Admissions to courses in the School of Mechanical Engineering

(For academic year 2023/24 only)

This admissions guidance applies to undergraduate courses offered by the School of Mechanical Engineering.

Due to the competitive nature of these courses, we can only consider applicants that are predicted to achieve (or have already achieved) our entry requirements in full. The admissions team takes into account a wide variety of factors, which include, but are not limited to, actual academic performance to date and predicted results for qualifications currently being studied.

Personal statements and references

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:

Evidence of a sustained interest in engineering
Examples of engineering-related experience you have gained (formal or informal), noting any cases where this involved team work
Evidence of your problem-solving abilities and technical understanding

Interviews

Interviews do not form part of our standard admissions process; however, in some cases, an applicant may be invited for an interview if it will help inform whether an offer should be made.

Candidates may also be asked to sit a Mathematics/Mechanics and/or Physics test 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 offer.

If applicable, applicants will receive an interview invitation 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, we will accommodate requests for alternative interview dates. However, an alternative cannot be guaranteed.

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

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.

Advanced entry

We will consider applications from those who are seeking entry to the second year. All applications must be made through UCAS in line with the application deadline.

To be eligible, you must demonstrate that you 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, we 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 on to Level 3 in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences 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: ugmech@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 Coursefinder. 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.

Application decisions

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

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.

Further information

If you have any questions, please contact ugmech@leeds.ac.uk

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Page published: 31 August 2022
Page last updated: 31 August 2022