School of Computing

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING

 

Undergraduate Study - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What degree programmes do you offer?

A: For 2010 entry The School of Computing at the University of Leeds offer the following undergraduate degree programmes: Computer Science (G400); Artificial Intelligence (G700); Computing (G401); Information Technology (G500); Computer Science with Mathematics (G4G1); Computing for Business (GN51).

Q: What is the duration of study?

A: Our degree programmes are three years full-time and they run from September to June. There is the opportunity for single honours students to extend this to a four year degree programme where one year is spent either studying at a university abroad or working on an industrial placement.

Q: Do you offer any part-time degrees?

A: Unfortunately, we do not offer any part-time degrees. This decision followed a trial which revealed that the flexibility of attendance required by the lecture timetable was too inconvenient for most employers.

Q: Can you study for just a single year?

A: Various schemes exist which enable people to undertake miscellaneous studies within the School. At the end of the year you will be given a certificate detailing the modules that you had studied and the levels at which these subjects were undertaken. To apply you would have to provide us with sufficient evidence to convince us that you were capable of performing at the required standard. The schemes are JYA and SOCRATES. Applicants should contact the representative for these schemes in their own institution in the first instance. If such a scheme is not possible for you, you may still apply for miscellaneous study on a direct entry form available from us.

Q: Do you offer an industrial placement/sandwich year?

A: We offer an industrial placement scheme between the second and third year of study and the degree title will reflect this. We do not use a separate UCAS code as we transfer students onto the industrial placement variant during their second year. Students have to pass their second year before we can allow them to take up employment in their third year and students apply for placements rather than get allocated to jobs. However, we have a lot of contacts, help students with the application process, and most students find something suitable and rewarding.

Q: What are the entry requirements?

A: Our standard offer for 2010 entry is AAB in GCE A-Levels on all programmes that we offer. Please note that Computer Science (G400) And Artificial Intelligence (G700) requires there to be evidence of Mathematics equivalent to at least B at GCE A-Level and Computer Science with Mathematics (G4G1) requires there to be evidence of Mathematics equivalent to grade A at GCE A-level. In addition we require GCSE Mathematics grade B and English grade C. We do NOT exclude General Studies GCE A-Level from our offer. Furthermore, we do NOT require any prior knowledge of computing.

We are able to make equivalent offers based on other UK qualifications or on international qualifications. Your highest qualification may be generally considered to be equivalent to UK GCSE qualifications. We would therefore require further study equivalent to three UK GCE A-Levels. We would also require an internationally accepted English Language qualification.

If you wish to find out details of our equivalent offers in other UK or international qualifications then please let us know clearly the exact nature of the qualifications you are interested in.

Q: What English Language Qualifications do I need?

A: The most common qualifications we consider to be equivalent to GCSE grade C are:

IELTS - An overall grade of at least 6 with at least 5.5 in each part.
TOEFL - At least 550 for the paper-based test, 220 for the computer based test.

Q: What are the entry requirements for the Post-16 UK qualifications?

A: Our standard offer is Post-16 qualifications totalling at least 18 units with at least two subjects taken at six units (i.e. either two full (AS+A2) GCE A-Levels, one full (AS+A2) GCE A-Level plus one six-unit Vocational A-Level (Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education (AVCE)), or one (double award) twelve-unit Vocational A-Level (Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education (AVCE))). The remaining six units may consist of additional full (AS+A2) GCE A-Level, AS-Level, or Vocational A-Level (Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education (AVCE)) qualifications.

The grades over the 18 units should equate to AAB. Please note that Computer Science (G400) and Artificial Intelligence (G700) requires there to be evidence of Mathematics equivalent to at least B in a full (AS+A2) GCE A-Level and Computer Science with Mathematics requires there to be evidence of Mathematics grade A at (AS+A2) GCE A-level. In addition we require GCSE Mathematics grade B and English Language grade C. We do NOT exclude General Studies full (AS+A2) GCE A or AS Level from our offer. Furthermore, we do NOT require any prior knowledge of computing.

