1. Faculty of Environment
  2. School of Geography
  3. Undergraduate admissions guidance

Undergraduate admissions guidance

(For academic year 2024/25 only) 

This admissions guidance applies to the undergraduate courses Geography BA, Geography with Transport Studies BA and Economics and Geography BA in the School of Geography.

Due to the competitive nature of this course the admissions team may take into account a wide variety of factors, which include, but are not limited to, academic performance to date and predicted results for qualifications currently being studied when assessing applications. 

Application decisions 

We typically receive a high number of applications to Geography BA, Geography with Transport Studies BA and Economics and Geography BA. The number of applicants exceeds the number of places available and so, to ensure that we treat all applications fairly and equitably, we may sometimes put applications on hold 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 a little 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. 

We may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed on UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.

Applications should arrive at UCAS by 18:00 (UK time) on 31 January 2024. This is our 'equal consideration' deadline, which means we must consider all applications received by this time equally. 

If you are a current University of Leeds student looking to transfer, there is no guarantee you will be considered if you do not contact your School before the deadline.

Personal statements and references 

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. It 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. 

Qualifications taken early 

We recognise that some applicants may have studied a more flexible curriculum, where you have been able to progress through your educational development at an appropriate rate according to your 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.  

Resits 

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

Deferral requests  

The School of Geography is not accepting applications for deferred entry for Geography BA, Geography with Transport Studies BA and Economics and Geography BA; only applications for the coming cycle will be considered. 

Advanced entry 

Entry to Level 2 or Level 3 of Geography BA, Geography with Transport Studies BA and Economics and Geography BA is not generally permitted. 

Internal transfers  

We 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: geo-ug-enq@leeds.ac.uk. 

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 Course Search. Successful applicants will be given an offer that clearly sets out any conditions. 

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

Decisions and communications with applicants 

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 University of Leeds Taught Admissions 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. 

Further information 

If you require further information, please email us at geo-ug-enq@leeds.ac.uk. 

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Page published: 14 April 2023