Professional Studies BA
Year of entry 2023
2024 course information- UCAS code
- L390
- Start date
- September 2023
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 3 years full time
- 6 years part time
- Work placement
- Optional
- Study abroad
- Optional
- Typical A-level offer
- BBB or equivalent
Full entry requirements - Contact
- caps@leeds.ac.uk
Course overview
By studying a Professional Studies degree, you will gain a qualification grounded in the skills that employers value in professional roles today.
Designed with the world of work in mind, this course is particularly relevant if you can bring work experience to your studies. You will learn about key contemporary issues such as globalisation, diversity, and technology. The course content is developed to apply to the world of work and encompasses professional and project strands which focus on skills relevant to employers.
You can choose to specialise in a particular area of professional development:
business management
child and family studies
learning and teaching
creative writing
Lifelong Learning Centre Support
The course allows you to fit study alongside your work and family commitments. You’ll be taught by friendly and supportive staff, experienced in working with adult learners and with substantial professional experience. There is the opportunity to extend your studies through either a year in industry or a year abroad, where you can gain valuable skills and experience for career development.
We know that many mature and part-time students face unique challenges including balancing academic study with family and employment commitments. For that reason, the Lifelong Learning Centre provides specialised guidance, advice, and support to mature and part-time students, from pre-application through to graduation and beyond.
Course details
You will take two core strands each year: the professional and interdisciplinary strands. The third strand provides an opportunity to specialise in either business management, child and family studies, learning and teaching, creative writing or to pursue a broader discovery strand.
In year 1, core modules will examine identity and diversity, health and society, and employability. A research module will help develop your skills for independent enquiry and project management. Additionally, you can follow your own interests and career goals through your chosen professional pathway or discovery route.
In year 2, you will focus on global perspectives, contemporary issues, and creativity. There is further opportunity to customise the course to your own career goals through your chosen professional pathway or discovery route.
Finally, in year 3, core modules will explore technology, new media, and society, how to apply for funding to create positive changes in the city of Leeds, and leadership. You will undertake a major research project and take two further modules in your chosen area of focus.
If you are studying part-time you will complete the course at a 50% intensity each year of study.
The key learning outcomes of this degree course are:
to understand and engage in key debates in contemporary interdisciplinary areas such as identity and diversity, the changing world of work, creativity in work, global perspectives, technology and new media, health and society, and leadership
to gain a critical understanding of how to get involved in social change
to analyse and problem-solve real-world issues creatively and critically
to research areas of your own interest and develop your own research focus
to undertake an independent research project
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Year 1 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Exploring Diversity | 20 |
| Employability in a Changing World | 20 |
| Health and Society | 20 |
| Introduction to Research and Ethics | 20 |
Year 2 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Global Perspectives | 20 |
| Creativity, Work and Change | 20 |
| Exploring Contemporary Issues | 20 |
| Planning and Developing a Research Project | 20 |
Year 3 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Project/Dissertation | 40 |
| Leadership for a Changing World | 20 |
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
Teaching is imaginative and supportive to make sure that you are intellectually stretched and helped to become an independent inquirer. Teaching is student-focused and designed to give you opportunities to share your experience, learn from fellow students and apply your learning through engagement in real-world problem-solving. Group sizes are small enabling you to engage actively and be well supported.
To enable you to engage with your learning in an active, collaborative, and flexible way, teaching involves on-campus face-to-face sessions which will include interactive lectures, smaller discussions, and a range of hands-on activities to work on individually, with your fellow students, and with your tutors. There is also an online component that will allow you to engage with learning materials and undertake collaborative and individual learning activities in your own time. You will also use the latest digital technology to connect with your fellow students and tutors at times convenient to you through the course.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
Essays and case studies will develop your critical and research skills and focus on contemporary debates and group activities will enable you to learn with and from each other. There will be opportunities to develop key professional skills through a range of assessments, such as presentations; building a digital resource; developing a leadership strategic plan and applying for funding. Further, you will design and conduct research projects in areas of your own interest.
This variety gives you the opportunity to work to your strengths and to gain a wide range of professional skills. You will produce assessments that are meaningful to you, and develop skills relevant to a wide range of graduate-level employment.
Entry requirements
A-level: BBB or equivalent
GCSE: English and maths grade C/4 or above, or equivalent. T Levels will be considered on a case by case basis.
Other course specific tests:
We actively encourage applications from mature students, those who will be over 21 at the point of entry. Further consideration will be given to the life experience of mature applicants and the circumstances in which they gained prior qualifications. If you don't have the entry qualifications, please see the alternative entry section below.
