Leeds Beckett University

HISTORY

The university traces its roots to 1824 when the Leeds Mechanics Institute was founded. The institute later became the Leeds Institute of Science, Art and Literature and in 1927 was renamed Leeds College of Technology. In 1970, the college merged with Leeds College of Commerce (founded 1845), part of Leeds College of Art (founded 1846) and Yorkshire College of Education and Home Economics (founded 1874), forming Leeds Polytechnic. In 1976, James Graham College and the City Of Leeds College of Education (f. 1907 as part of City of Leeds Training College) joined Leeds Polytechnic. In 1987, the Polytechnic became one of the founding members of the Northern Consortium.

After the Further and Higher Education Act came into effect in 1992, the Polytechnic became Leeds Metropolitan University, with the right to award its own degrees. In 1998, the university merged with Harrogate College, establishing the Harrogate campus until 2008 when the college left the university and merged with Hull College. In 2008 the university petitioned the Privy Council to be renamed “Leeds Carnegie University”; however, this was eventually dropped. In 2009 a partnership with the University of North Florida was established to begin a student and faculty exchange programme. The university also has an agreement with Bradford College by which it validates degrees for the college.

COURSES

They offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses that can help the student stand out from the crowd.  For more info see the website with a detailed list of all the couses available.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Under the new tariff system to be introduced in 2017 the majority of their courses will require 120 UCAS tariff points. Academic qualifications are one of several criteria taken into account when considering applications, as the university is also interested in potential to succeed and passion for the subject. The university’s online prospectus offers more information about entry requirements and their admissions policy can also be seen online.

ACADEMIC STRENGTHS

All of the university’s courses are designed to develop three key graduate attributes: enterprise skills, a global outlook and digital literacy. Many courses offer a work placement year. Employment rates are 94.1%, based on a survey of all graduates who were in work or further study six months after graduating. The university has great links with employers and has a range of employability initiatives to develop connections and opportunities for students. There are a wide range of opportunities to study abroad in Japan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Europe.

TEACHING STANDARDS

Leeds Beckett’s vision is to be acknowledged for its commitment to student success, innovation and enterprise, global reach, and strong local impact. The university’s National Student Survey (NSS) results have shown an increase in overall student satisfaction from 69% in 2009 to 80% in 2014. In April 2014 the Quality Assurance Agency confirmed the quality and standard of Leeds Beckett’s provision. Assessors also found areas of good practice including: the University’s comprehensive and systematic engagement with collaborative partners through formal and informal mechanisms and the way employability is embedded in the design, approval and delivery of courses. Many courses are accredited by leading professional bodies, meaning that the course has been officially recognised as providing the latest industry knowledge and training.

CAREERS GUIDANCE

Leeds Beckett has a dedicated Careers Service focused on helping students or graduates secure their chosen career or advice on subsequent study paths and works closely with faculty placement teams to ensure students secure relevant work experience as a part of, or alongside, their degree. Help is available both in face to face or online; there are over 200 dedicated online resources for students which are available 24/7, helping students to search and apply for job opportunities, learn more about potential careers and book onto careers and employer events. The team also run employability workshops every week at both campuses, along with online sessions, so students can access help when it suits them best, as well as annual careers events focused around specific careers. And it’s not just current students who can access the help; anyone who has graduated within the last five years is eligible for the continued support from the team. Leeds Beckett have links with some of the top 100 employers in the country including Disney, John Lewis, Apple, Porsche, Asda, BMW and Nike, as well as many local SMEs.