Please note that whilst Key Skills are viewed positively they are not included formally as part of our offer.

We are able to make equivalent offers based on other UK qualifications or on international qualifications. If you wish to find out details of our equivalent offers in other UK or international qualifications then please let us know clearly the exact nature of the qualifications you are interested in.

Q: Do you accept 2 AS-level grades in place of 1 A-level?

A: If you are studying 3 full A-levels we would typically make you our advertised AAB offer for our programmes (including Mathematics for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science with Mathematics). Note that we also require GCSE English Language grade C and GCSE Mathematics grade B.

When your results are available, if you do not meet our offer we would certainly consider your overall profile and consider the effect of combining 2 different AS-levels with 2 full A-levels in order to compare it with our equivalent tariff offer.

Q: What offer do you make for Access courses?

A: We assess each Access course individually upon its own merits. Typically we require a Pass in the Access course with 18 credits at Level III and 70% Level III. However, the way that we assess the quality of your course would be by interview, talking to your college and reading your tutor's reference - after we have received your UCAS application.

Indeed, for Access applications we would request a follow up reference after you'd been at the college for a semester - about February time.

We are looking for the equivalent of AAB in GCE A-Levels (and for Computer Science (G400), Artificial Intelligence (G700) and Computer Science with Mathematics (G4G1) we need to see evidence of Mathematics equivalent to GCE A-Level). We also require an English Language qualification equivalent to GCSE grade C.

Q: What offer do you make for BTEC courses?

A: Our typical offer is DDD for an ND. Without an additional GCE A-level Mathematics we are unlikely to be able to offer a place onto Computer Science (G400), Artificial Intelligence (G700) or Computer Science with Mathematics (G4G1). For our other programmes this standard offer is in addition to GCSE Mathematics grade B and English Language grade C.

Q: What offer do you make for Diploma/ Degree/ Other courses?

A: In order that we can advise you further we need to know what sort of qualifications you have gained. Specifically you should give the title and awarding body, length of study (full time), list of modules and grades, details of which programming languages were studied, and the grade you were awarded. You should also include details of the entry qualifications you obtained prior to undertaking your studies, especially for Mathematics and English Language. Note that we may consider some courses to be too focused when compared to our standard entry requirements of three subjects at UK GCE A-Level.

When you apply to us though UCAS, you should fax or post us (not UCAS) a copy of any certificate(s). You should also specify which of our degree programmes you wish to be considered for.

Enquiries and documentation should be sent to:

Undergraduate Admissions Tutor
School of Computing
The University of Leeds
LEEDS
LS2 9JT

Tel: +44 113 343 5821
Fax: +44 113 343 5468

Email: ugadmit@comp.leeds.ac.uk      [PLEASE DO NOT SEND ATTACHMENTS]

Q: Do you accept students with non-traditional background?

A: The School has a long record of admitting students from a very wide range of backgrounds, being among the first in the university to take Access and GNVQ candidates. Our entry requirements, being non-discipline specific, allow us to accept anyone with sutable intellect and motivation, which we do. The evidence for this is in the proportion of "non-traditional" students seen in our programmes, which is customarily between 20% and 30%. School procedures ensure such students are supported especially carefully after admissions.

Q: Do you need to see my transcripts?

A: Before you become a registered student of the University, we must verify your qualifications. For those who have taken examinations in the UK and Northern Ireland in the last academic year, we should be able to do this without asking you to produce your certificates; if we do need to see any particular document, we shall contact you. International students should bring their original certificates with them when they come to Leeds.

You will be asked to produce proof of identity at your Departmental meeting when you collect your registration documents. The proof should be your passport, driving licence or your original birth certificate.

Q: Is it possible to gain direct entry to the second or final year of one of your undergraduate degree programmes?

