School of Computing and Creative Industries

Empowering Minds, Transforming Futures – Computing and Creativity for Good
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Welcome to the School of Computing and Creative Industries

About us

The School of Computing and Creative Industries is a vibrant, multidisciplinary hub where technology, creativity, and communication converge. We bring together expertise in Computing, English and Creative Writing, Journalism, Media, Photography, Film, Digital Media Production, and Games Design.

Each subject area is taught as a distinct discipline, giving students the opportunity to develop deep expertise. Together, these programmes create the ethos of the School: a community that values innovation, ethical responsibility, and creative expression.

Our mission: Computing and Creativity for Good

We are committed to advancing knowledge and practice across both computing and the creative industries. While the subjects are taught independently, our shared mission is to foster work that is imaginative, socially responsible, and transformative.

Ethics and social responsibility

Across all programmes, we embed a commitment to ethics, inclusivity, and impact. Students are encouraged to think critically and act responsibly, whether they are building digital solutions, producing creative works, or shaping public debate.

Why this combination matters

While our subjects are taught separately, the School’s ethos reflects the dynamic intersections between them. By uniting computing with the creative industries, we prepare graduates to succeed in diverse and evolving career pathways, from software development and digital innovation to journalism, cultural production, and the media industries.

Our achievements

Leeds Trinity University is the UK’s top University for overall student satisfaction (NSS 2026)*

*Measured by NSS 2026 positivity score (% agree) of all registered students across the 17 NSS questions used in TEF 2023, compared to institutions included in the Times UK University Rankings 2026.

 

Leeds Trinity is ranked 1st in the UK for Journalism, for the second year running

The Guardian University Guide 2026 

Computer Science is ranked Top in Yorkshire for Student Satisfaction

The Complete University Guide 2027 – Student Satisfaction Subject League table, released June 2026

Journalism is ranked 8th in the UK for Student Satisfaction

Communication and Media Studies discipline (which includes Broadcast and Digital Journalism and Sports Journalism) Subject League table, The Complete University Guide 2027, released June 2026

95% of all undergraduate full-time students, and degree apprenticeships were in employment/further studies 15 months after graduating

Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2023/4 Graduates

Leeds Trinity University is ranked 8th in the UK for Communication and Media Studies Teaching quality

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026, Communication and Media Studies teaching quality subject league table

Discover our courses

Explore a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses at the School of Computing and Creative Industries.

Our courses
Student studying in AKLC

Academic spotlight

Our Academic spotlights shine a light on the people, research, and ideas making an impact across our academic community.

Profile photo of lecturer, Liza Dracup.

Dr Liza Dracup Shortlisted for the 2026 Aesthetica Art Prize

An internationally recognised achievement celebrating contemporary photographic practice. Liza’s shortlisted work will be exhibited at York Art Gallery from July–November 2026, alongside leading artists from around the world.

 

Profile photo of lecturer, Liza Dracup.

Dr Liza Dracup Shortlisted for the 2026 Aesthetica Art Prize

Dr Liza Dracup has been shortlisted for the prestigious 2026 Aesthetica Art Prize, recognising outstanding contemporary artists working across photography and visual arts.

Speaking about the announcement, Liza said:

“Being a finalist and a short-listed artist for the Aesthetica Art Prize 2026 is a huge professional and artistic achievement, as this positions my work and research within a dynamic international context, within a community of critically and aesthetically engaged artists. Many of our photography students are fans of Aesthetica and recognise its international contribution to the field of photography and their work. This recognition is heartfelt, and I am very much looking forward to the Aesthetica Exhibition at York Art Gallery, presenting at the Future Now Symposium and meeting other artists and curators in York on Thursday 16 July 2026 and the final award(s) announcement. ”

As part of the prize programme:

  • Final prize winners will be announced at the Aesthetica Art Prize Exhibition and Private View on Thursday 16 July 2026
  • Liza’s shortlisted work will be exhibited at York Art Gallery from Friday 17 July – Sunday 15 November 2026
  • Shortlisted artists are considered for either the Main Prize (£10,000) or Emerging Prize (£1,000)
  • Liza has also been invited to present her practice at the Future Now Symposium Podium Programme

Follow updates via @aestheticamag.
Profile photo of lecturer, Nicky Danino.

Head of School, Dr Nicky Danino elected BCS Trustee

Dr Nicky Danino's appointment strengthens the University’s connections with industry and the wider profession, helping ensure students benefit from high-quality, future-focused programmes that prepare them for successful careers in a rapidly evolving digital sector.

