Entry requirements

To be considered for entry to Leeds University Business School applicants should have successfully completed High School and obtained their High School leaving certificate (in England and Wales this would be education to GCSE and A-level standard). 

With the exception of formal articulation routes with one of our recognised partner institutions and progression from some Singapore Polytechnic Diplomas to BA Business Management, and BA Business Management and the Human Resource, we are unable to accept applications for advanced entry into Level 2 or Level 3. All other applications must be made to the first year (Level 1). 

For UK applicants who do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to a degree course, progression may be possible through one of the University’s extended degrees with foundation year. Please see the Foundation courses website for details.

Undergraduate entry requirements for 2026 entry  

A-level and International Baccalaureate entry requirements: 

Course  A-level GCSE IB Overall points required IB English and Maths requirements
BSc Accounting and Finance AAA in any subject Maths: A/7 and English Language: B/6 35 points overall, with 17 points from Higher Level subjects. Please see below for IB English and Maths requirements
BSc Banking and Finance AAA in any subject Maths: A/7 and English Language: B/6 35 points overall, with 17 points from Higher Level subjects. 35 points overall, with 17 points from Higher Level subjects.
BA Business Management AAA in any subject Maths: B/5 and English Language: B/6 35 points overall, with 17 points from Higher Level subjects. Please see below for IB English and Maths requirements
BA Business Management with Marketing AAA in any subject Maths: B/5 and English Language: B/6 35 points overall, with 17 points from Higher Level subjects. Please see below for IB English and Maths requirements
BA Business Management and the Human Resource AAB in any subject Maths: B/5 and English Language: B/6 35 points overall, with 16 points from Higher Level subjects. Please see below for IB English and Maths requirements
BSc Business Economics AAA in any subject Maths: A/7 and English Language: B/6 35 points overall, with 17 points from Higher Level subjects. Please see below for IB English and Maths requirements
BSc Economics AAA in any subject Maths: A/7 and English Language: B/6 35 points overall, with 17 points from Higher Level subjects. Please see below for IB English and Maths requirements
BSc Economics and Finance AAA in any subject Maths: A/7 and English Language: B/6 35 points overall, with 17 points from Higher Level subjects. Please see below for IB English and Maths requirements
BSc International Business AAA in any subject Maths: B/5 and English Language: B/6 35 points overall, with 17 points from Higher Level subjects. Please see below for IB English and Maths requirements
BSc International Business and Finance AAA in any subject Maths: A/7 and English Language: B/6 35 points overall, with 17 points from Higher Level subjects. Please see below for IB English and Maths requirements
BSc International Business and Marketing AAA in any subject Maths: B/5 and English Language: B/6 35 points overall, with 17 points from Higher Level subjects. Please see below for IB English and Maths requirements
BSc Marketing AAB in any subject Maths: B/5 and English Language: B/6 35 points overall, with 16 points from Higher Level subjects. Please see below for IB English and Maths requirement

IB English and Maths requirements

For degrees requiring AAA at A-level: 35 points overall with 17 points from Higher Level subjects. Plus 5 in Standard Level Mathematics courses or 4 in Higher Level Mathematics courses, and 6 in Standard Level English A or Higher Level English B, or 5 in Higher Level English A.
For degrees requiring AAB at A-level: 35 points overall with 16 points from Higher Level subjects. Plus 5 in Standard Level Mathematics courses or 4 in Higher Level Mathematics courses, and 6 in Standard Level English A or Higher Level English B, or 5 in Higher Level English A.

A-level exemptions 

  • A-level requirements exclude General Studies, Critical Thinking and the Extended Project
  • If you have a B/6 in GCSE English Literature, we will accept a Grade 5 or C/4 in GCSE English Language. Alternatively, if you have completed English Language or English Literature at AS-level, we will accept these at Grade C/4 or above if your GCSE Grades do not meet our requirements. 
  • Where the course of study requires a GCSE Maths grade A/7 or B/5, Core Maths will be accepted in lieu at grades A and B respectively. 
  • If you do not meet our minimum GCSE Maths requirements we will accept an AS-level in Maths or Use of Maths at Grade C or above
  • Applicants taking a Science A-level (in England) will be required to achieve a pass in the practical element in addition to the standard A-level grade requirement. 

English Language Requirements

All prospective Business School students need English Language GCSE grade B (6) or higher (but we will accept a grade C (4) if you have a B (6) in GCSE English Literature). The Business School does not accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English. 

If you do not hold an English Language GCSE and English is not your first language we will accept a recognised English language qualification.

