We have tried to answer the most common questions here, but if there is anything else you need to know please call us on (0113) 343 3212 or email part-time@leeds.ac.uk.
What should I expect university to be like?
There are several ways to get a feel for university life before you arrive.
Through our outreach work we run open events and taster sessions, both on and off-campus, designed to raise aspirations and improve understanding of what university study will entail.
We also welcome individual enquiries and can arrange for anyone interested in part-time study to visit the University and meet for an informal discussion with a member of LLC staff. Please call us on (0113) 343 3212 or email part-time@leeds.ac.uk in the first instance.
One of the best ways to find out what studying at Leeds will be like is to talk to someone who has already done it. As part of our peer mentoring scheme we can put you in touch with a student already studying here so that you can find out what it’s really like and get some early questions answered.
Alternatively, have a look at what some of our current and former students have to say about studying at Leeds.
Am I ready for university study?
If you are unsure about studying at university you can always take advantage of our free, confidential and impartial pre-entry information, advice and guidance service which will provide you with the opportunity to discuss your options in a confidential setting.
I would like to study, but I’m not sure I could manage a degree – is there anything else?
You don’t have to start by studying a Foundation Degree or Honours Degree. You can first take a short course such as Personal and Professional Development or a preparatory programme such as Preparation for Higher Education. These allow you to experience university study and are designed to provide you with the right skills should you wish to progress further.
About University Study
What is meant by ‘credits’, ‘semesters’ and other jargon?
The language used in universities can be quite confusing at first, although you will soon pick it up. The following explanations may be helpful.
- Programme. A programme (or programme of study to give the full title) is another word for your course. The terms programme and course are often used interchangeably. At the University, qualifications and courses are usually referred to as programmes of study and are broken down into individual levels. The number of levels you need to complete a programme depends on the qualification you are aiming for. Each level of study is further broken down into a series of individual units known as modules.
- Module. Programmes are usually divided into units of study known as modules. Each programme consists of several modules focusing on different aspects of the programme. Each module carries a credit rating of either 10, 20, 30 or 40 credits, although most are 20, and you take a set number of modules each year to build up to a specific qualification.
- Electives. If you are studying for an undergraduate degree programme you will be required to take some modules as an essential requirement of your degree, and you may also have a choice of options. In addition, you can choose some modules, known as electives, from a very broad range of subjects that are of more general interest.
- Credits. Each module is worth a certain number of credits, which are put towards the total number of credits you would need to study to complete a level. When you successfully pass a module you will be awarded that number of credits.
- Level. This refers to the level of difficulty of the module or programme, starting at level 0 for foundation and preparatory programmes and ranging up to level 3 for the highest undergraduate level. For full-time students, each level is roughly the same as one year. For part-time students, each level may take two years.
- Terms and semesters. Although the academic year is broken into terms as at school, most teaching takes place over longer time periods referred to as semesters. These run from September through to January, and February through to June. Some programmes also have summer schools or courses.
How will I be taught?
Although you will have formal taught sessions in classrooms these form only a small part of the study week. Most programmes tend to have a combination of lectures, where you listen to the tutor and take notes, and seminars where smaller groups discuss the subject in more detail.
University study is designed to stretch your mind and teach you to develop your own opinions about the subject. In between classes you are expected to read about your subject, think about it, talk about it if possible, show an interest in it, and work on assignments that will be assessed.
How can I juggle part-time study with other responsibilities, such as my family?
Mature students do tend to find they need to be very organised and to manage their time well. This is why we have a wide range of specialist support services run by friendly and experienced staff, to help you to do this. However, it is worth remembering that as an adult, you may already have a wide range of time management skills from your experience of juggling various responsibilities such as work, home and family. This could even give you an advantage over many younger students who have not yet had an opportunity to develop these skills.
Admissions Process
Please note, these answers refer to Lifelong Learning Centre (LLC) courses. If you are interested in applying to other courses, please contact the relevant University department in the first instance. If in doubt, please call on (0113) 343 3212 or email part-time@leeds.ac.uk and we will be happy to direct you to the right person.
How do I apply?
