In 2025, the University of Leeds was awarded the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Education in recognition of its 150-year legacy of innovation and excellence in textile research.
The Queen Elizabeth Prize for Education celebrates outstanding work in research and education by UK universities and colleges.
The award highlights the University’s global leadership in textiles, from its historic foundations through to the cutting-edge research undertaken at the School of Design and Leeds Institute for Textiles and Colour. This research continues to transform industries, consumer practices and communities today.
“At the School of Design, our curiosity and challenge-led research combines creativity, technology, and science to unearth new seams of knowledge and deliver solutions that truly make a difference for industry, for people, and for the planet.”
Professor Muhammad Tausif
Head of the School of Design
The University’s textile expertise is filtered out into the industry, not only through partnerships but through the Professional Academy for Creative Enterprise (PACE).
We have over 150 years of expertise in textiles, fashion, and colour, and bring this expertise directly into our courses, ensuring learners benefit from the latest industry insights and academic discoveries.
Our Fashion and Textiles courses take place in our yarn, knit, weave, and fashion studios, bringing together a variety of textile and garment production techniques. Some of most popular courses include our Textile Technology course and our Fashion Marketing & Communication course.
“We are honoured that the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Higher and Further Education has recognised textiles as a defining area of research and innovation in the School of Design. Our partnerships with leading retailers and textile companies extend Leeds’ impact far beyond academia, and PACE strengthens this by bridging research and industry through collaborative learning for today’s and tomorrow’s business needs.”
Claire Watson
Interim Director of the School of Design Professional Learning
The Queen Elizabeth Prize for Education demonstrates the quality of the education and research at the School of Design. Learners can be confident that our professional learning courses deliver recognised value.
Explore our courses today and take the next step in your professional learning.