A: It is only in exceptional circumstances that we admit applicants directly into the third, and final level, of any of our degree programmes. In fact, it is fairly difficult to gain direct entry into our second level. We can only agree to the direct entry if there is sufficient match between your current and previous qualifications and our entry requirements and degree content. Before we can consider direct entry we will need to confirm that you have qualifications which satisfy our Level 1 entry requirements. Assuming a match is reasonable we would typically require a student to be able to progress on their current programme of study with an average grade of 65%

Enquiries seeking direct entry to the second or third levels of one of our degree programmes should provide all relevant information that you wish us to take into consideration. Specifically you should give the title and awarding body, length of study (full time), list of modules and grades, details of which programming languages were studied, and the grades you have been awarded. You should also include details of the entry qualifications you obtained prior to taking your current studies, e.g. high school grades, especially for Mathematics and English Language. When you apply to us though UCAS, you should fax us or post (not UCAS) a copy of your certificate(s).

You should also identify how you feel your current studies match with our degree programme(s) in those subjects that you are hoping to be exempted from, by sending us an aligned list of the modules you have taken alongside our own, for each level you wish to gain exemption. You can find details of our degree programmes at http://www.engineering.leeds.ac.uk/comp/ug/

Enquiries and documentation should be sent to:

Undergraduate Admissions Tutor
School of Computing
The University of Leeds
LEEDS
LS2 9JT

Tel: +44 113 343 5821
Fax: +44 113 343 5468

Email: ugadmit@comp.leeds.ac.uk      [PLEASE DO NOT SEND ATTACHMENTS]

Q: How do I gain entry to one of your degree programmes?

A: You must apply online through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service for the UK (UCAS). All UK schools are registered with UCAS. Applicants who do not have access to registered UCAS establishments (e.g., international applicants) can apply online independently. Advice is available through careers organisations (such as Connexions) or British Council offices. All applicants are responsible for paying the application fees.

For all applicants, full instructions and a comprehensive guide are available to make it as easy as possible for you to fill in your online application.

URL: http://www.ucas.com/

Q: Can I send you my transcripts and my CV?

A: We do not accept emailed attachments at this address. To send us any information please either email it as plain (ASCII) text in the body of the message, fax it or post it to us:

Undergraduate Admissions Tutor
School of Computing
The University of Leeds
LEEDS
LS2 9JT

Tel: +44 113 343 5821
Fax: +44 113 343 5468

Email: ugadmit@comp.leeds.ac.uk      [PLEASE DO NOT SEND ATTACHMENTS]

Thanks for your co-operation in this, and apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Q: What do I do when I get my (non A-Level) results?

A: Please send transcripts of results when they are available and we will make a final decision on whether or not we can offer you a place. If we make you an unconditional offer at this point you will be informed by UCAS and we will send you confirmation but we may not send out further detailed information about registration until August.

Q: What do I do when I get my A-Level results?

A: If you have met our entry requirements you should receive a letter from us and UCAS confirming your unconditional status shortly after the results are released. If you fall slightly short of our entry requirements we may still be able to accept you. Both the UCAS website and University of Leeds website have facilities for you to check the status of your application. If you do not hear from us or UCAS shortly after the release of the A-Levels grades confirming an unconditional offer or a rejection you should phone the admissions team.

Q: Do you accept clearing entry applications?

A: After the GCE A-Level results are released we typically do not offer any additional places but you should contact us at the time giving a full list of your qualifications and we can advise you of our position at that time.

Q: What fees are payable?

A: The level of fees is dependent upon whether the applicant is classed as
Home or International. An applicant is categorised as Home if they are from
any of the 25 member countries of the European Union. If the applicant has
been resident within the UK for three years and has the right to stay
permanently then they may be classed as a Home student. Otherwise they are
classed as International.

For the 2009/2010 session UK and EU students on a full-time undergraduate course will be charged fees of £3,225 a year which does not have to be re-paid until the student leaves university and is earning over £15,000 a year. One in four students will get a support package.
Please see http://www.leeds.ac.uk/students/fees/index.htm for deatils on fees.

