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Leeds Futures - Dentistry

About the programme

Leeds Futures - Dentistry is part of our flagship national outreach programme, Leeds Futures, designed to inspire and support Year 12 students interested in pursuing careers in Dentistry. Running for twelve months from January, we will help you develop your skills and subject knowledge, giving you the opportunity to take part in talks, workshops and other enrichment activities alongside your current studies.

What’s included in the Leeds Futures - Dentistry programme?

In terms of the scheduled activities throughout the year, specific details will be confirmed at the start of the programme. Generally, the programme runs from January in Year 12 to December in Year 13. The details below give you a general idea of the activities involved in each of our programmes.

Year 12

  • Launch event, providing you with more information about the programme and applying to University.
  • Subject taster sessions, helping you develop your insight into Dentistry.
  • Skills workshops, helping you develop the skills you need to apply to Dentistry.
  • Study skills sessions, helping you develop the study skills required to help you do well in your current and future studies.
  • Personal statement workshops, helping you understand how different universities use your personal statement and how best to write it.

Year 13

  • Support for students sitting the UCAT, which is required for application to Dentistry programmes at university
  • Interview skills workshop, helping you find out about the different types of interviews and the skills and attributes universities are looking for.
  • Futures Graduation, celebrating your achievements over the 12 month programme

How is it delivered?

Fortnightly sessions will be delivered online via  Zoom. University staff, current students, and guest speakers will deliver content, with opportunities for you to interact and participate. You will also have the opportunity to visit the University of Leeds for two on campus days for each programme, to delve deeper into Dentistry, meet your fellow participants, and find out more about studying at university.

Online sessions will take place on a weekday evening, during term-time, so that they do not interfere with your current studies.

Our on campus days will take place in the Easter holidays, and the Spring Bank half term holiday, so that they do not interfere with your studies.

What are the eligibility criteria?

Leeds Futures - Dentistry is open to current Year 12 / first year college students who have a genuine interest in applying to study health-related courses at university. We are committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to students from all backgrounds, recognising that some groups are under-represented on university courses and in certain health careers.

Students applying to Leeds Futures - Dentistry must meet the following criteria:

  • Year 12 / first year college student.
  • Have achieved / be studying suitable GCSE's and A Levels (or equivalent) to study the relevant degree course at a selective university.
  • Able to commit to joining the online sessions on a fortnightly basis (one weekday evening throughout term-time)

Students must also meet two of the following criteria:

  • your parents / carers did not go to university
  • you are eligible for free school meals or from a household with an annual income of £25,000 or below
  • you live in an area with low progression to higher education (use our online postcode checker)
  • you attend a school achieving below the national average at GCSE (Attainment 8 score)
  • you live or grew up in public care
  • your studies have been disrupted by circumstances in your personal, social or domestic life. (Except in extreme circumstances, disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic will not be considered)

Consideration will also be give to applicants who meet just our postcode criteria (use our online postcode checker)

Priority will be given to students who meet the above criteria and are from groups under-represented in healthcare education.

For further guidance on eligibility, please refer to our our Additional Information and Eligibility Guidelines.

How do I apply?

Applications for the 2025 programme are now open, and will close on Sunday 1st December 2024.

You can find this year's Leeds Futures - Dentistry application form here (this link will open in a new tab).