What is higher education?

A member of university staff who is an expert in their area of study. They teach students and/or carry out research (also known as a lecturer).

The buildings and grounds (libraries, lecture theatres, accommodation and labs) where a university is based.

Activities and social groups run by students who share the same interests. These can be anything from football to chess, photography to martial arts.

The amount of time you spend being taught by teaching staff whilst studying a course.

Contextual admissions means universities will consider additional information about an applicant's background and personal circumstances alongside their academic grades.  We understand that financial disadvantage and school performance can impact on a student's achievement and access to opportunities before applying to university.  We therefore look at a range of information to help us identify students with the greatest potential to succeed at university.  The University of Leeds has a contextual admissions scheme called Access to Leeds which offers students, who are eligible, the chance to study an undergraduate degree with lower entry requirements than listed on our course pages.

The qualification you receive after successfully finishing your university course.

The required grades or qualifications you need to gain entrance to a particular degree programme at a university.

A student at university who is in their first year of study.  Often used in the first few weeks of term for welcome events like Freshers' Week.

A student who has successfully completed their degree.

The ceremony at the end of your course where you are awarded your degree certificate.

University accommodation for students.  There are many different types, from flats to large traditional houses.

A talk about a particular topic, usually to a big group of students. These take place in a large classroom called a lecture theatre.

A member of university staff who teaches students (also known as an academic).

A sum of money given to support a student's education.  Some financial support needs to be repaid (loans), some does not (grants and scholarships).

A member of teaching staff who provides support if you have questions about your course or a personal matter.  Every student has a personal tutor (PT).

A student who goes on to study a course after completing their degree.  Postgraduate qualifications include master's degrees, PhDs and postgraduate diplomas.

Refers to any teaching and learning activity which involves the student observing or handling the objects and materials they are studying.

A brochure which gives the details of courses, activities and student life at a university or college.

Modules are class/subject options that you take as part of your degree. Some modules are compulsory as part of your course, others you can choose yourself.

A block of teaching time of approximately 12-15 weeks.  The university year is made up of 2 semesters. Usually semester 1 runs October - February and semester 2, February - June.

Small group sessions, led by an academic, which give students the opportunity to discuss topics in depth.

A group of people who work to improve the experience of students.  The Students' Union is also a building on campus which accommodates student services, shops, cafes and communal meeting areas.

Tuition fees are the cost of the course you study at university. This is most often paid by the government directly to the university as part of a student loan.

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is the central organisation through which applications are processed for entry to university.

A student studying for their first degree who has not yet finished their course.