For the 2009/2010 session the international fees will be: £13,300 per annum (If you require further information about international payment methods call +44 113 343 6038).

Q: How do I pay fees?

A: Arrangements exist whereby self-funding students may be allowed to pay their fees in two instalments using direct debiit, subject to the agreement of the University and the fulfilment of certain obligations. The first installment would be due at or before registration and the second due on the first teaching day of Semester 2.

Further details of fees and charges are available from

Mrs D K Stocks
Accounts Receivable
The University of Leeds
LEEDS
LS2 9JT

Tel: +44 113 343 6055

Email: d.k.stocks@adm.leeds.ac.uk

Q: What scholarships are available for international applicants?

The Faculty of Engineering offer a limited number of 'Excellence' scholarships for new International students undertaking full-time study. The scholarships are worth a 30% reduction against full international tuition fees for each year of the programme of study. Award of a scholarship is based on academic merit. Application forms should ONLY be submitted once the applicant has entered the UCAS admissions system, i.e. received the formal acknowledgement letter detailing the institutions and degree programmes they applied for on their application.

Successful applicants who are made an offer of a place through UCAS will be awarded a scholarship for the first session of the entry year. Applicants who do not complete the first session will not automatically be awarded the scholarship on their return and must re-apply. Otherwise, subject to satisfactory progress, the award will be renewed for each subsequent year of undergraduate study. The scholarship is deducted evenly across the academic year, not from the first instalment, so applicants should ensure they have sufficient funds for the remaining fees.

Information on all Faculty scholarships and application forms are available from

The deadline applications for the Excellence Scholarship is 30th June.

Forms to be returned to:

Undergraduate Admissions Tutor
School of Computing
The University of Leeds
LEEDS
LS2 9JT

Tel: +44 113 343 5821
Fax: +44 113 343 5468

Email: ugadmit@comp.leeds.ac.uk      [PLEASE DO NOT SEND ATTACHMENTS]

Q: What scholarships are available for UK/EU applicants?

A: The Faculty of Engineering is offering £1,500 scholarships to all Home/EU students achieving 3As at A-level (A2) or equivalent. For more information go to the Question and Answers page at: http://www.engineering.leeds.ac.uk/ug/ScholarshipHomeUGQA.shtml

See also http://www.leeds.ac.uk/studentservicescentre/financial_admin_index_fa.htm for University Financial Aid options. In addition Leeds University Union offer further information on finance and sources of funding. See http://www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/helpandadvice/money

For general advice on financial help whilst in Higher Education please see http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/UniversityAndHigherEducation/StudentFinance

Q: What is the cost of living?

A: Living costs will of course vary depending on individual circumstances and lifestyle expectations. For advice please see http://www.leeds.ac.uk/students/cost_of_living_postgrad.htm

Q: What if I do not meet the entry requirements?

A: Where an applicant's qualifications do not meet our entry requirements we would direct them to either a one year University Foundation Programme or an Access to Higher Education course that the school recognises. The University of Leeds offers two foundation year programmes:

Privately funded students who progress from the University of Leeds International Foundation Year to one of the Faculty's degree programmes will be eligible to receive a 10% reduction on International fees when they register.

Access to Higher Education courses (see http://www.ucas.com/access/index.html) offer a one-year route to university. If you are intending to register for either of these routes in preparation for applying for a degree programme in the School of Computing we recommend that you contact us with details of the course to find out what our typical offer might be.

Q: Do I have to take a University English Language Test?

A: International students are required to have the equivalent of IELTS 6.0 upon entry. The University of Leeds runs pre-sessional English Language courses. Please see: http://www.leeds.ac.uk/languages/courses/el/el_cours.html for details.

International and Foundation year students are expected to take a University English test after arrival. This is to enable a service to be provided in the form of English support courses for students who might find them beneficial.