Profile photo of lecturer, Nicky Danino.

Dr Nicky Danino, brings extensive leadership experience in computing, education, and industry collaboration. As Vice Chair of the Council of Professors and Heads of Computing and an elected member of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT Council, she offers national insight into digital skills, AI, professional standards and the future of computing education.

“Being elected as a BCS Trustee is a real honour, and I am grateful to those who put their trust in me. As a computer scientist and academic at Leeds Trinity University, I care deeply about the role BCS plays in shaping the profession, supporting the next generation of computing professionals, and ensuring that education, industry, and society are properly connected. I am looking forward to contributing to that work and to strengthening the links between Leeds Trinity and the wider professional computing community.”
Image of Lecturer, Katrin Joost.

Dr Katrin Joost's photography exhibition 

Dr Katrin Joost's photographic work Zeitfluss is currently on show in Eden Elegy at Lowood Arts, Cumbria. Eden Elegy runs until 23 August 2026. If you're in the area over the summer, Katrin would be delighted if you had the opportunity to visit.

 

Image of Lecturer, Katrin Joost.

Katrin is delighted to be part of this fabulous exhibition alongside such inspiring and thought-provoking artists, marking an exciting new chapter for Lowood Arts.

Zeitfluss was previously exhibited on campus as part of the ViewPoints staff exhibition and is now featured alongside works by John Darwell, John Kippin, Callum Latimer, Nicola Neate, Roger Palmer, Tony Richards and Paul Wakefield.

Eden Elegy runs until 23 August 2026. If you're in the area over the summer, Katrin would be delighted if you had the opportunity to visit.

For more information about this exhibition and to keep up to date with what's happening on our BA (Hons) Photography degree, follow us on Instagram - @leeds_trinity_photography

Image of lecturer and exhibitior, Katrin Joost standing next to her photographic work at an external exhibition..

 
Staff profile photo of Lecturer, Lizzie Coombs.

Photography Lecturer, Lizzie Coombes, featured on Ribbons

Ribbons is a sculpture that celebrates many women, both past and present, who have contributed to the city of Leeds.

Staff profile photo of Lecturer, Lizzie Coombs.

Created by artist Pippa Hale, Ribbons is a striking public art sculpture celebrating the achievements of women in Leeds. Located at Quarry Hill between Leeds Playhouse and Leeds City College, the installation features hundreds of individual ribbons honouring inspirational women from across the city.

Among them is Leeds Trinity lecturer Lizzie Coombes, whose ribbon, number 4.06, recognises her contribution to the arts, research and community engagement in Leeds. 

Lizzie is an academic, photographic artist and researcher whose work focuses on socially engaged and collaborative photography, particularly through her pop-up portrait studio practice. She has led a wide range of innovative community projects and cross-artform collaborations with organisations including Opera North, the National Science and Media Museum, Light Night Leeds, East Street Arts and The Irene Taylor Trust.

Her work has been exhibited in diverse and unexpected spaces, from books and gallery exhibitions to Submerged – a series of photographs installed and viewed underwater at Bramley Baths. Lizzie also shares daily stories on Instagram as Betty Lawless (@bettylawless), continuing her commitment to creativity, storytelling and community connection.

Partnerships and industry engagement

Creative Industries Partnerships 

At the School of Computing and Creative Industries, our students benefit from real-world experience through live projects and partnerships with leading organisations across the creative and digital sectors. 

From your very first day, you’ll be working on challenge-led projects with access to professional facilities and industry insight. Our collaborations with major media organisations—including the BBC, ITV, and Sky—give you the opportunity to gain practical experience that sets you apart in today’s competitive job market. 

  • You’ll also engage with a wide range of creative and digital organisations, including: 
  • Production companies such as True North, Daisybeck Studios, and True Vision 
  • Cultural and public sector partners like Deershed Festival, Bradford 2025, and the Science and Media Museum 
  • Investigative and health-focused organisations including the Bureau for Investigative Journalism, NHS (Born in Bradford) 

These partnerships are embedded into your degree experience, helping you build a professional network, develop your portfolio, and graduate with the confidence and skills to thrive in the creative industries. 

Partner with us

Want to partner with us? Contact Nicky Danino, Head of the School of Computing and Creative Industries, to find out more n.danino@leedstrinity.ac.uk.

