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, BA Business Management and the Human Resource and BA Human Resource Management, 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 Lifelong Learning Centre website for details.

Undergraduate entry requirements for 2024 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.

Please see below for IB English and Maths requirements

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

BA Human Resource Management 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 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

IB English and Maths requirements

For degrees requiring AAA at A-level: 35 points overall including 5 in Standard level Maths courses or 4 in Higher level Maths courses, and 5 in English (Standard or Higher Level), with 17 points from Higher Level subjects. We will accept either of the two new Mathematics pathways, Applications and Interpretation and Analysis and Approaches.
For degrees requiring AAB at A-level: 35 points overall including 5 in Standard level Maths courses or 4 in Higher level Maths courses, and 5 in English (Standard or Higher Level), with 16 points from Higher Level subjects. We will accept either of the two new Mathematics pathways, Applications and Interpretation and Analysis and Approaches.

A-level exemptions 

  • A-level requirements exclude General StudiesCritical 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 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

AAT Diploma (Level 3)

We welcome applications from candidates who have studied the AAT Level 3 Diploma alongside two or more A-levels (excluding Accounting, 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: typically a Merit would be required in the AAT Diploma, alongside AA at A-level.

For degrees requiring AAB at A-level: typically a Pass would be required 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 (Business)

Typically, we consider the Access to Higher Education Diploma to be suitable for UK applicants who will be assessed on a case by case basis. Applicants must complete a Business-related diploma of 60 credits with 45 credits at Level 3. A minimum of 30 Level 3 credits must be awarded at Distinction level and 15 at Merit. Applicants are expected to meet the GCSE Maths and English Language minimum requirements for their chosen degree programme.

Please note that applicants presenting this qualification may be called for interview (where they must also present a recent piece of academic writing for review) - this requirement is assessed upon receipt of the application.

AQA Level 3 Applied Extended Certificate

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

We welcome applications from the University of Leeds BA Interdisciplinary Studies PHE which is a part time programme designed for Mature candidates who do not meet standard entry requirements, but are keen to enter Higher Education as part of our commitment to inclusion and widening participation.

Candidates from this programme 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 Maths and English Language minimum requirements for their chosen degree programme.

All candidates 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 candidate's experience, aspiration and commitment to the subject will be discussed at interview.

Find out more about Interdisciplinary Studies with Preparation for Higher Education.

BTEC Nationals

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 offering a BTEC National Extended Certificate must obtain a Distinction having studied this qualification alongside two A Levels at grade A (a minimum of one academic A Level is required; excluding 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 offering a BTEC National Foundation Diploma must obtain Distinction having studied this qualification alongside two A Levels at grade A (a minimum of one academic A Level is required; excluding 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 offering a BTEC National Diploma must obtain a minimum of Distinction, Distinction having studied this qualification alongside one academic A Level at grade A (excluding 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 BA Business Management and the Human Resource and BA Human Resource Management programmes who are offering the RQF BTEC National Extended Diploma in Business must obtain Distinction Distinction Distinction (an academic A Level is not required). Applicants offering the QCF BTEC National Extended Diploma in Business must obtain grades at Distinction*, Distinction*, Distinction* (an academic A Level is not required).

Applicants to all other programmes offering the RQF BTEC National Extended Diploma in Business must obtain Distinction* Distinction Distinction (an academic A Level is not required). Applicants offering the QCF BTEC National Extended Diploma in Business must obtain grades at Distinction* Distinction* Distinction* (an academic A Level is not required).

BTEC National Extended Diploma in Non-Business

Applicants offering a BTEC National Extended Diploma in a subject other than Business must obtain 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

We welcome applications from candidates offering 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

For BSc Accounting and Finance, BSc Banking and Finance, BSc International Business, BSc International Business and Finance, and BSc International Business and Marketing: Typically 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 offer a combination of Pre-U and A-Level qualifications. Please contact lubsugadmissions@leeds.ac.uk for further advice.

For BSc Business Economics, BSc Economics, BSc Economics and Finance, BA Business Management and BA Business Management with Marketing: Typically D3, D3, M1. Please note that this requirement excludes the Cambridge Pre-U Certificate in Global Perspectives and Independent Research. We also consider applicants who offer a combination of Pre-U and A-Level qualifications. Please contact lubsugadmissions@leeds.ac.uk for further advice.

For BA Business Management and the Human Resource, and BA Human Resource Management: Typically 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 offer a combination of Pre-U and A-Level qualifications. Please contact lubsugadmissions@leeds.ac.uk for further advice.

Cambridge Technicals

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 offering a Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate must obtain a Distinction having studied this qualification alongside two A Levels at grade A (a minimum of one academic A Level is required; excluding 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 offering a Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma must obtain a Distinction having studied this qualification alongside two A Levels at grade A (a minimum of one academic A Level is required; excluding 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 offering a Cambridge Technical Diploma must obtain a minimum of Distinction, Distinction having studied this qualification alongside one academic A Level at grade A (excluding 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 BA Business Management and the Human Resource and BA Human Resource Management programmes who are offering the Cambridge Technical National Extended Diploma in Business must obtain Distinction Distinction Distinction (an academic A Level is not required).

