Build Your Creative Career in Leeds
At SAE Leeds, you’ll work in professional recording studios, film and podcast spaces, high-spec Mac and games labs, and collaborative production rooms designed to mirror industry environments. You don’t just learn the theory. You make work, every week, using the tools creatives actually use.
Take a look at our Leeds Campus
Like what you see in Leeds? Come and experience it for yourself.
LIFE IN LEEDS
Leeds is built for students.
Everything is close. Studios, venues, cinemas, bars, creative spaces. Most places you’ll want to be are within a short walk, so the city feels busy without being overwhelming.
It’s lively, creative, and social, with enough going on that you’ll always find your people, both inside and outside campus.
LEEDS LECTURERS = INDUSTRY INSIDERS
Your lecturers collaborate with major brands and contribute to award-winning projects, bringing real industry experience directly into the classroom. Check out who you can learn from at SAE Leeds.
Kate Jardine
A filmmaker and content producer creating award-winning shorts, charity campaigns and branded work for HSBC, Marshalls and Cadbury. She has worked with Raindance Film Festival on programming and live events, while delivering projects spanning independent film and commercial production. With expertise from drone operation to post-production, she brings full-spectrum production knowledge into the classroom. Content Creation Lecturer
Muhammad Shaharyar
A game developer specialising in gameplay systems and mobile production, with professional experience at GenITeam Solutions and Hazel Mobile. Working across Unity and Unreal Engine, he brings expertise in backend systems, scalable design and real-world production workflows. His background in action-adventure, multiplayer and arcade-style titles equips students with the structured thinking and technical depth required for modern game development. Games Programming Lecturer
Charlie Blackledge
A photographer and visual storyteller whose work spans fashion, music and social documentary. She has collaborated with Barfly music venues and organisations including the British Council, Scottish Centre for Design and Architecture and Scottish Screen. Blending analogue foundations with digital workflows, she brings industry-led insight into photography, design and visual culture. Content Creation Lecturer
Alex Denning
A games programmer and level designer specialising in bridging code and player experience. A graduate of SAE Liverpool, he has developed projects ranging from multiplayer PVP shooters to escape room-style puzzle games and experimental prototypes. With strengths in both programming systems and spatial design, he supports students in building technically sound, creatively ambitious playable worlds. Graduate Teaching Assistant in Games
Mario Vallejo
An audio engineer and producer whose work has generated over 1.8 billion streams worldwide, contributing to Latin Grammy-nominated projects and Apple Music’s “Hip Hop in Spatial Audio” playlist. His credits include A los 4 Vientos, Vol. 1 by Eugenia León and Estúpido by Adán Cruz, mixed in Dolby Atmos. Combining commercial studio success with research at the University of York, he brings global industry standards directly into the classroom. Audio Production Lecturer
Tyler Summers
A content creator with experience across film, TV and global brand campaigns. He has worked with Warner Brothers, Disney, British Airways, VRBO, ADP, Lincoln Financial and Ludi Lin, producing on-set content and digital marketing materials. Blending broadcast journalism, performance and hands-on production, he equips students with practical skills to create engaging, shareable content across platforms. Content Creation Lecturer
EMPLOYABILITY IN LEEDS
Big city. Small campus feel.
Leeds offers the energy of a major creative hub, but SAE keeps things personal. Staff know your name, support is easy to access, and academic, wellbeing, and technical teams work closely together. Help is there when you need it, without the runaround.
You’re supported from day one, not just when things go wrong.
SUPPORT IN LEEDS
Big city. Small campus feel.
Leeds offers the energy of a major creative hub, but SAE keeps things personal. Staff know your name, support is easy to access, and academic, wellbeing, and technical teams work closely together. Help is there when you need it, without the runaround.
You’re supported from day one, not just when things go wrong.
Leeds looks good on screen. It’s even better in person.
Leeds FAQs
Yes. Leeds has a long history as a student city and is home to thousands of students each year. In 2024 it was voted the best city to live in for students by student.crowd.com. Some of the reasons given included it’s “rich cultural scene” and also that it feels like a really friendly city to study in.
Its size, energy, and strong student culture make it easy to settle in quickly. With a vibrant social scene and a large student population, Leeds offers an exciting and welcoming environment.
Yes. Leeds is designed around student life, with central locations, reliable transport links, and well-established student areas. In an article from vitastudent, it states
Everything you need, from campus to social spaces, is easily accessible, making it a convenient and comfortable place to live and study.
Leeds offers a strong balance between cost and lifestyle. Vitastudent cited it as having “affordable living costs with top-class amenities”
Compared to larger UK cities, living costs such as rent, food, and travel are more manageable. This allows students to focus on their studies and creative development without unnecessary financial pressure.
Popular student areas include:
- Headingley
- Hyde Park
These neighbourhoods are known for their strong student communities, social atmosphere, and easy access to the city centre and campus.
Yes. Leeds has a fast-growing creative sector with major employers based in the city. According to CIPHR, Leeds, along with London and Manchester, is said to have the highest number of medium and large businesses so a perfect place to kickstart your creative career.
Companies such as Channel 4, ITV, Prime Studios, and Rockstar Games contribute to a thriving creative economy, offering students opportunities to build experience and industry connections while studying.
Leeds has an open and active creative community, with regular events, productions, and meetups.
This gives students opportunities to meet industry professionals, understand how the industry works, and build confidence before graduating.
Yes. Employability is a core focus at SAE Leeds.
Courses are industry-led, and students are supported throughout their studies to build portfolios, gain practical experience, and develop professional confidence.
SAE Institute Leeds is centrally located, giving students easy access to the city and its creative spaces.
Address:
SAE Institute Leeds
Electric Press
Millennium Square
Leeds
LS2 3AD
Yes. SAE Leeds offers a close-knit campus environment where students are supported academically, creatively, and personally.
Staff know students by name, and support is always accessible, helping students feel confident and settled throughout their studies.
Opening Hours
Monday – Thursday: 8:00am – 8:30pm*
Friday: 8:00am – 7:00pm*
Saturday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
*Later opening hours during assessment periods
Trimester Breaks
Opening times may vary, please confirm before arrival.
You can email us at leeds@ad-education.ac.uk or call us on 03330 112 315.
Any questions?
For any questions regarding our Leeds Campus or if you’d like more information about studying at SAE, please contact our Enquiries Team on 03330 112 315 or email ukadmissions@sae.edu
