Taught Admissions Policy - Faculty of Environment 2021-22

Please see our Coursefinder for the course list, typical entry requirements, and accepted qualifications. 

Undergraduate requirements

The Faculty of Environment 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 Faculty of Environment 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. Applicants applying with below the typical entry requirements should evidence all work/voluntary experience in their CV/Resume but also refer to the most relevant work/voluntary experience within the personal statement section of the application – drawing attention to higher grades achieved in the more relevant subjects is also recommended. 

Documentation for taught postgraduate applications

In addition to the documents listed in the corresponding section of the University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy, a CV or resume must be submitted as part of an application. Relevant work/voluntary work experience should be detailed here. Please also include school level qualifications (such as A Levels, BTECs, high school exam results or equivalent) as for some programmes AS or A Level Maths/Physics form part of the entry requirements. 

References for undergraduate applicants

The reference section of the application is carefully considered by the Faculty of Environment 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. Any specific subjects required for a course will still be included in any offer made and may not receive a reduction. 

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 Environment 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. 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 60% average in the first year of study 

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

Taught postgraduate entry 

Any decision on credit transfer or entry of students with advanced standing is an academic decision taken within the relevant academic school at the point of admission onto a course. Retrospective applications from students who are part-way through a course will not normally be considered. If you wish to be considered for advanced standing/credit transfer please include a paragraph requesting this in your personal statement and also outline in brief what your relevant prior experience/academic learning is that you wish to be taken into account. It is also advisable to email the School directly once your application has been submitted, see the useful contacts section, further details on the process will be sent to you by email or via the applicant portal.   

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 online Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) by 29 January 2021 (normally 15 January but extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic). 

The Faculty of Environment 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.

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

Internal transfers to undergraduate courses

The Faculty of Environment 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 and are advised to contact the relevant School (see the Useful contacts and resources section at the end of this policy) for further information/guidance in the first instance. 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 Environment will consider prospective students via the Alternative Entry Scheme run by the Lifelong Learning Centre. Where appropriate, applicants will be referred to the Lifelong Learning Centre who will advise the applicant further 

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

Applications for postgraduate study should be made via the Applicant Portal regardless of the mode of study. 

Applicants for distance learning courses in the Faculty of Environment are not required to attend the University as part of their course, therefore a visa is not required for participation on this course. For more information see the University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy.

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

The Faculty of Environment 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 Environment 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 Environment 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.  

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 

Applicants must typically meet the conditions set by the University of Leeds prior to the commencement of the course of study and usually within the academic year of application. International students are advised to confirm academic and/or English language results as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa, should this be required for travel to the UK.  

Undergraduate deferrals 

The Faculty of Environment 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 who wish to defer following the submission of their application must do so by 30 August of the year results have been confirmed. 

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, where the course has a September or October start date.