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Leeds Futures - Environment

A group of students standing outside on a campus road.

 

Explore environment studies with a flexible programme

The programme runs from March in Year 12 to December in Year 13.  It consists of a series of online sessions, as well as two in-person visits to the University of Leeds campus.

Leeds Futures - Environment is designed to fit around your studies and lets you choose sessions that match your interests and A-level subjects. You will get a taste of different degree areas offered by the School of Geography and the School of Earth and Environment at Leeds. The programme also includes activities that support your skills development, insight into life as an undergraduate student, awareness of career prospects and support your university applications.

What can you explore?

  • Human Geography
  • Physical Geography
  • Sustainability
  • Geology
  • Geosciences
  • Environmental Science

Based on your interests, you will be able to choose the taster workshops you want to attend. You can pick sessions focused on:

  • Human and social sciences (e.g. Human Geography, Sustainability)
  • Physical and STEM subjects (e.g. Geology, Environmental Science, Geosciences)

Many STEM degrees require one or more science A-levels, so you will choose sessions that align with your subjects. Online sessions take place 5-6pm after school or college, which means minimal impact on your current studies.

The Leeds Futures - Environment journey

In 2024/25, some of the taster sessions delivered have included: Microplastics in the Environment; Going with the Flow: Building Flood Resilience in Leeds; Building a Research Woodland; An Introduction to Climate Change and Impact; From the Gallery to the Streets: The Social Life of Public Art; Geosciences: The Hidden Industry; and many more!

Apply for Leeds Futures - Environment!

Applications for this year's Leeds Futures - Environment have now closed. Applications for the next cohort will open in November 2026.

FAQs

When are the sessions?

Based on your interests, you'll be able to choose the taster workshops you want to attend.  You can pick sessions focused on:

  • Human and social sciences (e.g. Human Geography, Sustainability)
  • Physical and STEM subjects (e.g. Geology, Environmental Science, Geosciences)

Online subject taster sessions take place on Thursdays 05:00pm - 06:00pm.  You will also be invited to two Campus Days in April and October, and a series of Progression to University workshops between May and December. 

Am I eligible to apply?

The Leeds Futures - Environment programme is open to current Year 12 students who are interested in studying geography, geology, earth sciences, environmental sciences, or geosciences. As you will be exploring a range of environment related subjects, you do not need specific A-levels to take part in this programme.

We will prioritise applications from students who meet the criteria to be eligible to Access to Leeds, our contextual admissions scheme, but all are welcome to apply.

Applicants who have submitted applications to the scheme can expect to find out if they have been successful in gaining a place mid-February 2026. The programme will then commence with our online launch event in March.

Will I get to visit the University?

As part of the Leeds Futures - Environment programme, you will invited to attend two Campus Days in April and October.

What courses will I find out about?

Throughout the programme, you will have the opportunity to take part in sessions to give you a taster of the environment courses on offer at Leeds:

School of Geography:

School of Earth and Environment:

Will this help with my university applications?

Leeds Futures - Environment will provide you with useful experience and knowledge to write about in your personal statement.  You’ll also gather a range of insights in several areas:

  • Taking part in taster sessions to broaden your understanding of what studying environment related subjects at university entails
  • Knowledge of courses available at Leeds at the School of Geography and the School of Earth and Environment to help to make an informed decision
  • Experiencing visiting a university campus and meeting current students and academics
  • Understanding the admissions process
  • Awareness of careers available to graduates in environment related subjects

What happens if I miss a session?

If you cannot attend a session, please contact [email protected] so that we know not to expect you.

How long does the programme last?

Leeds Futures - Environment starts in March, with the final Graduation session taking place in December.

The Leeds Futures - Environment Journey