Recognised English Language Qualifications 

International GCSE (IGCSE) in First Language English or English as a Second Language: Grade B / 6

IELTS Academic or IELTS Academic UKVI: An overall score of 6.5 with no less than 6 in each component.

TOEFL iBT: An overall score of 88 with no less than 19 in listening, 20 in reading, 22 in speaking and 21 in writing.

PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic or PTE Academic UKVI: An overall score of 64 with no less than 60 in each component.

Cambridge English B2 First: An overall score of 176 or higher, with no less than 169 in any component, or an overall grade of C or higher. We also accept Cambridge English C1 Advanced or Cambridge English C2 Proficiency.

LanguageCert Academic: An overall score of 70 with no score less than 65 in each component.

Password Skills: An overall score of 6.5 with no less than 6 in each component.

Qualifications taken early or resat

We will consider applications from those who are re-taking examinations prior to entering the University. We will consider applicants with a maximum of one resit per qualification.

Applicants re-sitting any part of a qualification should make this clear on their UCAS application form under the section "5B - Qualifications not yet completed or certificated".

Typically we expect candidates to have completed their A-Level or equivalent qualifications over three years in total (though not necessarily consecutively). If this has not been the case, then we advise that the academic referee provides further information as to reasons for this within their reference on the UCAS form.
 

Alternative Qualifications 

Visit our international equivalents page to check our entry requirements for the qualifications in your country. We will also consider applicants who have taken the qualifications below. If your qualification isn't listed below or on our international equivalents page, please email our admissions office at lubsugadmissions@leeds.ac.uk

Alternative Advanced Qualification (AAQ's)

The equivalences for degrees requiring AAA at A level are stated below. Please contact the Admissions Team LUBSUGAdmissions@leeds.ac.uk for further information if the degree you are interested in requires AAB at A Level, or you are Access to Leeds eligible.

(AAQ) BTEC National Level 3 Extended Certificate

Applicants declaring a (AAQ) BTEC National Level 3 Extended Certificate must achieve a Distinction having studied this qualification alongside two A Levels at grade A (a minimum of one academic A Level is required; excluding Extended Project (EPQ), General Studies and Critical Thinking).

Alternatively we will consider applicants studying two (AAQ) BTEC National Level 3 Extended Certificates alongside one academic A-level provided that at least one of the three qualifications is in a business related or discursive subject.

Please note we do not accept the (AAQ) BTEC National Level 3 Certificate.

(AAQ) Cambridge Advanced Nationals Level 3 Extended Certificate

Applicants declaring a (AAQ) Cambridge Advanced Nationals Level 3 Extended Certificate must achieve a Distinction having studied this qualification alongside two A Levels at grade A (a minimum of one academic A Level is required; excluding Extended Project (EPQ), General Studies and Critical Thinking).

Alternatively we will consider applicants studying two (AAQ) Cambridge Advanced Nationals Level 3 Extended Certificates alongside one academic A-level provided that at least one of the three qualifications is in a business related or discursive subject.

Please note we do not accept the (AAQ) Cambridge Advanced Nationals Level 3 Certificate.

AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting

Applicants declaring an AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting alongside two or more A Levels (excluding Accounting, Extended Project (EPQ), General Studies and Critical Thinking). A minimum of one academic A Level is required.

For degrees requiring AAA at A level: must achieve a Merit in the AAT Diploma, alongside AA at A Level.

For degrees requiring AAB at A level: must achieve a Pass in the AAT Diploma, alongside AA at A Level.

We are unable to consider applicants presenting the AAT if it is being studied in conjunction with BTEC(s) only.

Access to Higher Education Diploma

The Access to Higher Education Diploma is assessed on a case-by-case basis upon receipt of the application. We can consider this qualification from UK applicants only, who must complete a Business-related diploma of 60 credits to include 45 credits at Level 3. A minimum of 30 Level 3 credits must be awarded at Distinction and 15 at Merit.

Applicants are expected to meet the GCSE Mathematics and English Language minimum requirements for their chosen degree course.

AQA Level 3 Applied Extended Certificate

For degrees requiring AAA at A Level: Applicants declaring an AQA Level 3 Applied Extended Certificate must achieve a Distinction having studied this qualification alongside two A Levels at grade A (excluding excluding Extended Project (EPQ), General Studies and Critical Thinking). A minimum of one academic A Level is required.

Please note, we do not accept the Applied Certificate for entry to the Business School.

If the degree you are interested in requires AAB at A level please contact the Admissions Team at lubsugadmissions@leeds.ac.uk for equivalency information.

BA Interdisciplinary Studies (PHE)

Applicants declaring the University of Leeds BA Interdisciplinary Studies PHE, a part time course designed for mature students who do not meet standard entry requirements, but are keen to enter Higher Education as part of our commitment to inclusion and widening participation.

