What can I study?

In our module catalogue, the first number in the module code refers to the level of study at Leeds, which is also the year the module is taught: 1, 2 or 3.

The level information gives you an idea of:

• how difficult the module is likely to be
• whether the module matches requirements from your home university, for example if you need to transfer credits back to your degree
• whether you need some prior knowledge to take the module (known as pre-requisites).

If you need prior knowledge (pre-requisite modules)

Level 2 or 3 modules in the module catalogue may state that you need to have studied a ‘pre-requisite’, so you may need to have completed a lower-level course at your home university that corresponds to a Level 1 or 2 module at Leeds. Undergraduate degrees usually last three years in England, so even if you will be in your third year of study while you are at Leeds, you may still need to have prior knowledge to be accepted for level 3 modules. 

If it is not clear from the transcript you provide when you apply that you have studied the content of the listed pre-requisite module, you can upload a statement about this with your supporting documents. The statement should explain your previous studies and how these cover the content of the pre-requisite module.

Postgraduate level modules

Level 5 refers to postgraduate level modules. If your home university’s exchange agreement with the University of Leeds is at postgraduate level, visit our taught postgraduate module catalogue and search by ‘incoming study abroad’ to find a list of modules available for taught postgraduate study abroad students. 

At Leeds, a module can be taught for one semester only, or it can be taught over the full academic year. If you are at Leeds for one semester only, you cannot take modules that run over the full year. 

You will see these descriptions in the module catalogue: 

• Taught semester 1 – this module runs from September to January. 
• Taught semester 2 – this module runs from January to June. 
• Taught semester 1 and 2 – this module runs across the full academic year from September to June and is not available to single semester students. 
• Taught semester 1; semester 2 – this module is taught from September to January, and then again from January to June. 

Schools with modules that are not available for a single semester

The following schools teach the majority of their modules across the full academic year (semester 1 and 2) so unfortunately you cannot apply to take modules in these subject areas if you are applying for a single semester. 

• Chemical and Process Engineering (CAPE) 
• Design (Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing modules) 
• Mechanical Engineering (MECH)  
• Fine Art studio modules are only taught in semester 1 or across the full academic year.  

A full-time workload at Leeds is 50 to 60 credits per semester. You should apply for 50 to 100 credits per semester of study in case some of your choices are not available. 

Please note: our module catalogue does not use ECTS credits. A 20 credit Leeds module is worth 10 ECTS credits.

Some schools or departments have specific academic entry requirements or guidance for study abroad and exchange students who want to enrol on their modules. 

Check academic entry requirements.

Our Language Centre offers several modules each semester to help you extend your English vocabulary, improve your pronunciation and develop communication strategies. 

These modules are specifically designed for international students whose first language is not English, so they are well suited for many study abroad and exchange students. 

For more information about these modules, select 'Language Centre' from the School drop-down list in the Module Catalogue. Make sure you also tick the 'Search by Incoming Study Abroad' box.

The Language Centre also runs free skills workshops on campus to help you develop your confidence in using academic language.  

If you choose to study your elective modules with us, you may wish to consider a less traditional subject or topic as part of your credit load. The following subject areas allow you to broaden your learning, skills and development in areas that interest you outside of your degree subject: 

Leeds Careers modules (CSER) 

These modules can help you develop realistic career plans during your time at university and after you graduate. 

Leeds Skills Elective (LEED) 

LEED modules are discovery modules that give you an opportunity to learn new skills and get involved in outdoor and group activities. 

Lifelong Learning Centre (LLC) 

The Lifelong Learning Centre (LLC) promotes programmes, pathways and support for mature, part-time and foundation level students, especially those from under-represented groups. It also offers modules open to all study abroad students. Class sizes are small so you will have plenty of opportunities to gain information, advice and guidance from our staff. 

For more information about these modules, select 'Lifelong Learning Centre' from the School drop-down list in the Module Catalogue. Make sure you also tick the 'Search by Incoming Study Abroad' box.