School of Politics and International Studies
Welcome to the School of Politics and International Studies (POLIS). On this page you’ll find everything you need to know about starting or returning to your studies.
Scroll to the section that applies to you – new student or returning student. We’ve also included some helpful links at the end of the page to direct you to anything else you might need.
If you’re a postgraduate researcher, find your faculty welcome and induction information to help you get started.
I'm a new student
What do I need to do before I arrive?
Undergraduate students
You will need to register, and enrol on any discovery modules you wish to study. To see which discovery modules are available please take a look at the LeedsforLife Broadening website.
You may wish to take part in the activity ‘Skills to Succeed at University’ prior to the start of your programme in September. This course is not compulsory but might be useful for your studies. It aims to support students with the transition to Higher Education and focuses on academic skills, but also developing a connection to the University of Leeds. You will explore the new and exciting opportunities that you can get involved with so that you can make the most of your time as a student.
Taught postgraduate students
You will need to register, and enrol onto the optional modules listed as part of your programme. You may also wish to look at the ‘Step Up to Masters’ online resource to help you to transition to studying at Masters level with us. You can find further information in the School’s Taught Postgraduate Induction Newsletter.
What does my induction timetable look like?
We will send your induction timetable by email in advance of induction week which starts on Monday 25 September 2023. Your induction will take place in person on campus so please make sure you are in Leeds and available throughout the week.
Will I be required to attend face-to-face sessions?
In line with the University’s approach to teaching, the vast majority of your lectures and seminars/workshops will take place in person on campus. Some modules have online lectures due to the content being taught and positive feedback from students in previous years.
In addition, you may find some modules have a high content of online additional material (that could be online articles and books, video clips, etc.) This additional material has been provided to help you with your studies. Your tutors will go through the module structure in your first week outlining their expectations and the assessment for the module.
Please check your timetables so you know where you need to be and when. Attendance at lectures and seminars, whether they be in person or virtual, is crucially important.
How will I meet my academic personal tutor? How will academic personal tutoring work?
You will be allocated an academic personal tutor who will be a point of contact in POLIS and will offer academic support throughout your time at Leeds.
Where can I go for support?
General enquiries
You can email the School Student Education Service team at polisenquiries@leeds.ac.uk regarding any aspect of induction week or your studies at the University. You will also have a meeting with the Student Education Service team in induction week where you can meet the team and ask questions.
Student support
Wherever you’re from and whatever your circumstances and support needs, our expert team can work with you during your time in Leeds. Email the School’s Student Support Officer Nick Marsh at polissupport@leeds.ac.uk if your studies are being affected. Further information can also be found on our support and wellbeing pages.
Other contacts
Dr Graham Smith is the Director of Student Education. The Director of Student Education is an academic who oversees the provision of taught student education within the school
You can find your programme leaders listed under the relevant programme on the undergraduate programme catalogue or taught postgraduate programme catalogue.
You can expect staff to reply within 72 hours during busy times. Please remember that office hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm so you won’t receive a response outside of these times.
Where do I turn if I need extra academic support?
Your academic personal tutor will be your first point of contact regarding extra academic support. You can also find academic support via Skills@Library.
How will I find out more about my programme?
Further information on your programme can be found on the undergraduate programme catalogue or taught postgraduate programme catalogue.
We are also holding welcome events during induction week so you can meet your programme leader and learn more about your programme structure and content.
How will I get to know other students?
Our induction programme will include a number of social events, where you will have an opportunity to meet other students, both on your programme and on the other undergraduate programmes offered by POLIS.
Leeds University Union run events and activities throughout the year and have a wide range of clubs and societies which you can join. You are encouraged to join the POLIS Society.
What welcome activities do you have planned to welcome me to POLIS?
Our induction programme will contain a number of welcome events, which are aimed to complement the campus-wide activities which will also be taking place during September.
Are there any specialist software or systems that I need for my programme and where do I find out information about them?
While you do not need any specialist software, it’s really useful for you to have your own PC or laptop so you can access all of the University’s resources and online learning programmes.
These include:
- Minerva – a virtual learning environment where individual programme modules can be found by name or code number.
- Office 365 – where you can access your email account and Microsoft Teams, as well as other MS Office programs. Teams is particularly useful to have, as it may be used during induction, teaching and personal tutor meetings. It can be downloaded as an app on your phone or tablet and can also be accessed on a web browser.
