BA Interdisciplinary Studies with Preparation for Higher Education

Programme overview

Entry requirements

• English and maths GCSEs at grade C/4 or equivalent. Level 2 Functional Skills Maths and English at a Pass are accepted as equivalent to GCSE grade 4 or C.
• Courses requiring a higher grade in GCSE maths or English may not accept Level 2 Functional Skills in its place.
• If you don’t have English and maths GCSEs or Functional Skills level 2, there is another route into the Preparation to Higher Education course. Depending on what degree you want to progress onto, you may be able to complete our ‘Alternative Entry Scheme’ in lieu of having maths and English GCSEs or Level 2 Functional Skills. See below for more details of which degrees require English and maths GCSE or Level 2 Functional Skills.
• We are very happy to advise on entry requirements; please get in touch with our Admissions Team if you require more details : phe@leeds.ac.uk.
• Other course specific tests:
• If you are interested in progressing to the following degree, please note the specific requirements:
• · Dental Hygiene: 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including English, maths and either chemistry and biology, or dual science. Level 2 Functional Skills English and maths at a Pass are accepted as equivalent to GCSE grade C/4. Applicants must also hold a Level 3 Dental Nurse qualification and 1 years post qualified experience.
• · BSc Nursing (Adult): GCSE grade C/4 in English and Maths. A Pass in Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths are accepted in lieu of GCSEs.
• · BSc Nursing (Child): GCSE grade C/4 in English and Maths. A Pass in Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths are accepted in lieu of GCSEs.
• · BSc Nursing (Mental Health): GCSE grade C/4 in English and Maths. A Pass in Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths are accepted in lieu of GCSEs.
• · BSc Midwifery: GCSE grade C/4 in English and Maths A Pass in Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths are accepted in lieu of GCSEs.
• · BA Social Work: GCSE grade C/4 in English and Maths A Pass in Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths are accepted in lieu of GCSEs.

Programme specification

The BA Interdisciplinary Studies with Preparation for Higher Education develops relevant skills and understanding to prepare students for a wide range of degrees at the University. It provides an introduction to key academic skills, such as how to conduct research using the University library, how to identify relevant academic sources of information, how to read academic texts and produce a range of academic assignments. The programme supports mature learners and those who may not have traditional qualifications as a route to degree level study. 

Students on the course are supported to develop analytical and critical thinking skills, reflective thinking and writing. Dependent on the chosen progression route, students are also introduced to key subject-specific knowledge either in human biology or sociology. 

The programme works towards developing metacognitive skills, and as such, supports learners to become independent learners. 

There is a strong emphasis during the foundation year of the programme on helping participants to achieve to their full potential and develop as independent, self-directed learners. Teaching is imaginative and supportive to make sure that students are intellectually stretched and helped through any sticking points in their learning. Group sizes allow foundation year students to engage actively and develop team-working skills with their peers. Methods of assessment during the foundation year reflect those that students will find later in their degree in order to ensure that learners are well prepared for their continuing study. The LLC regards assessment as a key way of enabling students to learn by doing and makes sure that feedback from tutors supports this process. Members of the LLC staff team are dedicated to helping students with all aspects of their progress and there will be regular one-to-one meetings with each individual to help learners to plan for and achieve their goals. 

 On successful completion of the foundation year, and subject to meeting any progression requirements, students can progress to year one of a range of degree programmes at the University. 

Year 1

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

Compulsory Modules

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
LLLC0119	Academic and Personal Development	20	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
LLLC0207	Information and Data Literacy Skills	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)

Optional Modules

Students will choose one of the following modules depending on degree pathway:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
LLLC0152	People in Society	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
LLLC0153	Human Biology	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Last updated: 29/07/2026 08:38:32

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