Applicants from this course wishing to join a Business School Undergraduate Degree must achieve an overall Distinction which should include the 'People in Society' module.

Applicants are expected to meet the GCSE Mathematics and English Language minimum requirements for their chosen degree course.

All applicants are expected to present a personal statement demonstrating motivation for, and an understanding of, their chosen subject. The statement should also give details of experience supporting or relating to a future in Business. The applicant's experience, aspiration and commitment to the subject will be discussed at interview.

You can find out more about our 'Interdisciplinary Studies with Preparation for Higher Education' course here.

BTEC Nationals Level 3

The equivalences for degrees requiring AAA at A level are stated below. Please contact the Admissions Team LUBSUGAdmissions@leeds.ac.uk for further information if the degree you are interested in requires AAB at A Level, or you are Access to Leeds eligible, or you have undertaken any of the old-style BTEC qualifications (those taken prior to 2017 under the QCF).

Please note we do not accept the BTEC National Certificate.

BTEC National Extended Certificate

Applicants declaring a BTEC National Extended Certificate must achieve a Distinction having studied this qualification alongside two A Levels at grade A (a minimum of one academic A Level is required; excluding Extended Project (EPQ), General Studies and Critical Thinking).

Alternatively we will consider applicants studying two BTEC National Extended Certificates alongside one academic A-level provided that at least one of the three qualifications is in a business related or discursive subject.

BTEC National Foundation Diploma

Applicants declaring a BTEC National Foundation Diploma must achieve a Distinction having studied this qualification alongside two A Levels at grade A (a minimum of one academic A Level is required; excluding Extended Project (EPQ), General Studies and Critical Thinking).

Alternatively we will consider applicants studying two BTEC National Foundation Diploma's alongside one academic A-level provided that at least one of the three qualifications is in a business related or discursive subject.

BTEC National Diploma 

Applicants declaring a BTEC National Diploma must achieve Distinction, Distinction having studied this qualification alongside one academic A Level at grade A (excluding Extended Project (EPQ), General Studies and Critical Thinking).

Please note that at least one of the two qualifications must be in a business related or discursive subject.

BTEC National Extended Diploma in Business

Applicants to degrees requiring AAA at A Level who are declaring the RQF BTEC National Extended Diploma in Business must achieve Distinction* Distinction Distinction (an academic A Level is not required). Applicants declaring the QCF BTEC National Extended Diploma in Business must achieve grades at Distinction* Distinction* Distinction* (an academic A Level is not required).

Applicants to degrees requiring AAB at A Level who are declaring the RQF BTEC National Extended Diploma in Business must achieve Distinction Distinction Distinction (an academic A Level is not required). Applicants declaring the QCF BTEC National Extended Diploma in Business must achieve grades at Distinction*, Distinction*, Distinction* (an academic A Level is not required).

BTEC National Extended Diploma in Non-Business

Applicants declaring a BTEC National Extended Diploma in a subject other than Business must achieve Distinction Distinction (Distinction/Merit) having studied this qualification alongside an A Level in a business related or discursive subject at grade A.

Cambridge AICE (Advanced International Certificate of Education) Diploma

Applicants declaring the AICE Diploma; any combination of three A level subjects will be considered including native/first languages, but excluding Extended Project (EPQ), General Studies and Critical Thinking.

Cambridge Pre-U

Applicants to degrees requiring AAA at A Level who are declaring Cambridge Pre-U Certificates must achieve D3, D3, M2 or D2, M1, M1.
Please note that this requirement excludes the Cambridge Pre-U Certificate in Global Perspectives and Independent Research. We also consider applicants who declare a combination of Pre-U and A-Level qualifications. Please contact lubsugadmissions@leeds.ac.uk for further advice.

Applicants to degrees requiring AAB at A Level who are declaring Cambridge Pre-U Certificates must achieve D3, M1, M2 or D2, M2, M2.
Please note that this requirement excludes the Cambridge Pre-U Certificate in Global Perspectives and Independent Research. We also consider applicants who declare a combination of Pre-U and A-Level qualifications. Please contact lubsugadmissions@leeds.ac.uk for further advice.

Cambridge Technical (CTEC) Level 3

The equivalences for degrees requiring AAA at A level are stated below. Please contact the Admissions Team LUBSUGAdmissions@leeds.ac.uk for further information if the degree you are interested in requires: AAB at A Level or you are Access to Leeds eligible. 

Please note we do not accept the CTEC Technical Certificate.

Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate

Applicants declaring a Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate must achieve a Distinction having studied this qualification alongside two A Levels at grade A (a minimum of one academic A Level is required; excluding Extended Project (EPQ), General Studies and Critical Thinking).

Alternatively we will consider applicants studying two Cambridge Technical Extended Certificates alongside one academic A-level provided that at least one of the three qualifications is in a business related or discursive subject.

Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma

Applicants declaring a Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma must achieve a Distinction having studied this qualification alongside two A Levels at grade A (a minimum of one academic A Level is required; excluding Extended Project (EPQ), General Studies and Critical Thinking).

Alternatively we will consider applicants studying two Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma's alongside one academic A-level provided that at least one of the three qualifications is in a business related or discursive subject.

Cambridge Technical Diploma

Applicants declaring a Cambridge Technical Diploma must achieve Distinction, Distinction having studied this qualification alongside one academic A Level at grade A (excluding Extended Project (EPQ), General Studies and Critical Thinking).

Please note that at least one of the two qualifications must be in a business related or discursive subject.

Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in Business

Applicants to degrees requiring AAA at A Level who are declaring the Cambridge Technical National Extended Diploma in Business must achieve Distinction* Distinction Distinction (an academic A Level is not required). 

Applicants to degrees requiring AAB at A Level who are declaring the Cambridge Technical National Extended Diploma in Business must achieve Distinction Distinction Distinction (an academic A Level is not required).

Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in Non-Business

Applicants declaring a Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in a subject other than Business must achieve Distinction Distinction (Distinction/Merit) having studied this qualification alongside an A Level in a business related or discursive subject at grade A.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

We do not require the EPQ for entry onto our courses at the Business School, but we recognise the benefits and opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we do look upon this qualification favourably, and we may take your performance in the EPQ into account if you narrowly miss the grades outlined in our offer to you. If you are studying an EPQ, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the qualification in your UCAS application form.

European Baccalaureate

For degrees requiring AAA at A level: Applicants must achieve a minimum of 8.5 (85%) overall with a minimum of 7.0 (70%) in English Language 1 or 2 and Mathematics. For those applicants who meet our Mathematics and English requirements through another qualification a 7.0 (70%) will not be required within the European Baccalaureate.

For degrees requiring AAB at A level: Applicants must achieve a minimum of 8.0 (80%) overall with a minimum of 7.0 (70%) in English Language 1 or 2 and Mathematics. For those applicants who meet our Mathematics and English requirements through another qualification a 7.0 (70%) will not be required within the European Baccalaureate.

(UK) Foundation Years (non-International)

We will assess UK University Foundation Years from other Russell Group universities on a case-by-case basis. Due to time constraints we are unable to pre-assess a Foundation Year for entry onto our degree courses. All appropriate Business-related Foundation Years will be assessed upon application, as will the applicant's previous qualifications and grades. Applicants must ensure they meet the minimum Mathematics and English Language requirements for their chosen course. The University of Leeds offers its own 'Business Studies Foundation Year' for UK applicants - you can find out more here.

Higher National Diploma/Certificate

We do not accept Higher National Certificates (HNC) or Higher National Diplomas (HND) for entry onto our degree courses

International Independent Project Qualification (IPQ)

We do not accept the International IPQ for entry onto our degree courses.

International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP)

Applicants declaring the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme are assessed on a case-by-case basis upon receipt of the application. Applicants would be expected to be taking a minimum of one IB course at Higher Level (two may be required, this is dependent on the vocational component presented), as well as taking a relevant career-related vocational component, one of which must be in a business related subject. 

Should you require further information on your academic profile before applying please contact lubsugadmissions@leeds.ac.uk.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)

For degrees requiring AAA at A-level: 35 points overall with 17 points from Higher Level subjects. Plus 5 in Standard Level Mathematics courses or 4 in Higher Level Mathematics courses, and 6 in Standard Level English A or Higher Level English B, or 5 in Higher Level English A.

For degrees requiring AAB at A-level: 35 points overall with 16 points from Higher Level subjects. Plus 5 in Standard Level Mathematics courses or 4 in Higher Level Mathematics courses, and 6 in Standard Level English A or Higher Level English B, or 5 in Higher Level English A.

For those applicants who meet our Mathematics or English Language requirements through another qualification, these minimum points for Mathematics or English Language in the International Baccalaureate Diploma do not apply.

Literature and Performance or English ab initio are not accepted for English Language, and a separate English Language qualification is required.

International Baccalaureate individual (Higher Level) Courses

Applicants declaring International Baccalaureate Courses must achieve grades of 666 from Higher Level subjects. These must be externally assessed (not just taught material).

