My top tips for applying to Leeds Beckett

1. Research your course thoroughly

A strong application starts with a good understanding of the course you’re applying for. Take the time to thoroughly explore all your course options, including the modules offered and the potential career paths they can lead to. This research is an essential step in making informed decisions about your future.

I chose to study law purely out of a fascination with its dynamic, ever-changing nature. It may seem like a small step, but taking the time to research the course helped me craft a personal statement that reflected my genuine interest and enthusiasm.

By doing this, you’ll not only tailor your personal statement to highlight why you’re the perfect fit for the course, but you’ll also show the admissions team that you’re serious about your choice. It’s a clear signal that you’re not applying on a whim, but because you’ve thought carefully about your future and are truly passionate about your chosen subject.

2. Create a strong personal statement

Your personal statement is your chance to shine and stand out from the hundreds of other applications that admissions teams see every day. It’s your opportunity to tell your story and explain why you’re so passionate about your chosen course or field.

Start by sharing what excites you about the subject. When I applied for law, I wrote about my fascination with how justice systems vary across countries, shaped by their unique histories. This passion stemmed from a family trip when we visited a courthouse abroad, and I got to see firsthand how different legal systems operate. It sparked endless questions and opened my eyes to how law impacts lives in such diverse ways.

Next, connect that passion to your skills and achievements. Think about how your experiences demonstrate your strengths, like your ability to research, analyse, solve problems, or think logically. For me, I highlighted how my curiosity about law led me to take part in debate competitions, which helped me develop critical thinking and argumentation skills — qualities that align perfectly with the demands of the subject.

And don’t hold back on showing a bit of personality! This is your chance to let your enthusiasm and individuality shine through. Just make sure that everything you include adds value and reinforces why you’re the perfect fit for the course.

3. Demonstrate any extracurricular activities

Yes, universities are looking for good grades, but they’re also looking for students who are well-rounded, bring unique experiences, and contribute to the diversity of their campus and classrooms. This is where your extracurricular activities can really help you stand out.

Include examples that show your ability to work in a team, persevere through challenges, or take on leadership roles. I volunteered at a local law firm in my spare time, which gave me hands-on experience in a professional environment. It was challenging at first to balance my responsibilities there with schoolwork, but it taught me time management and how to adapt quickly — skills that have been invaluable since.

Don’t worry if your extracurriculars don’t perfectly match your chosen field. Maybe you play for a sports team, volunteer in your community, or lead a student club — these all demonstrate transferable skills like teamwork, commitment, and problem-solving. Including them shows you have an active, curious mindset and the kind of personality that can thrive in university life. Plus, it highlights your ability to bring something unique to the table!

4. Tailoring your application

Admissions officers will be able to tell when an application feels generic or rushed, so it’s worth taking the time to tailor your application specifically to Leeds Beckett or your chosen institution. Trust me, it makes all the difference.

When I was applying, I made sure to mention specific features of Leeds Beckett that stood out to me, like its facilities, the extensive student support services, and the hands-on, practical learning opportunities the university is known for. I highlighted how the university’s industry-standard equipment in my course would help me develop real-world skills.

Including these details doesn’t just show that you’ve done your homework — it also demonstrates your genuine interest in studying here. It helps the admissions team see why Leeds Beckett is the perfect fit for you and why you are the perfect fit for them. Taking the time to personalise your application goes a long way in making it stand out.

5. Seek feedback on your application

Submitting your application on time is crucial, but getting feedback on your personal statement is just as important. When I was working on mine, I made sure to share it with my teachers, friends, and family. I asked them to read it over (multiple times!) to make sure I hadn’t missed anything.

Their feedback helped me refine my ideas, catch small errors I’d overlooked, and improve the overall clarity of my writing. I remember one of my friends pointing out that I was repeating myself in a couple of sections, and my teacher suggested ways to make my introduction more engaging.

It might feel daunting at first to have so many people read your work, but trust me, it’s worth it. Each set of fresh eyes will help you polish your statement into something that truly reflects your best self. Plus, getting different perspectives can even spark ideas you hadn’t thought of.

Applying to Leeds Beckett is an exciting step forward, but it’s also a process that takes effort, planning, and a bit of self-reflection. It’s your chance to really think about why this is the right path for you and show the admissions team who you are beyond your grades.

It’s important to remember that this is so much more than just paperwork. It’s your opportunity to show why you’re a great fit for the university and why the university is a great fit for you. Take your time, put your heart into it, and let your personality and enthusiasm shine through.