Undergraduate Admissions Policy - Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences 2021-22

This policy is for you if your chosen undergraduate degree has a September 2021 start date.

You must also read the University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy, as both policies apply.

If your undergraduate degree has a September 2020 start date, read the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences admissions policy 2020-21.

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

The Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences Admissions Policy applies to courses listed on Coursefinder for the following Schools:

  • School of Chemical and Process Engineering
  • School of Chemistry
  • School of Civil Engineering
  • School of Computing
  • School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering
  • School of Mathematics
  • School of Mechanical Engineering
  • School of Physics and Astronomy

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

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

The Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences 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 Engineering and Physical Sciences 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.

Non-academic requirements

In order to gain admittance to some courses in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, applicants must obtain an ATAS. Please see the ATAS, CAS and Student visas section.

References

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

Access to Leeds and Realising Opportunities

Eligible Access to Leeds and Realising Opportunities candidates will be considered for an alternative offer. However, minimum/subject requirements will usually apply to any alternative offer made and details can be found on Coursefinder

Extended degrees with Integrated Foundation Year

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.  

Advanced entry

The Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences 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 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 a minimum % average in the first year of study 

Any decision on the eligibility of applications for advanced entry is an academic judgement. Due to the limited nature of places, the Faculty may take into account a wide variety of factors which include, but are not limited to, actual academic performance to date, personal statement and references in order to differentiate between applicants. 

Entry onto Level 3 in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences is not generally 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.

Application process

Application routes and deadlines

All 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 Engineering and Physical Sciences 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. 

Internal transfers 

The Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences will consider applications from those who wish to transfer internally from other programmes at the University of Leeds, providing places are available. Applicants are required to make a formal request via email to the Admissions Team, using the contact details listed in the Useful contacts and resources section below. The request should include the following information:  

  • Current programme of study 
  • Grades obtained on current programme of study 
  • Other qualifications held, for example A Levels and GCSEs 
  • Reason for request to transfer 
  • Interest in and knowledge of the subject area and degree programme 

Transfer applicants may be interviewed and, depending on the time of year, may be required to complete their current year to a specified level. Other assessment methods may be implemented for specific courses as outlined on Coursefinder. Applicants will be given an offer which clearly sets out any conditions relating to an offer of a place. 

Students wishing to be considered for second year entry should consult the section above for more information on Advanced Entry. 

Contextual admissions schemes

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 Engineering and Physical Sciences 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.  

Part-time study

The Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences does not offer Undergraduate courses on a part-time basis.  

ATAS, CAS and Student visas

Some courses in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences require applicants to hold an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate in order to undertake undergraduate study. If an ATAS is required, it will be stated on the course page on Coursefinder.

More information about ATAS can be found on the University website.

Age and safeguarding

Information is in the corresponding section of the University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy

Reapplications and former students of the University

The Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences will consider applications from those who have previously applied to the institution. 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. 

The Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences 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). 

Resits

The Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences will consider applications from those who are re-taking examinations prior to entering the University. 

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 Engineering and Physical Sciences 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. However, where applicants are holding offers for deferred entry they may not be subject to the same level of flexibility.  

Deferral requests

The Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences 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 may be required to do so prior to the confirmation of a place. 

Applicant assessment

Academic grades normally form only one part of the final decision and the following sections give examples of how applicants may demonstrate that they have the skills, knowledge and attributes that we consider will enable them to become successful students on our degree courses. 

Please note, the application forms of those who are unsuccessful in gaining a place on their chosen course may be passed to admissions teams for other courses in which the applicant may be interested. 

Personal statements

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. We wish to hear about why applicants are interested in the field, any relevant work or other experience, details of any particular skills, interests or attributes they have which will demonstrate their aptitude, motivation and interest in the subject area. Career aspirations also interest us. 

Where applications show similar academic achievements and predicted grades, we may use the personal statement and reference in order to differentiate between applicants. 