Applicant preference criteria
Priority is given to applicants who live permanently in the UK and meet at least two of the following:
your permanent address is in a neighbourhood with low progression to higher education (we use the OfS postcode checker)
you attended a school that achieved less than the national average of 5 A*-C / 9-4 passes (including English and Maths) at GCSE or attainment 8 score at GCSE in a state school. We use the All England State-funded attainment 8 score, excluding applicants from selective and/or independent schools
you grew up in public care
the residual income of your household is less than £25,000
you will be the first member of your immediate family (excluding older brothers or sisters or your children) to achieve a degree
your studies have been adversely affected by circumstances in your personal, social or domestic life
Applicants progressing straight from school must meet two of the above applicant preference criteria
Alternative qualification
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits overall with 45 graded credits at Level 3, with 21 credits at Distinction and 24 credits at Merit. |
BTEC
Distinction, Distinction, Merit
Cambridge Pre-U
M1, M1, M1
International Baccalaureate
32 overall (5, 5, 4 higher)
Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
AAABBB
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AAABB with BC at Advanced Higher
Welsh Baccalaureate
Please contact the LIfelong Learning Admissions Team
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
Alternative Entry Scheme for mature applicants
If you are a mature applicant (over 21 at the point of entry) and you don't have the required A Level or GCSE qualifications, you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme (subject to meeting the eligibility criteria for the scheme). As part of this, you may be asked to take tests in English and maths and to write an essay. Contact the Lifelong Learning Centre for more information.
If you are a mature student or want to study part-time the Lifelong Learning Centre offers a free, confidential, and impartial pre-entry guidance service. Our experienced staff can also talk to you about how you might meet the entry criteria and what support may be available to you.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Fees
UK: £9,250 (per year)
International: £22,250 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will remain capped at £9,250 for 2023/24 and 2024/25. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 are available on individual course pages.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 will be available on individual course pages from September 2023.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Part-time fees
Fees for part-time courses are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.
Fees for part-time courses are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year. You will study at 50% intensity (60 credits) each year of your course.
You will study at 50% intensity (60 credits) each year of your course. Fees for 2021/22 are £4,625 (50% of £9,250). The fee you are charged in future years will be calculated as a proportion of the full-time fee agreed for that year.
There are no upfront fees to pay. All eligible students are able to borrow the entire cost of tuition fees making study free at the point of entry, with good repayment terms. You are eligible if you are studying for 30+ credits per year on a programme that is at a higher level than any qualification already held. Previous study in Higher Education may affect your eligibility.
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for UK part-time undergraduate students starting in 2023 will be £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the Government and may vary if policy changes.
Additional cost information
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Depending on your circumstances, non-repayable financial support is available from the Leeds Financial Support scheme.
Applying
For guidance on applying to a Lifelong Learning Centre course, visit our admissions guidance page. Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
We will treat all applications individually. We'll take into account an applicant's life experience and the circumstances in which they have gained prior qualifications and we encourage you to cover these things in your personal statement.
Your application will be reviewed by the Admissions Team. If you’re successful, you’ll be invited to an interview which will involve a piece of writing and you'll be asked to complete a Supplementary Form. If you’re entering through the Alternative Entry Scheme, you’ll be sent details after your interview.
If you’re made an offer, you’ll be asked to engage with KickStart. This is a pre-entry programme designed to ease your move into studying at the University of Leeds. You’re welcome to contact us for further information.
It is also possible to study this programme part time. The programme content is the same but you will study at a lesser intensity. Find out more about how to apply, support available and the part-time student experience at the Lifelong Learning Centre.
It is also possible to study this programme part time. The programme content is the same but you will study at a lesser intensity. Find out more about how to apply, support available and the part-time student experience at the Lifelong Learning Centre.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
Lifelong Learning Centre Admissions Policy 2023
This course is taught by
Contact us
LLC Professional Studies Admissions
Email: caps@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Career opportunities
The Professional Studies BA has the relevance and breadth that many employers look for when recruiting graduates. Interdisciplinary study is highly valued by employers because of the skills that it develops in problem-solving, adaptability and analytical thinking. The degree focuses on key issues and professional practice to ensure that your learning is relevant and introduces you to how and why experts from different disciplines arrive at their positions.
Graduates from Professional Studies have gained graduate positions in the public and voluntary sector (becoming Business Managers, Housing Officers, Support Work Managers), the NHS, the Care Quality Commission, and in the Home Office and Civil Service. Some have undertaken postgraduate qualifications to become social workers, educators, and in staff development. Others are now undertaking research in human rights, international business and intercultural understanding.
Careers support
We have experienced careers guidance officers in the Lifelong Learning Centre who are able to provide bespoke advice and guidance for our students, focusing on your career development and employment opportunities in the local and regional area. You will be provided with regular updates on local employment opportunities. You will also be supported with your job search, interview skills and writing CVs and applications.
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.
Find out more at the Study Abroad website.
Work placements
Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.
Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.