Students may be exempted from the University English Test IF they have achieved a grade in a national English exam which is regarded (by NARIC) as equivalent to a grade C or above in English in the British GCSE exam AND they have used English as the sole medium of education from the age of 11 years (or earlier) onwards.

Q: What is your policy on deferred entry?

A: We have no objection to anyone applying for deferred entry where the programme will still be offered. In fact we approve of the extra maturity and commitment applicants are likely to gain from a gap year. Our only problem with deferred entry is if people request it at the last minute in August when the GCE A-Level results have been published, or alternatively, if someone who has applied for deferred entry suddenly turns round in September and says they want to come immediately after all. If you wish to change your application from the current year of admission to deferred then please put this request into writing to:

Undergraduate Admissions Tutor
School of Computing
The University of Leeds
LEEDS
LS2 9JT

Tel: +44 113 343 5821
Fax: +44 113 343 5468

Email: ugadmit@comp.leeds.ac.uk      [PLEASE DO NOT SEND ATTACHMENTS]

Q: What accommodation is available?

The University of Leeds has all types of accommodation, ranging from self-catering to halls of residence. Typical cost is £67 to £153 per week. Accommodation brochures are automatically sent to all candidates to whom we make an offer.

If you have accepted Leeds as either your firm or your insurance offer, you can apply for accommodation on-line from November. You must apply by the 1st July for accommodation to be guaranteed.

There is typically an accommodation Viewing Day in May

Further information about accommodation is available:

Accommodation Services
The University of Leeds
LEEDS
LS2 9JT

Tel: +44 (0)8701 2001 89

Email: accom@leeds.ac.uk
URL: http://www.leeds.ac.uk/accommodation

Q: What salary might I expect upon graduation?

A: www.insidecareers.co.uk lists some of the current graduate jobs in IT and typical salaries are around £25,000.

Q: Is there any preparatory work I can be doing prior to my arrival?

A: Whilst we do not require you to have any computing experience it might help if you familiarised yourself with object oriented programming:

Python, http://wiki.python.org/moin/BeginnersGuide

Java, Java, An Introduction to Problem Solving and Programming (4th Edition), Prentice Hall, 2005;

In addition the following texts, for our introductory modules, might be of interest:

Ayres, R, The Essence of Professional Issues in Computing, Prentice Hall, 1999;

Cormen TH, Clifford S, Leiserson CE and Rivest RL, Introduction to Algorithms, (Second Edition), Prentice Hall, 2001;

Lipschutz S and Lipson M, Schaum's Outlines: Discrete Mathematics, McGraw Hill, 1997;

Stallings W, Computer Organization and Architecture - Designing for Performance (6th Ed.), Pearson Education International, 2002;

Q: Do you have any open days?

A: We typically interview applicants before we offer them a place. On the afternoon of the interview we will make presentations and there will be opportunities for you to learn more about the degree programmes, inspect and use the computer facilities, and tour the campus. You will also have an opportunity to talk to both staff and students in the School.

The University of Leeds has two general Open Days. Please see
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/students/opendays/ for details.

There is no need to book to attend general University Open Days, but if you wish to receive further details please contact openday@adm.leeds.ac.uk or call +44 113 343 3920.

Q: Are your degree programmes accredited by a professional body?

A: Our Computer Science (G400); Computing (G401); and Computing for Business (GN51) degree programmes are accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) [http://www.bcs.org.uk/].

Q: How can I find out more information?

A: The School of Computing can post you an information pack if you let us know your postal address. Please contact

Undergraduate Admissions Tutor
School of Computing
The University of Leeds
LEEDS
LS2 9JT

Tel: +44 113 343 5821
Fax: +44 113 343 5468

Email: ugadmit@comp.leeds.ac.uk      [PLEASE DO NOT SEND ATTACHMENTS]

Disclaimer: Any information provided herein can only serve as an indication of the offer that we might ultimately make upon receipt of an UCAS application.