You apply directly to the University and for most part-time courses this means calling us on (0113) 343 3212 or emailing part-time@leeds.ac.uk for an application form, but it is best to double check with the Course Directory.
When do I have to apply?
This depends on the course you are applying for. The majority of our courses start in late September and for most courses you are advised to apply as early as possible, preferably by August. However, for others such as the Short Courses you may be able to apply later. Conversely, some degrees have earlier application deadlines. Therefore, you are advised to check with the Course Directory.
What if I have a disability or health-related issue?
The LLC is keen to encourage diversity and promote equality and welcomes applications from students with disabilities or health-related issues. All applications are dealt with according to the selection criteria specified in our Admissions Policy so disclosure will not adversely affect your application. We encourage you to complete all the sections of the application form and contact MJ Morgan if you need any further information or support.
What qualifications will I need to start a course?
Entry requirements will differ according to the programme chosen and there are various methods of assessing your potential such as a written personal statement, taster or introductory courses, an interview, or writing an essay. We accept a wide range of formal qualifications – not just ‘A’ Levels – and offer alternative ways to meet our entry requirements even if you don’t have any formal qualifications. Don’t forget that there aren’t any formal entry requirements for our preparatory or taster courses, including Preparation for Higher Education and our Short Courses.
You are advised to check the Course Directory or our Applications section for specific information about our different courses.
Will I be interviewed?
If you are applying for Preparation for Higher Education, a Foundation Degree or part-time Certificate of Higher Education or honours degree then yes, in most cases you will be interviewed. Applicants to Open Study are also interviewed. The interview is an opportunity for you to ask us questions and find out more about what the course entails, and for the admissions tutor to find out more about you and your academic potential. We do not normally interview applicants for our Short Courses, other than Open Study.
What if I’m not successful?
You will be informed of the outcome of your interview and, if you are not successful, you will be given brief feedback on the reasons for this decision. You will also be offered an appointment with our Guidance Officer to discuss your next step.
About studying
I haven’t written an essay for years – how will I cope?
Before you start your course you can attend our free Academic Skills Support Workshops which will provide a range of tools to help you tackle key areas of studying such as essay writing, time management, IT, note-taking skills and how to use the Library. Those needing more systematic development of academic skills should consider our Preparation for Higher Education course.
Once you have started your course we run a series of drop-in workshops in semester one and have a dedicated member of staff to help and advise you.
I’m not great with computers – is there any help?
The Lifelong Learning Centre produces a booklet which can help explain the basics, and provide information about the technical specification you will need if you want to buy a computer to help with your studies. The Academic Skills Support Workshops (see above) also include sessions to help improve your IT skills. If you prefer one-to-one support, personalised for your needs, we can provide that too.
I have some concerns about the cost of study – can I get any advice?
Although the cost of study is a major concern to many, our courses are competitively priced and many have generous bursaries or concessionary fees. Have a look at our Financial Support Booklet (or our Financial Support for non-UK Students if you are not from the UK) which provides summary information about the financial support you may be entitled to. For more information see our Student Support section.
From 2012 part-time students will be eligible for the same government support for tuition fees as their full-time counterparts. This means that you may borrow the entire cost of tuition fees and do not have to pay anything upfront. You will not have to repay anything unless you are earning over £21k per year and repayments are very affordable, for example, if you are earning £25k your repayments will be around £7 per week. If you stop earning or your salary falls below £21k repayments will cease. For more information please click here. LLC staff are happy to talk through the financial implications of part-time study and discuss options that may be open to you to make this affordable. Please email part-time@leeds.ac.uk or call us on 0113 343 3212 with your enquiry.
Will I meet other students like me?
The LLC hosts a number of social events each year – usually in December, March and June. These are open to all mature undergraduates across the University, and provide an opportunity for students to meet and socialise with each other. We also run a Peer Support schemes for mature undergraduates. For more information see our Student Support section.
Will there be other students who are also parents?
Many of our students on courses across the University are also parents and we have many resources, facilities and groups especially designed to help student parents access the relevant information and the support they need. There are also groups and events set up to help you meet other student parents. For more information please click here and keep an eye on our News and Events pages for the next student parent social event.