Computers are available for you to use at various locations around campus.
Where can I access resources for my degree?
- Minerva – a virtual learning environment where individual programme modules can be found by name or code number. You can log in to Minerva using your university username and password.
- Library – there a number of libraries on campus. Information on locations, opening times, and facilities can be found on the library website.
Do I need to provide my core reading texts?
All of our recommended reading is available online or via the library so please explore the provision before purchasing books. Your tutors will be able to assist you if you have questions on your core reading.
What facilities are available for my course, and how can I take advantage of them?
There are a number of study spaces available across the University. The Library is currently offering bookable study spaces.
The University has computer clusters available for students to access as study space. There are bookable computers available within the Social Sciences building and can be accessed when the room is not being used for teaching activities.
Details of other study spaces can be found on the where to study page.
What is the role of course representatives and how do I volunteer?
POLIS students are traditionally very active in student representation and we welcome and encourage new students to get involved. Information on the role of course representatives and how to stand for election will be circulated to students during induction week. Student representation is organised in partnership with the Leeds University Union.
Are there any societies I can join for the School/programme?
Students are encouraged to join the POLIS Society.
Are there any peer mentoring schemes operating in my school?
Yes. We offer peer mentoring to all new students. Mentors are existing students who are available to meet weekly and offer guidance about how to get the best from your University experience and where to access help with your studies. You will meet your peer mentor during induction week.
How does assessment work on my programme?
Students at POLIS are assessed using a wide-range of formats, including essays, exams and presentations. Academic support is provided via each module and we also offer additional study skills activities during the year.
I'm a returning student
How will my programme be delivered this year?
In line with the University’s approach to teaching, the vast majority of your lectures and seminars/workshops will take place in person on campus. There are some modules where online lectures have been maintained but this is due to the content being taught and positive feedback from students.
In addition, you may find some modules have a high content of online additional material (that could be online articles and books, video clips, etc.) This additional material has been provided to help you with your studies Your tutors will go through the module structure in your first week outlining their expectations and the assessment for the module.
Please check your timetables so you know where you need to be and when. Attendance at lectures and seminars, whether they be in person or virtual, is crucially important.
What do I need to do before I arrive?
Before you arrive, you’ll need to register for the academic year.
You should have already enrolled on your optional and discovery modules during the summer. If you haven’t done so then please enrol on your modules.
What does my induction timetable look like?
We will send your induction timetable by email in advance of induction week which starts on Monday 25 September 2023. Your induction will take place in person on campus so please make sure you are in Leeds and available throughout the week.
How will I meet my academic personal tutor? How will academic personal tutoring work?
All returning students will continue to have an academic personal tutor as a point of contact in POLIS and a source of academic support throughout their time at Leeds.
Where can I go for support?
General enquiries
You can email the School Student Education Service team at polisenquiries@leeds.ac.uk regarding any aspect of induction week or your studies at the University. You will also have a meeting with the Student Education Service team in induction week where you can meet the team and ask questions.
Student support
Wherever you are from and whatever your circumstances and support needs, our expert team can work with you during your time in Leeds. Email the School’s Student Support Officer Nick Marsh at polissupport@leeds.ac.uk if your studies are being affected. Further information can also be found on our support and wellbeing pages.
Other contacts
Dr Graham Smith is the Director of Student Education. The Director of Student Education oversees the provision of taught student education within the School.
You can find your programme leaders listed under the relevant programme on the undergraduate programme catalogue or taught postgraduate programme catalogue.
Where do I turn if I need extra academic support?
Your academic personal tutor will be your first point of contact regarding extra academic support. You can also find academic support via Skills@Library.
How will I find out more about my programme?
Further information on your programme can be found on the undergraduate programme catalogue or taught postgraduate programme catalogue.
How will I get to know other students?
You will have the opportunity to get to know other students through your teaching sessions and through social activities such as School coffee mornings and events run by Leeds University Union.
Leeds University Union run events and activities throughout the year and have a wide range of clubs and societies which you can join. You are encouraged to join the POLIS Society.
Are there any peer mentoring schemes operating in my School?
We are looking for volunteers from our returning to students to act as mentors to new students in 2023/24. Please see your emails for information on how to get involved.