If you are studying one or more IB course(s) alongside one or more A-level(s), or other qualifications such as BTEC's, please contact the Admissions Team at lubsugadmissions@leeds.ac.uk for further information.

International Foundation Years (IFY)

We accept a range of International Foundation Years from applicants who have completed High School with good grades. Applicants must ensure they meet the minimum Mathematics requirement for their chosen course or be taking an appropriate Mathematics module within their Foundation Year. A numeracy module would not be sufficient to meet our Mathematics requirements. Typically we expect applicants to achieve 70%+, or equivalent, in an appropriate Business-related Foundation Year. 

Due to time constraints we are unable to pre-assess a Foundation Year for entry onto our degree courses. All Foundation Years will be assessed upon application. A separate English Language qualification is required. 

The University of Leeds offers its own Business International Foundation Year - you can find out more here.

LIBF Level 3 Diploma in Financial Studies

Applicants declaring the Diploma in Financial Studies alongside two or more A Levels (excluding Extended Project (EPQ), General Studies and Critical Thinking). A minimum of one of these A Levels must be an academic A Level.

For degrees requiring AAA at A level: must achieve a grade A in the LIBF Diploma, alongside AA at A Level.

For degrees requiring AAB at A level: must achieve a grade B in the LIBF Diploma, alongside AA at A Level.

We are unable to consider applicants who are studying the LIBF Diploma in conjunction with BTEC(s) only.

NVQ Level 3

We do not accept NVQ Level 3 qualifications for entry onto our degree courses.

Scottish Highers and Scottish Advanced Highers

For degrees requiring AAA at A level: National 5's are acceptable in place of GCSE's. For Mathematics, a grade of B is required for GCSE grade B/5 courses or an A for GCSE grade A/7. A grade of B is required for English Language.

Scottish Highers and Scottish Advanced Highers are acceptable for entry onto our degree courses in the following combinations: six Highers at AAAAAA or one Advanced Higher at A with five Highers at AAABB, or two Advanced Highers at AA with five Highers AABBB. We will also accept three Advanced Highers at AAA.

For degrees requiring AAB at A level: National 5's are acceptable in place of GCSE's. For Mathematics, a grade of B is required for GCSE grade B/5 courses or an A for GCSE grade A/7. A grade of B is required for English Language.

Scottish Highers and Scottish Advanced Highers are acceptable for entry onto our degree courses in the following combinations: six Highers at AAAABB or one Advanced Higher at A with five Highers at AABBB, or two Advanced Highers at AB with five Highers AABBB. We will also accept three Advanced Highers at AAB.

T-Levels

Applicants declaring a T Level are assessed on a case-by-case basis upon receipt of the application. We can only consider these subjects; Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management and Administration, Digital Data Analytics, Digital Software Development, or Digital Support and Security.

An overall Distinction with grade A in the Core Component must be achieved.

Applicants are also expected to have met the GCSE Mathematics and English Language minimum requirements for their chosen degree programme.

University-level study

We do not accept any credit from University level study in place of our published entry requirements for Year 1 entry onto our degree courses. Also please be aware we do not accept applications for advanced entry into Year 2 or 3 of our courses. All applications must be made to the first year of the chosen degree course.

Welsh WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

For degrees requiring AAA at A Level: The WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is acceptable in place of an A level. Applicants must achieve a grade A alongside AA at A level (excluding Extended Project (EPQ), General Studies and Critical Thinking).

For degrees requiring AAB at A Level: The WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is acceptable in place of an A level. Applicants must achieve a grade B alongside AA at A level (excluding Extended Project (EPQ), General Studies and Critical Thinking).

WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma

Applicants declaring a WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma alongside two or more A-levels (excluding Extended Project (EPQ), General Studies and Critical Thinking). A minimum of one academic A Level is required.

For degrees requiring AAA at A-level: must achieve a grade A (or Distinction) in the WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma, alongside AA at A-level.

For degrees requiring AAB at A-level: must achieve a grade B (or Distinction) in the WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma, alongside AA at A-level.

We are unable to consider applicants presenting the AAT if it is being studied in conjunction with BTEC(s) only.

WJEC Level 3 Diploma

Applicants declaring a WJEC Level 3 Diploma alongside two or more A-levels (excluding Extended Project (EPQ), General Studies and Critical Thinking). A minimum of one academic A Level is required.

For degrees requiring AAA at A-level: must achieve a grade A in the WJEC Level 3 Diploma, alongside AA at A-level.

For degrees requiring AAB at A-level: must achieve a grade B in the WJEC Level 3 Diploma, alongside AA at A-level.

We are unable to consider applicants presenting the AAT if it is being studied in conjunction with BTEC(s) only.