International Pathways Centre Admissions Policy 2022-23

This policy relates to the integrated degrees with an International Foundation Year with a September 2022 start date. 

If you are studying in the academic year 2021-22, read our International Pathways Centre Admissions Policy 2021-22.

The main admissions principles and policies of the University are outlined in the University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy. This policy highlights any variation or additional information that supplements it.

This policy is reviewed annually by the International Pathways Centre’s committees, and any amendments made after the point of publication will be summarised in the Version control section.

The International Pathways Centre programme is at level 0 and taught at Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF) level 6. 

For the list of programmes and entry requirements, see the International Foundation Year website

Application process 

Application routes and deadlines

As the International Pathways Centre is not included in the UCAS scheme, applicants must apply directly via the online application form, which belongs to the University of Leeds. Guidance on making an application and a link to the form can be found on the International Foundation Year website.

The application process incorporates the facility to make conditional offers to students who have not yet received their final examination results or who may not yet have taken their final examinations. We encourage applicants to apply early, and to include information about the qualifications and exams they are yet to take. A conditional offer will secure a place for the student, as long as they meet the conditions of the offer by the appropriate deadline.

The International Pathways Centre has one intake per year in September. Applications for entry to the programme in September 2022 will open in November 2021, and close on 31 July 2022. 

Students are encouraged to apply well in advance of the 31 July deadline, in order to allow sufficient time for them to receive an offer and then be able to make the necessary arrangements for study on the programme. 

Applications made after the deadline may be considered. However, it is recommended that applicants contact the International Pathways Centre prior to making an application.

After an online application is received, an email acknowledgement is sent automatically to the applicant to acknowledge safe receipt. This should include the application number (or Leeds ID number) that is assigned to the applicant.

The applicant can track the status of the application using the login name and PIN created when the application was initially submitted online. During the online application process, the applicant can upload copies of the results transcripts for any examinations for which the results are already known, including any English language qualifications. Until these are received it is not possible to process the application. A decision is made and communicated to the applicant (see the Decisions and communications with applicants section of this page). 

Resits and reapplications

The International Pathways Centre will accept applications from applicants who have resubmitted applications and/or have retaken examinations prior to entering the University. 

Applicants who wish to reapply should contact the International Pathways Centre prior to making an application.

Any decision on the eligibility of applicants who have previously held an offer of a place but failed to achieve the academic conditions at first attempt is an academic judgement. Such candidates should be aware that no guarantee can be given that another offer will be made, and that the conditions of any future offer may differ to those of the original. 

Deferral requests

The International Pathways Centre will consider applications for deferred entry and encourages such applicants to make use of the personal statement section of the application form to explain their reasons for requesting deferral.

Applicants may normally apply for deferred entry for one academic year only. If an applicant wishes to defer again, they must reapply and contact the International Pathways Centre team. English language qualifications must also be valid at the revised start date.

Decisions will not be made on applications for deferred entry until the new admissions cycle begins in the following November. The International Pathways Centre is unable to issue any formal offer letter before this time.

Applicants who wish to defer following the submission of their application should do so by 1 April 2023.

Applicant assessment

Selection process and criteria

The University of Leeds International Pathways Centre ensures that the selection process provides equal consideration for applicants who apply by the relevant closing date. All selection decisions are made on merit and the ability of each applicant to meet the academic and non-academic criteria for admission to the relevant programme of study. Applications will be considered holistically and contextual factors, such as educational background, may be considered in this process.

The University of Leeds International Pathways Centre programmes are intended for those international students who have completed high school outside of the UK and have the potential and motivation to succeed. The programme is designed to bridge the gap between the broad high school education offered internationally and the specialist sixth form education offered in the United Kingdom, bringing students to the level required for first year entry to an undergraduate programme.

Students on the International Foundation Year programme delivered by the International Pathways Centre must meet two of the following three criteria:

  • Have an educational gap between their high school qualifications and the requirements for entry to undergraduate programmes at the University of Leeds. Qualifications beyond high school level will be considered within the applicant profile
  • Have completed the majority of their high school studies in a non-English speaking environment
  • Have completed the majority of their high school studies in a different educational context from that in the UK

Personal statements

An applicant will 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. The courses that require a personal statement assessment are: 

  • Cultural and Media Studies  
  • Digital Media  
  • Journalism  
  • Communication and Media  
  • Film, Photography and Media

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.

Other assessment methods

Students applying for Design courses will be assessed based on the strength of their portfolio, and/or based on criteria set by the academic school.

Students applying for Music courses require ABRSM instrument Grade 8 merit or Grade 7 distinction, and ABRSM Theory Grade 5 merit. An audition video may also be required to demonstrate suitability for the programme.

Mature students

Mature students who will be over 21 at the point of entry should apply using the standard application process. They may also be required to take part in an interview or audition and/or provide a piece of assessed written or practical work.

Interviews

Interviews do not form part of our standard admissions process. However, in some cases, an applicant may be invited for an interview if it will help inform whether an offer should be made. In some cases, additional information such as a personal statement and/or references may also be sought to inform the decision-making process. Interviews are normally arranged by Skype to seek further evidence by discussion with the applicant that they have:

  • the potential to succeed
  • interest and ability in their intended undergraduate degree programme
  • appropriate levels of motivation and commitment
  • relevant future goals and aspirations
  • the ability to cope with the pace of the course

Although interviews are carried out through video call, some applicants (for example, disabled applicants) will require adjustments at interview (for example, a sign-language interpreter) to provide them with full and equal access to the process.

The International Pathways Centre is responsible for making reasonable adjustments where possible. Email the University’s Disability Services team at disability@leeds.ac.uk for further advice or information regarding disability-related adjustments, or email the Equality and Inclusion Unit at equality@leeds.ac.uk for advice on other adjustments.

Decisions and communications with applicants

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 University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy, using the relevant email address contact in the Useful contacts and resources section of this page. Generally, where applicants request feedback on why they have not been admitted, feedback will be given.  

Appeals and complaints

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 International Pathways Centre Director, whose details can be found in the Useful contacts and resources section of this page. 

Useful contacts and resources 

General enquiries and information relating to courses and admission to the University of Leeds: 

Admissions Enquiries
Phone:+44 (0) 113 343 2336
Email the Admissions Enquiries team at study@leeds.ac.uk
Web: www.leeds.ac.uk/undergraduate

Admissions enquiries specific to the International Pathways Centre:

International Pathways Centre
Email the IFY Admissions team at IFYAdmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Web: www.leeds.ac.uk/ify

For all International Pathways Centre admissions complaints and appeals please email the International Pathways Centre Director, Martin Maule at m.t.maule@leeds.ac.uk

Version control 

Page published: 14 September 2021
Page last updated: 27 September 2023

Details of any amendments since first published: