Undergraduate admissions policy - Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures 2021-22

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

The Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures 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 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 Arts, Humanities and Cultures 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.

References for undergraduate applicants

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

Eligible Access to Leeds and Realising Opportunities candidates will be considered for an alternative offer. Please see the Coursefinder website for details.

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.

The following Schools within the Faculty of Arts Humanities and Cultures will consider applications from those who are seeking entry to the second year:

• School of English
• School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies
• School of History
• School of Music
• School of Performance and Cultural Industries
• School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science.
• School of Languages, Cultures and Societies will also consider applications from those who are seeking entry to the second year of selected programmes within the School.

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 (or will achieve) the relevant School’s minimum classification average (or its equivalent) in the first year of undergraduate study in the same (or very similar) subject area. 

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

Entry onto Level 3 of a course within the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures is not permitted.

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.

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

Internal transfers

The Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures will consider applications from those who wish to transfer internally from other programmes at the University of Leeds. Students wishing to be considered for second year entry should consult the section above for more information on Advanced Entry.

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 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 Arts, Humanities and Cultures 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 Arts, Humanities and Cultures does not offer courses on a part-time basis.

The Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures will consider applications from those who have previously applied to the institution. The Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures 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 Arts, Humanities and Cultures will consider applications from those who are re-taking examinations prior to entering the University.

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 Arts, Humanities and Cultures 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. 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.

The Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures 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 request to do so prior to commencing their course.

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 subject for which they have applied. The applicant should describe skills, interests or attributes that demonstrate their aptitude, motivation and interest in the subject area, including relevant school/college/out of school activities, personal, travel or work experiences; and where relevant to the subject area, sources of inspiration for their creative practice. Accurate spelling and grammar are of paramount importance throughout. The personal statement 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 Arts, Humanities and Cultures 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 to the following Schools will be required to attend an interview.

• School of Music: BMus Music (Performance) applicants are also required to perform in a music audition. 
• School of Performance and Cultural Industries: Applicants will participate in a group interview and workshop as part of the selection process 
• School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies: The interview is the main focus of the visit day. All applicants to the School are interviewed, usually in small groups.  

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 Arts, Humanities and Cultures will accommodate requests for alternative interview dates, however an alternative cannot be guaranteed.

References and predicted grades

The reference section of the application is carefully considered by the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures. Details of any extenuating circumstances should be highlighted in the reference. Applications will be considered holistically and contextual factors, such as educational or socio-economic background, may be taken into account.

Referees and applicants should ensure that all qualifications and achieved grades are listed clearly on the relevant section of the application form. This includes GCSE (or equivalent) qualifications and grades, as some courses in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures have minimum GCSE (or equivalent) grade requirements. Performance at GCSE level (or equivalent) will be taken into account by the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures.

If they are available, predicted grades of qualifications yet to be completed (e.g. A-level) should be included in the relevant section of the UCAS application form, by the referee. This allows admissions staff to gain an understanding of the applicant’s full profile, in order to make a decision on the application.

All selection decisions are made on the basis of merit and the ability of each applicant to meet the academic and non-academic criteria for admission to the relevant course of study.

Practice-based entrance requirements

• School of Design: Though portfolio viewings do not usually form part of the standard admissions process, applicants may be asked to submit a digital portfolio/creative task where it is considered that further evidence of their creative/artistic ability and potential is required. This, together with their UCAS application, will be used to assess a candidate’s creative skills and their suitability to study on the course.
• School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies: Applicants for courses that include a ‘fine art’ element, who are shortlisted for further selection, will be expected to submit a digital portfolio in advance of attending an interview and portfolio assessment event in the school. Shortlisted overseas candidates will be required to submit an online portfolio of work and are asked to take part in a Skype or telephone interview.
• School of Media and Communication: All courses in the School involve rigorous theoretical study, research and presentation. All applicants must therefore provide evidence of completing, or working towards completing, a Level 3 (for example, A Level) Arts/Humanities qualification that demonstrates their ability to research a topic and present high quality written work. In some cases, applicants may also be asked to provide examples of completed essays or assignments in order to assess their suitability. 
• School of Music: In some cases, applicants may be asked to provide examples of their written work to help assess their suitability for Music courses. BMus applicants (who must have achieved ABRSM grade 8 Distinction, or equivalent), will also be asked to participate in an audition / interview.

The Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures will make every effort to undertake reasonable adjustments to enable disabled applicants to complete their time abroad. Assessing personal requirements will begin in the first year of a course, so that discussions can begin with potential overseas partners. ‘Residence abroad’ activities are arranged in conjunction with various providers.

Due to factors outside our control, the ability of residence abroad partners to make reasonable adjustments varies, and support may not be as comprehensive as that available in the UK.

It is the responsibility of the individual student to find suitable accommodation, though the Residence Abroad Team for the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies will endeavour to assist disabled students in their search for appropriate housing.

In the event that reasonable adjustments overseas are not possible/feasible (for example, suitable accommodation/support service provision), which would prevent you undertaking your residence abroad, we would support you whilst you consider a range of other options. These would depend on individual circumstances, though might include transferring to an appropriate alternative course (subject to academic approval). 

Alternative Entry Scheme

As outlined in the Contextual admissions schemes section above, the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures will consider prospective students via the Alternative Entry Scheme run by the Lifelong Learning Centre.

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.

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.