1. Faculty of Social Sciences
  2. School of Law
  3. Undergraduate
  4. Admissions guidance

Admissions guidance

This information applies to the following courses:

  • M100 LLB Law
  • M101 LLB Law (2 year Graduate programme)
  • MR11 LLB Law with French Law
  • MR12 LLB Law with German Law
  • MR13 LLB Law with Hispanic Law
  • MM29 BA Criminal Justice and Criminology

All applications received by 29 January 2025 will receive equal consideration. Applications received between 30 January and 30 June 2025 will be considered at our discretion and subject to places remaining available. 

UCAS terms explained

The UCAS glossary of terms will help you to understand the application process.

Personal statements

The personal statement of the application form helps us to assess the nature of 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: 

  • Interest in the field 

  • Any relevant work or other experience 

  • Details of any particular skills, interests or attributes that will demonstrate aptitude, motivation and interested in the subject area 

  • Social and cultural awareness 

  • Responsibility 

  • Career aspirations 

UCAS also gives advice about writing a personal statement.

Personal statement guidelines 

The personal statement is an important part of your application, which means accurate spelling and grammar are of paramount importance. You must be able to demonstrate your excitement for and suitability to the academic subject, in addition to your potential to contribute more widely to the School. This assessment will form part of the basis on which decisions are made.

  • Interest in and commitment to the subject   

  • Social and cultural awareness   

  • Any work or voluntary activities relevant to the programme   

  • Responsibility  

  • Non-academic interests and activities    

Interviews

The School of Law do not use interviews as part of our standard admissions process.

Will I receive an offer?

Courses in the School of Law receive a high volume of applications relative to the places available (typically over 18 applications per place). This means that we cannot extend an offer to all applicants. Offer decisions are made based on an overall review of applications including predicted grades, breadth of knowledge demonstrated through qualifications, personal statement, and contextual information.

Applications may be unsuccessful based on an overall assessment or for specific reasons such as:

  • An incomplete UCAS form
  • Grades achieved from re-sits – typically we expect candidates to have completed their A-level or equivalent qualifications in 3 years total (though not necessarily consecutively)
  • Failure to respond to a request for more information before the given deadline (where information is missing from the application form or additional clarification is needed, an email request for this information will be sent to the email address provided in the UCAS application)
  • Low predicted or achieved grades
  • Poor personal statement (see personal statement guidance above on what to include). 

Please note that meeting, or being predicted to meet, the academic entry criteria does not automatically result in an offer being made.

Application decisions

We typically receive a high number of applications to our courses in the School of Law. 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 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.

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.

Qualifications taken early

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

The School of Law generally expects that applicants have completed 3 A Levels (or equivalent) in one sitting. We may not be able to confirm a place in the upcoming academic cycle following an improved final grade after re-mark, in such cases applicants may be asked to reapply.

Deferral requests

We are not currently able to consider applications for deferred entry.

Advanced entry

Entry onto Levels 2 and 3 of courses within the School of Law is not permitted other than through agreed partnership agreements.

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. Current students enquiring about a potential change of programme will be required to complete this Change of Programme Initial Enquiry Form in the first instance.  

Applicant assessment

Academic grades normally form only one part of the final decision and the section on personal statements gives 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.

Admissions policy

Please see the University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy.

Contact details

School of Law – email uglaw@leeds.ac.uk