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About Us

The School of Design at the University of Leeds is internationally recognised for its research, creativity, innovation and education. For more than 150 years, we have partnered with industry to solve real-world challenges, building on a legacy that began in 1874 when the Yorkshire textile sector sought cutting-edge education and research to drive innovation, develop skills and remain globally competitive. 

This close relationship between education, research and industry continues to shape our approach today. We have always believed in understanding and responding to the evolving needs of industry. As technology, consumer expectations and global challenges transform the way we work and create, the demand for adaptable skills and continuous professional development has never been greater. 

Our Professional Learning courses, launched in 2024, bring together research, industry expertise and innovation to meet these demands. Designed for individuals, professionals and organisations, our courses turn cutting-edge research into flexible, accessible learning experiences that support lifelong learning and professional development at every stage of a career. 

We understand that professionals need opportunities to update their knowledge, develop new skills and stay current throughout their working lives. That is why flexibility and accessibility are central to our approach, enabling learners to curate their own learning journey through courses designed to fit around professional and personal commitments. 

Through engaging, industry-informed learning experiences, we inspire learners to think critically, adapt confidently and respond creatively to change. With expertise spanning fashion, textiles, colour, design, branding and communication, our courses equip learners with the insight, skills and adaptability needed to navigate complexity, connect disciplines and stay ahead in a dynamic global industry.

Lifelong Learning
We believe learning should be accessible at every stage of your life and career. As industries evolve, education must evolve with them, creating opportunities for individuals and organisations to continually develop their knowledge, skills and confidence.

Our approach is built around flexibility and accessibility. Whether someone is returning to education, developing specialist expertise or exploring new directions, we create learning experiences that meet learners where they are and adapt to their needs. 
Collaboration
We believe the most impactful learning experiences are created through collaboration. By bringing together researchers, academics, industry professionals, designers and educators, we combine diverse perspectives to create programmes with real-world relevance and impact.

Collaboration shapes both the content we create and the way we deliver it, ensuring our learning experiences remain dynamic, connected and responsive to industry needs.
Creative Innovation
Innovation is central to both what we teach and how we teach it. Our courses are informed by cutting-edge research, emerging industry developments and creative practice, helping learners engage with ideas that are current, relevant and forward-thinking.

We believe creativity exists across all industries and disciplines. By encouraging curiosity, creative thinking and new ways of connecting ideas, we empower learners to solve complex problems and drive innovation in their own fields.
Sustainability
We are committed to embedding sustainability into our teaching, research and creative practice, encouraging responsible, future-focused approaches to industry challenges. We recognise the important role design, innovation and education play in shaping more sustainable industries, communities and ways of working.

Our courses encourage learners to think critically about environmental, social and ethical impact, helping them develop the knowledge and skills needed to respond to global challenges with greater responsibility and awareness.

Our Professional Learning courses are delivered by a multidisciplinary team of academics, researchers, technical specialists and creative professionals at the University of Leeds. This includes learning developers, editors, designers and video producers who work collaboratively to create engaging, high-quality learning experiences. 

Together, the team brings expertise across design education, fashion, textiles, branding, communication and digital learning development. 

This in-house capability enables us to design and deliver academically rigorous, industry-informed professional learning courses, whilst maintaining consistency, creativity and attention to detail across all programmes. 

The School of Design at the University of Leeds offers a wide range of studios, labs and specialist spaces that unite art, design, textile technology and digital innovation. These facilities support world-class teaching, research and industry collaboration, enabling learners and partners to explore ideas, develop solutions and drive innovation. 

Designed for both creative exploration and practical application, our spaces ensure projects are informed by the latest developments and real-world insights.

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