Applicants to all other programmes offering the Cambridge Technical National Extended Diploma in Business must obtain Distinction* Distinction Distinction (an academic A Level is not required). 

Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in Non-Business

Applicants offering a Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in a subject other than Business must obtain 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 programmes 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 obtain a minimum of 8.5 (85%) overall with a minimum of 7.0 (70%) in English Language 1 or 2 and Maths. For those candidates who meet our Maths 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 obtain a minimum of 8.0 (80%) overall with a minimum of 7.0 (70%) in English Language 1 or 2 and Maths. For those candidates who meet our Maths and English requirements through another qualification, a 7.0 (70%) will not be required within the European Baccalaureate.

(UK) Foundation Degrees

We do not accept UK Foundation Degrees for entry onto our degree programmes.

(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 programmes. All appropriate Business-related Foundation Years  will be assessed upon application via the UCAS system, as will the candidate's previous qualifications and grades. Candidates must ensure they meet the minimum Maths and English Language requirements for their chosen programme. 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 consider Higher National Certificates (HNC) or Higher National Diplomas (HND) for entry onto our degree programmes.

IFS/LIBF Certificate in Financial Studies

We do not accept the IFS or LIBF Certificate for entry onto our degree programmes. 

IFS/LIBF Diploma in Financial Studies

We will consider applications from candidates who have studied the Diploma in Financial Studies (IFS or LIBF) alongside two or more A Levels (excluding 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: typically a grade A would be required in the IFS or LIBF Diploma, alongside AA at A Level.  

For degrees requiring AAB at A level: typically a grade B would be required in the IFS or LIBF Diploma, alongside AA at A Level.  We are unable to consider applicants who are studying the IFS or LIBF diploma in conjunction with BTECS only. 

International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP)

We will consider applications from candidates offering the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme, however these 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 including 5 in Standard level Maths courses or 4 in Higher level Maths courses, and 5 in English (Standard or Higher Level), with 17 points from Higher Level subjects.
For degrees requiring AAB at A-level: 35 points overall including 5 in Standard level Maths courses or 4 in Higher level Maths courses, and 5 in English (Standard or Higher Level), with 16 points from Higher Level subjects.
For those candidates who meet our Maths or English requirements through another qualification, these minimum points for Maths or English in the IB Diploma do not apply. If you are presenting Literature and Performance as one of you International Baccalaureate subjects, you will need to present a separate English qualification.

International Baccalaureate individual (Higher Level) Courses

We welcome applications from candidates who have studied International Baccalaureate Courses. These must be externally assessed (not just taught material) and we accept grades of 666 from Higher Level subjects only.
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. Candidates must ensure they meet the minimum Maths requirement for their chosen programme or be taking an appropriate Maths module within their Foundation Year. A numeracy module would not be sufficient to meet our Maths requirements. Typically we expect candidates 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 programmes. All Foundation Years will be assessed upon application via the UCAS system. A separate English Language qualification is required. 

The University of Leeds offers its own Business International Foundation Year.

NVQs

We do not accept NVQ qualifications in lieu of A-levels for entry onto our degree programmes.

Scottish Highers and Scottish Advanced Highers

For degrees requiring AAA at A-level: Scottish Highers and Scottish Advanced Highers are acceptable for entry onto our degree programmes in the following combinations: six Highers at AAAAAA (taken across Levels 5 and 6), 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. Intermediate 2 / National 5 Maths and English are acceptable in lieu of GCSE requirements on a grade for grade basis.

For degrees requiring AAB at A-level: Scottish Highers and Scottish Advanced Highers are acceptable for entry onto our degree programmes in the following combinations: six Highers at AAAABB (taken across Levels 5 and 6), 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. Intermediate 2 / National 5 Maths and English are acceptable in lieu of GCSE requirements on a grade for grade basis.

T-Levels

We welcome applications from candidates offering T levels. Applicants would be expected to achieve an overall Distinction from one of these subjects; Digital Business Services, Digital Support and Services, Accounting, Finance, or Management and Administration (the subject Human Resources may be considered in the future).

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

University-level study

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

Welsh Baccalaureate

For degrees requiring AAA at A-Level: Applicants offering the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (SCC) must obtain a grade A alongside AA at A-Level (excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking).

For degrees requiring AAB at A-Level: Applicants offering the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (SCC) must obtain a grade A alongside AB at A-Level (excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking).

WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma

We welcome applications from candidates who have studied the WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma alongside two or more A-levels (excluding 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: typically a grade A would be required in the WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma, alongside AA at A-level. If the Diploma is being taken in conjunction with BTEC(s) please contact lubsugadmissions@leeds.ac.uk for equivalency information.


For degrees requiring AAB at A-level: typically a grade B would be required in the WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma, alongside AA at A-level. If the Diploma is being taken in conjunction with BTEC(s) please contact lubsugadmissions@leeds.ac.uk for equivalency information.