1. Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures
  2. Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures undergraduate admissions guidance 2023-24

Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures undergraduate admissions guidance 2023-24

Academic requirements

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.

Advanced entry

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.

Deferral requests

With the exception of the School of Media and Communication, we will consider applications for deferred entry and encourage you to make use of your personal statement to explain your 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.

The School of Media and Communication is not accepting applications for deferred entry; only applications for the coming cycle will be considered.

Application routes and deadlines

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.

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.

Application decisions (School of Design and School of Media and Communication only)

We typically receive a high number of applications to our courses in the School of Design and School of Media and Communication. The number of applicants exceeds the number of places available and so, to ensure that we treat all applications fairly and equitably, we review applications until after the UCAS deadline before making a final decision.

This is a normal part of our process for these courses and may mean applicants have to wait longer than usual to hear from us. It takes time to thoroughly assess all applications, but we aim to make all decisions by the end of March.

Offer decisions are made based on an overall review of applications including predicted grades, breadth of knowledge demonstrated through qualifications, personal statement, extra-curricular and work experience, and contextual information

Part-time study

The Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures does not offer courses on a part-time basis. Please see our Lifelong Learning Centre website for details of the part-time courses.

Reapplications and former students of the University

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).

Resits

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

Interviews

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: Applicants for fine art courses may be invited for a one-to-one virtual interview with a member of the fine art team.

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.

Other assessment methods

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 fine art courses will be expected to submit a digital portfolio and may be invited for a virtual interview with a member of the fine art team.
  • 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.

Disabled applicants selecting a course that includes a compulsory year abroad

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). 

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, by emailing the relevant Admissions Team (see Coursefinder for contact details). Generally, where applicants request feedback on why they have not been admitted, feedback will be given.