaking, performance, digital and other media; no traditional exams
• Graphic Design (W210)
• Illustration and Animation (W226)
• Fashion Design (N5W6)
• Fashion Communication and Content (N5W7)
• Fashion Marketing and Enterprise (N5W8)
• Product Design (W241)

Every course offers an optional paid placement year, usually between the second and third years, making four years in total. The site doesn't describe a shared first-year foundation; each course runs separately from year one. The course pages don't say whether you can switch courses after enrolling, so ask the international admissions team.

2. Portfolio required for most courses

• The pages for Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration and Animation, Fashion Design, Fashion Communication and Content, and Product Design all say Portfolio Required: every suitable applicant submits a portfolio of artwork and photographs of artwork that shows enthusiasm for the subject.
• The entry requirements for Fashion Marketing and Enterprise don't mention a portfolio.
• The number of pieces, format and upload platform aren't published; the site says further guidance is given when you are asked to submit, so you normally apply first and submit later.
• The course pages also say the school asks successful applicants to attend an on-campus session with the Leeds School of Arts to use the facilities, meet staff and students and take taster sessions. The site doesn't say what happens if overseas applicants can't attend, so check with the university.
• No interview is mentioned.

3. Entry requirements

• A-Level / UCAS points: 104–112 UCAS points for every course, with at least 64–72 from two A Levels (excluding General Studies).
• IB: 104–112 UCAS points, or 28 in the IB Diploma.
• Art and design foundation: the Fine Art and Graphic Design pages say a Diploma in Foundation Studies with Distinction is also accepted.
• English: IELTS 6.0 with no band below 5.5, or equivalent.
• Students in China (China entry requirements; requirements can vary by course):
  • A Gaokao score of 55–70% for first-year undergraduate entry;
  • or a high school diploma at 70%;
  • or a pass in a first year of university or an accredited preparatory programme.
  • Below that, foundation courses ask for a 60–70% senior year (Grade 12) result and UKVI IELTS 4.5 (4.5 in each band).
• Students in Canada (Canada entry requirements):
  • British Columbia: five B grades;
  • Ontario: six grades of 60% or above in U, U/C or M courses;
  • Quebec DEC: 70% or above;
  • a General High School Diploma: five subjects at 70% or above.
  • The site doesn't say whether Canadian students taught in English are exempt from IELTS; check with international admissions before applying.

4. How and when to apply

• Through UCAS: all full-time undergraduate applications from UK and international students can go through UCAS. The international application page still quotes the 2025-entry UCAS fee of £28.50 for up to five choices; check UCAS for the 2027 fee.
• Direct: if Leeds Beckett is the only UK university you are applying to, you can apply through its Applicant Portal free of charge and for more than one course, but you must not also hold an offer through UCAS.
• Deadlines: the international page says most courses have no international application deadline and recommends applying at least three months before the course starts; some international scholarships have their own deadlines. The 2027 UCAS deadline isn't given on these pages, so check UCAS.

5. Fees and scholarships

• Tuition: all seven courses charge international students £17,345 a year for 2027/28, reduced to £2,602 for the placement year. UK students pay £10,050 a year.
• Extra costs: the Fine Art page, for example, lists £20–200 a year for materials and printing, £30 a year for competitions and £150–750 for course trips.
• International Student Scholarship: listed on both the China and Canada scholarship pages. It is worth £1,000 a year for undergraduates and needs no separate application; it is deducted from your fees if you meet the conditions:
  • you pay the overseas fee;
  • you study full time;
  • you are self-funded (fees paid by a sponsor, employer or government don't qualify);
  • placement and repeat years are excluded.
• Sports scholarships, Chevening and other schemes are on the scholarships page.

6. Transfers

• The China entry requirements page lists a pass in a first year of university or an accredited preparatory programme as a route into first-year undergraduate study.
• A Diploma or SQA AD certificate (pass) is also listed for first-year undergraduate entry.
• Whether you can join the second or third year isn't stated on the course or country pages we read. Contact international admissions (international@leedsbeckett.ac.uk) with details of your completed study and work.

7. Checklist by background

Students at high schools in China:

• A 55–70% Gaokao score or a 70% high school diploma for undergraduate entry; IELTS 6.0 (5.5 in each band)
• Prepare a portfolio and submit it when the university asks; Fashion Marketing and Enterprise doesn't require one
• Apply direct for free if Leeds Beckett is your only choice; most courses have no international deadline, but apply at least three months ahead

Students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver):

• BC requires five B grades; Ontario requires six U/M courses at 60% or above
• The portfolio comes after you apply; the £1,000-a-year International Student Scholarship is automatic

Transfer students:

• A completed first year of university is accepted for first-year entry; ask international admissions about joining year two or three

Sources: Leeds Beckett University, Leeds School of Arts – Art and Design; BA Fine Art; BA Graphic Design; BA Illustration and Animation; BA Fashion Design; BA Product Design; International application process; China entry requirements; Canada entry requirements; International scholarships. Fees are for 2027/28. Check Leeds Beckett for the latest details.