Admission to programmes within the School of Computing  

Where the applications we receive show very similar academic achievements and predictions, we may use the personal statement and reference in order to differentiate between applicants. The criteria for assessment will include:  

  • Examples of enthusiasm for computing
  • Demonstration of an understanding of the programme  
  • Work experience and responsible roles applicants have adopted  
  • Evidence of thinking, problem-solving and technical understanding  
  • Demonstration of independent learning and teamwork skills  

The School of Computing may make suitable candidates a lower offer (usually AAB or equivalent) where they can demonstrate interest and aptitude for the subject via their UCAS form. We may take into account a range of contextual factors, and this may also depend on the number of places available. Please note that the minimum entry requirement for BTEC and Access to HE applicants in the School of Computing remain at the published level and will not be lowered. This is to ensure adequate preparation for success on our programmes. Please note that this ranged offer applies only to specific programmes in the School of Computing. 

Admission to programmes within the School of Mechanical Engineering  

Where the applications we receive show very similar academic achievements and predictions, we may use the personal statement and reference in order to differentiate between applicants. The criteria for assessment will include: 

  • Examples of enthusiasm for engineering  
  • Demonstration of an understanding of the programme 
  • Work experience and responsible roles applicants have adopted 
  • Evidence of thinking, problem solving and technical understanding 
  • Demonstration of independent learning and teamwork skills 

Interviews

Except for the BSc in Computer Science (Digital & Technology Solutions), interviews do not form part of the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences’ 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.  

Candidates may also be asked to sit a Mathematics/Mechanics and/or Physics test, alongside an interview in order to assess their current competence. The combination of performance in the test and/or interview will be used, alongside the information on the UCAS form when we consider whether to make an applicant an offer. 

If applicable, applicants will receive an invitation from the School to attend an interview and will be informed in advance if they will be required to sit a test. If invited applicants do not attend, their application will not be considered any further and will be rejected. 

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 video conferencing or telephone. 

Where possible the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences will accommodate requests for alternative interview dates, however an alternative cannot be guaranteed 

BSc in Computer Science (Digital & Technology Solutions)  

Applicants for this four-year degree apprenticeship with PwC will follow the PwC recruitment process. This will include a range of assessment activities to enable us to determine suitable candidates. 

Gathered field

Admissions to programmes within the School of Computing and School of Mechanical Engineering 

Due to the very high number of applications we receive, and to ensure that all those applying on time are treated fairly, some applications may be held until May before a decision is made. We monitor the number of offers we make carefully and may hold some applications until later in the cycle. 

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 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.  

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 Faculty Admissions Manager, whose details can be found in the Useful contacts and resources section below. 

Useful contacts and resources

For general enquiries and information relating to courses and admission to the University of Leeds, applicants should contact the Admissions Enquiries Team:

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

Admissions enquiries specific to the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences should be directed as follows:

School of Chemical and Process Engineering Admissions Team
Email: ugchemical@leeds.ac.uk

School of Chemistry Admissions Team
Email: admissions@chem.leeds.ac.uk

School of Civil Engineering Admissions Team
Email: ugcivil@leeds.ac.uk

School of Computing Admissions Team
Email: ugcomp@leeds.ac.uk

School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering Admissions Team
Email: ugelec@leeds.ac.uk

School of Mathematics Admissions Team
Email: maths.admiss@leeds.ac.uk

School of Mechanical Engineering Admissions Team
Email: ugmech@leeds.ac.uk

School of Physics and Astronomy Admissions Team
Email: physics.admissions@leeds.ac.uk

For all Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences admissions complaints and appeals please contact the Faculty Admissions Manager Helen Linyard.
Email: h.e.linyard@leeds.ac.uk

Version control

Page published: 27 July 2020
Page last updated: 12 January 2021
Details of any amendments since first published:

  • The UCAS deadline was amended from 15 January 2021 to 29 January 2021 in the Application routes and deadlines section to reflect an extension granted by UCAS due to the COVID-19 pandemic.