| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-19 | - |
Program Overview
Our MA in Worldbuilding with Creature Design was created in response to industry demand for pre-production specialisms and will enable us to bring together practitioners who want to create immersive worlds along with opportunities to develop creatures that can interact with imaginative, yet to be explored environments.
The course is the first of its kind in the UK. The Creature Design aspects open career opportunities in film, game and comic industries as well as work supporting scientific research, such as visualising prehistoric life or paleo reconstruction, evolution and life on other planets, known as speculative biology. The Worldbuilding aspects invites students to create richly-detailed cultural, historical and futuristic worlds for careers in the entertainment industry, production and research.
Candidates are encouraged to position their work within a professional context to help inform the visual output and appropriate production method. There may be opportunities for cross-disciplinary influences and peer review.
The course provides the critical and progressive space to explore the processes and contexts to visualise and build immersive, believable and sustainable new worlds and creatures.
Developing a body of self-negotiated work, you will be supported by a team with diverse research and practical interests and work closely with visiting industry professionals.
The course provides formal opportunities where you will be taught with students from other postgraduate courses. This rich transdisciplinary approach is practice-research led and uses a range of research methods to expand your critical thinking, helping you to deliver innovative creative outcomes. The shared entrepreneurial modules aim to enhance your analytic and presentational skills, giving you the opportunity to position yourself professionally to a range of audiences.
Program Outline
Students are able to access professional standard digital print facilities (including film scanning) by arrangement on one evening per week and on Saturdays during the standard academic year.
Our courses are subject to regular review during which we may adjust aspects of the curriculum to ensure that it is current and reflects development in the subject area. This course is currently undergoing Periodic Review. If you apply for this course we will inform you of any changes at the earliest opportunity.
Our postgraduate courses are transdisciplinary and underpinned by independent learning. You will be supported with a variety of teaching and learning methods, including individual supervision, group tutorials, live briefs and project proposals, as well as being encouraged to collaborate with students from other postgraduate courses.
Our academic staff are engaged in contemporary practice in their specialism and will support, encourage and challenge you during your studies. You will be taught in a vibrant and bespoke postgraduate suite. All postgraduate students are taught together in research methods and business-related modules.
Postgraduate courses can be studied either full-time over 36 weeks or part-time over 72 weeks. Teaching is broken down into three teaching blocks per year, each comprising 12 weeks.
Students are able to access a range of specialist facilities aligned to their research interest.
Leeds Arts University
Overview:
Leeds Arts University is the only specialist arts university in the North of England, with award-winning facilities and expert tutors dedicated to the study of creative arts subjects. Students study in a close-knit, diverse and creative community and prepare for a successful career in the creative industries.
Founded in 1846 as the Leeds Government School of Art and Design, the university has contributed significantly to the development of arts education in Britain and across the world. Leeds Arts University invests heavily in its award-winning, industry-standard facilities, and in 2021, the University appointed acclaimed musician Skin to the role of Chancellor. Ten percent of our students are international, representing over 70 different nationalities globally.
Student Life:
Leeds is one of the UK's fastest-growing cities in the UK, with a safe and friendly feel. International students are warmly welcomed, bringing new ideas and wider perspectives into the vibrant student community.
The city has a thriving arts scene with major galleries e.g. The Henry Moore Institute and Leeds Arts Gallery existing alongside numerous independent creative spaces. In addition, there are several parks and green spaces including the beautiful Hyde Park and a thriving nightlife including many bars and cinemas.
Leeds is famous for its variety of shops and markets, from leading designer shops, the Grade I listed Kirkgate Market, the Corn Exchange which is full of independent brands, to the stunning Victorian arcades.
The University’s Students’ Union team works hard to ensure that every student gets the most from their time at Leeds Arts University. They host various events throughout the year making sure everyone has every opportunity to relax and have fun including activities, campaigns, events and fundraising, run our student magazine as well as supporting societies, sports teams and the Student Representatives.
Student Support:
The University supports students throughout their degree to maximise their chances of success after graduation. Opportunities are available to connect with industry, attend specialist workshops, access support for freelancers, and meet 1:1 with a careers consultant who has specialist knowledge of the creative industries.
Access to the Careers, Employability and Enterprise team is available for up five years following your graduation, with a range of activities and guidance to suit alumni including the Freelancer Summer School, alumni workshops, and 1-2-1 careers guidance. Alumni can also apply to the Creatives in Residence scheme on campus, or for a residency in a funded studio space.
The University’s support teams include Student Advice and Wellbeing and Academic Support. The Student Advice and Wellbeing team provides inclusive support to the diverse student community. They work directly with individuals to find the best support for you. Academic Support provides a hub of support for students with learning differences, conditions, and disabilities. Leeds Arts University has a diverse mix of creative students with a variety of learning styles and differences which enriches both our student population and the learning environment.
University Facilities:
Leeds Arts University prides itself on its state-of-the-art resources and libraries. All buildings have been designed and built for specialist arts education, whether this was the Vernon Street art school in 1903 or Blenheim Walk which was completed in January 2019.
There are dedicated course studios for specialist disciplines and open working areas for students across courses to meet up, work and socialise together.
Resources are equipped to industry standards and are run by highly skilled staff who contribute significantly to teaching. Resources have a drop-in facility so students can carry on working in their own time.
An 800m² extension of the Blenheim Walk building opened in September 2024, providing a roof-top garden, more studios, informal working spaces and café facilities, and a 24-hour student hub.
Course and Lecturers:
Leeds Arts University offers 19 undergraduate and seven postgraduate courses, all taught by tutors who are highly experienced in their disciplines. Many are still actively working within the creative industries, ensuring students can access the most up-to-date practice and excellent industry links. Students are further supported by professional instructors.
Students learn through a combination of theory and application of practical skills, using specialist equipment and facilities supervised by expert technicians. Live industry briefs are incorporated into course modules when possible to set students up for working in industry.
Leeds Arts University’s strong links mean industry speakers visit throughout the year to give guest lectures and talk to students.
Our postgraduate minimum requirements are:
Applicants who hold a degree from another discipline or have experiential learning in lieu of a degree that can demonstrate appropriate knowledge and skills may also be considered for entry, subject to a satisfactory portfolio of related work in support of their application.
Examples of work
For all postgraduate courses you will need:
English Language Requirements
Leeds Arts University will accept IELTS (International English Language Testing System) with a minimum overall score of 6.0, with no individual component below 5.5, as being the minimum acceptable level for English Language proficiency. Comparable English Language Tests may also be considered and further information is available on the Home Office website.
You must also supply one reference to support your application. This may be from an academic or a creative practitioner.
Applicants who meet the entry requirements above will be required to submit a personal statement outlining their intentions for MA study.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Leeds Arts University has a commitment to widening access to higher education. The University demonstrates this commitment through its widening participation schemes, arrangements for transfer and recognition of prior learning.