Computer Science, Digital and Screen Media, English and Creative Writing, Journalism News

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AlumniDigital and Screen MediaGraduation
23 July 2026

Alumnus reflects on how Leeds Trinity paved the way for successful global career

Read article
A picture of Leeds Trinity alumnus Darain Faraz
AlumniBusinessGraduationHealth and Social CareHonorary FellowJournalism
13 July 2026

Leeds Trinity University awards Honorary Fellowships for contributions to health, journalism, and tech

Read article
An academic in graduation attire speaking behind a lectern, on which a white cloth is draped, with the Leeds Trinity University logo printed on it.
AlumniDigital and Screen Media
20 March 2026

Alumni recognised for documentary camerawork at prestigious Royal Television Society Student Awards

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A picture of Leeds Trinity alumni Harry Tombling and Jacob Hemingway with their Royal Television Society Yorkshire Student award
AlumniJournalism
15 December 2025

Journalism alumna wins prestigious history writing prize for book on transatlantic slave trade

Read article
An image of Leeds Trinity University alumna Hannah Durkin

Meet our alumni

Image of alumni, Niall Grant-Rowlands.

Niall Grant-Rowlands - Freelance writer, Editorial Trainee, Researcher

Alumni photo of Computer Science student, Blessing Olufemi.

Blessing Olufemi - MI Analyst

Image of graduate, Charlie Russell.

Charlie Russell - Specialist, F1 Communications, McLaren

Alumni photo of Computer Science student, Alzira Smyth.

Alzira Smythe, MSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence student

Image of Journalism graduate, Harpreet Kaur.

Harpreet Kaur - Award Winning Radio Presenter, BBC Asian Network and TV Host

Research within the School of Computing and Creative Industries

Our research community encompasses our staff, postgraduate researchers, students and partners

Together we're focused on advancing knowledge to make a positive contribution to people, planet and society.

We focus on all types of research and strive to support collaboration, interdisciplinarity and impact on policy, practice, behaviour and understanding of the world around us. 

Closeup shot of hands using a laptop

Computer Science is forward-looking and passionately fosters a community of computer science enthusiasts dedicated to the ideals of Computing for Good. Our core belief revolves around leveraging the potential of computer science to tackle societal and environmental challenges, aiming to make a meaningful and positive impact on the world.

Research topics within Computer Science include:

  • AI in Healthcare and Biomedical Signal Processing ​
  • Cyber Security and Future of Air Commute ​
  • Software Defined Networks (SDN) and 5G​
  • Digital Twin Technology​
  • Opensource Software​
  • Computer Education ​
  • GlobaliserMobile App

Read more about our research

Our academics and practitioners within the School engage in a breadth of research in the areas of Creative Writing, Digital Media, English Literature, Film, Games Design, Journalism, Linguistics, Photography and Television.

Renowned for its quality and interdisciplinary focus, the School’s critical and practice research has produced nationally and internationally recognised contributions across academic books, peer-reviewed journal articles, journalistic articles, films, novels, poems, conferences and exhibitions.

The School is a major contributor to the International Research Centre for Interactive Storytelling (IRIS) and the Leeds Centre for Victorian Studies (LCVS).

There are many Research themes. Just some of these include:

  • Journalism Education
  • Representation and Meaning-making
  • Creative Writing Practice and Theory
  • The linguistic construction of identity
  • The Culture, Technology and Economy of Digital Streaming Platforms: Disney, Culture and Society
  • Steam Punk Cinema, Victorian Culture and Cinema
  • Landscape Photography, Photography, Myth and Memory 
  • British and American horror cinema, East Asian TV drama

View our research here

Find out more about the International Research Centre for Interactive Storytelling

ICURe Discover Success 

Leeds Trinity University has successfully progressed from the ICURe Discover programme to the next stage, ICURe Explore, for a HealthTech innovation project supported by Innovate UK. This marks the first time LTU has taken part in the programme, which helps universities translate research into real-world impact. 

Through the SURfACE strand, designed to support post-92 institutions, the project has undergone intensive market validation and commercial development. Progressing to the Explore stage reflects strong national recognition of the innovation’s potential. 

This milestone highlights LTU’s growing research culture and its commitment to developing solutions that address real societal challenges. Students benefit directly from being part of an institution actively engaged in innovation, entrepreneurship and industry collaboration, with opportunities to contribute to applied research and future commercial ventures in areas such as HealthTech and AI. 

Two students using computer and lecturer helping