Lifelong Learning Centre Admissions Policy 2021-22

Please see the Lifelong Learning Centre course directory for the course list, typical entry requirements, and accepted qualifications. 

Undergraduate requirements 

The Lifelong Learning Centre (LLC) recognises that some applicants may have studied a more flexible curriculum, where they have been able to progress through their educational development at an appropriate rate according to their ability. Where a Level 2 (for example, GCSE) or Level 3 (for example, A Level) qualification has been taken ‘early’ the academic reference should include the reasons for this so that it can be taken into consideration by the admissions team. 

The LLC 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 LLC will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English. 

References for undergraduate applicants 

The reference section of the application is carefully considered by the LLC and is an important part of the selection process. For full-time undergraduate referees, further information on writing the reference is available from the UCAS 'How to provide a reference' guide.

For part-time courses a second reference will be required where candidates apply for a course involving placements e.g. Learning & Teaching, Child & Family Studies and Interdisciplinary Studies with Preparation for Higher Education. Candidates should note that these references will be followed up. Forms are considered in their entirety by the admissions tutor. 

Eligible Access to Leeds and Realising Opportunities candidates will be considered for an alternative offer. This applies to all LLC courses except for the following extended degrees which already make provision lower to that made by Access to Leeds: 

• BA Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year 
• BA Interdisciplinary Studies with Foundation Year 
• BSc Business Studies with Foundation Year 
• BSc Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year 
• BSc Studies in Science with Foundation Year 

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 Advanced Entry section of the University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy.

Active participation in the course of study is core to the learning experience provided by LLC courses. In some cases this explicitly draws upon the experience, skills and knowledge that members of the group bring from prior experience and learning. Exemption from any part of a course through the Accreditation of Prior Learning is, normally, considered only in a limited number of cases set out below. 

Degree courses 

120 credits may be allowed for those with a relevant Certificate of Education (120 credits or equivalent) for:

• FD Learning & Teaching 
• FD Learning & Teaching (SEND) 

APL may be considered in relation to specific modules on an individual student basis for:

• FD Child & Family Studies
• BSc Business Management and Leadership 
• BA Professional Studies 

Apprenticeship courses 

APL may be considered in relation to specific modules on an individual student basis for: 

• FD Healthcare for Assistant Practitioners 
• FD Nursing Associate 
• Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship 

Undergraduate applications 

All full-time undergraduate applications must be made through the online Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) by 29 January 2021 (normally 15 January but extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic). The LLC may consider applications submitted after this date. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed on UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle. 

Apprenticeship admissions for full-time LLC Healthcare courses are managed by the applicant’s employer through completion of the LLC Direct Entry Application form.   

Part-time application information can be found in the Part-time study section below.

Internal transfers 

Internal transfers are not possible for full-time extended degree courses with foundation year except for BSc Studies in Science. For all other courses the LLC will accept applications from applicants who wish to transfer internally from other courses at the University of Leeds. Such applicants are expected to meet the standard entry requirements for the course they wish to transfer to. 

Applicants with prior Higher Education experience 

The LLC's full-time extended degree courses with foundation years except for BSc Studies in Science are designed specifically for students from a widening participation background and do not accept students with previous higher education experience. 

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 LLC will consider prospective students via the Alternative Entry Scheme. 

Part-time study 

All applications for part-time undergraduate study should be made using the forms that are available from the LLC by 13 September 2021. Applications after this date may be considered on a case by case basis. 

The LLC will consider applications from those who have previously applied to the institution. 

The LLC considers applications to all LLC courses, except for its extended degree courses with foundation year, from candidates who have previously studied at the institution in line with the University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy.  

The LLC will consider applications from those who are re-taking examinations prior to entering the University.

Undergraduate confirmation 

Full-time 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.  

The LLC 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 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.  

Undergraduate deferrals

The LLC does not accept applications for deferred entry onto its full-time extended degree courses with foundation year.   

Applicants applying for other LLC courses who wish to defer following the submission of their application are required to do so prior to the confirmation of a place. Applicants would normally apply for deferred entry for one academic year only. If an applicant wishes to defer again, they must reapply and contact the LLC.