Research and innovation

Please see the Faculty of Biological Sciences website for the course list, typical entry requirements, and accepted qualifications.

Undergraduate requirements

The faculty recognises that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and International Independent Project Qualification (IPQ) provide the opportunity for applicants to develop important research and academic skills and may include it as part of an alternative conditional offer. Where applicable this will be detailed on Coursefinder.

The Faculty of Biological Sciences will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English.

Where academic requirements have not been met application information may be shared with the University’s Lifelong Learning Centre or International Foundation Year team for consideration for a Year 0 offer.

Taught postgraduate requirements

Exceptions to the typical academic requirements may be made when an applicant demonstrates significant relevant experience and their potential for benefiting from the course is clear.

References for undergraduate applicants

The reference section of the application is carefully considered by the Faculty of Biological Sciences and is an important part of the selection process. For undergraduate referees, further information on writing the reference is available from UCAS. 

References for taught postgraduate applicants

Please refer to the University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy for information on references for Taught Postgraduate applications.

Eligible Access to Leeds and Realising Opportunities candidates will be considered for an alternative offer. However, the following minimum requirements will usually apply to any alternative offer made:

Subject specific requirements as outlined on Coursefinder will still be in place. GCSE English and Maths must be achieved with a minimum grade C.

Where applicants do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to a degree course, progression may be possible through one of the University’s extended degrees with foundation year. Please see the Lifelong Learning Centre website for details.

Undergraduate entry

The Faculty of Biological Sciences will consider applications from those who are seeking entry to the second year. All applications must be made through UCAS, as per the deadlines outlined in the Application routes and deadlines section below.

To be eligible the applicant must demonstrate that they meet the following criteria:

• Meet first year requirements, as detailed on Coursefinder
• Have met the learning outcomes of year 1 of the relevant programme
• Have achieved a minimum % average in the first year of study

Decision on such applications are made by the Academic Admissions Tutor (or other academic lead).

Entry onto Level 3 of the Faculty of Biological Sciences is not permitted.

Taught postgraduate entry

The Faculty of Biological Sciences does not accept applications from those who are seeking advanced entry on postgraduate courses. All applications must be made for the full programme of study.

Accreditation of Prior Learning

Accredited prior learning (APL) is a process undertaken by the University in order to assess and, as appropriate, recognise prior experiential learning or prior certificated learning for academic purposes.

For further information see the corresponding Advanced Entry section of the University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy.

Undergraduate applications

All full-time undergraduate applications must be made through the UCAS website by 15 January 2021.

The Faculty of Biological Sciences may consider applications submitted after this date. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed by UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.

Undergraduate internal transfers

The Faculty of Biological Sciences will consider applications from those who wish to transfer internally from other programmes at the University of Leeds. Applicants are expected to meet the standard academic entry requirements. Applicants will be expected to discuss their change of programme with an Academic Admissions Tutor from the chosen School before being accepted. Students wishing to be considered for second year entry should consult the section above for more information on Advanced Entry.

Taught postgraduate applications

All applicants for taught postgraduate courses should apply online. If an application deadline is in place, this will be stated on Coursefinder and the completed application must be submitted by this date.

The University of Leeds offers a number of alternative routes in order to widen access to higher education. For further details of our Access to Leeds (A2L) and Realising Opportunities schemes see the corresponding section of the University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy.

Alternative Entry Scheme for mature applicants

As per the information detailed in the corresponding section of the University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy the Faculty of Biological Sciences will consider prospective students via the Alternative Entry Scheme run by the Lifelong Learning where appropriate applicants will be referred to the Lifelong Learning Centre, who will advise the applicant further.

The Faculty of Biological Sciences does not offer undergraduate courses on a part-time basis.

Details of postgraduate courses available on a part-time basis can be found on the Faculty of Biological Sciences website. Applications for postgraduate study should be made via the Applicant Portal regardless of the mode of study.

The following courses in the Faculty of Biological Sciences require applicants to hold an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate in order to undertake postgraduate study:

• MSc Biopharmaceutical Development

Read more information about ATAS on the University website.

The Faculty of Biological Sciences will consider applications from those who have previously applied to the institution.

The Faculty of Biological Sciences considers applications from candidates who have previously studied at the institution in line with the University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy. Where appropriate, such candidates may be able to apply for Advanced Entry (see relevant section above).

The Faculty of Biological Sciences will consider applications from those who are re-taking examinations prior to entering the University.

Undergraduate confirmation

Applicants must typically meet the conditions set by the University by 31 August of the application year unless otherwise stated in the prescribed course or professional body requirements, even if the offer is deferred for entry to the following application year.

The Faculty of Biological Sciences may not be able to confirm a place in the upcoming academic cycle following an improved final grade after a re-mark, however applicants may be offered a deferred place or be asked to reapply. Applications will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

Applications from those who have not quite met the required grades may be reviewed and their places may be confirmed if there are places still available on their chosen course. Applicants will usually receive the same level of flexibility regardless of their year of entry, however any decision on confirming those who have not met the requirements of their offer will be at the discretion of the academic school.

Taught postgraduate confirmation

Taught postgraduate applicants are required to submit their results for consideration as soon as possible. Applicants who require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK are recommended to submit their results no later than 31 July, although they will still be considered if submitted after this date.

Undergraduate deferrals

The Faculty of Biological Sciences will consider applications for deferred entry. Applicants who wish to defer following the submission of their application must do so prior to commencing the course, but preferably before the confirmation of a place.

Taught postgraduate deferrals

Applicants who wish to defer an offer of a place to the following academic year should make the request via the Applicant Portal by 1 April 2022.

The personal statement of the application form helps us to assess the nature of the applicant’s interest in the academic subject and is an important part of the selection process. It is essential that applicants take this opportunity to demonstrate their enthusiasm and aptitude for the academic subject. It is an important part of the selection process, and an applicant may be assessed based on the strength of their statement relative to others in their cohort, and/or based on criteria set by the academic school.

Except for those courses detailed below, interviews do not form part of the Faculty of Biological Sciences’ standard admissions process however, in some cases, an applicant may be invited for an interview if it will help inform whether or not an offer should be made. All applicants for the following courses will be required to attend an interview:

• MSc Biopharmaceutical Development (Industrial Placement) 
• School of Biology undergraduate programmes 

Interview methods may vary depending on the circumstances and/or geographical location of the applicant. For example, interviews may take place on a one to one basis or via Skype, video conferencing or telephone. Where possible the Faculty of Biological Sciences will accommodate requests for alternative interview dates, however an alternative cannot be guaranteed.

Undergraduate assessment methods

As outlined in the Contextual admissions schemes section, the Faculty of Biological Sciences will consider prospective students via the Alternative Entry Scheme run by the Lifelong Learning Centre.

Taught postgraduate assessment methods

Relevant voluntary or work experience may be taken into account when a taught postgraduate application is assessed.

Please refer to the University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy for information on how decisions will be communicated by the University.

Unsuccessful applicants who wish to request feedback on the reason for the outcome of their application should do so in line with the Feedback section of the above policy, using the relevant email address contact in the Useful contacts and resources section below. Generally, where applicants request feedback on why they have not been admitted, feedback will be given. However, for Taught Postgraduate applications, please note that initial feedback is given as standard to all unsuccessful candidates who apply via the Applicant Portal.

As per the University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy, applicants who have sought feedback and wish to challenge the decision made on their application should contact the Faculty Admissions Manager, whose details can be found in the Useful contacts and resources section below.