50 places. One cohort. A year of opportunities beyond your degree.
LELA is a selective University of Liverpool programme exclusively for second-year undergraduate students who want to make more of their time at Liverpool.
With just 50 places available, LELA brings together students from across the University and connects them with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, employers, previous LELA participants and Liverpool's wider enterprise community.
This isn't another course or something that sits within your degree. LELA is about giving you access to experiences, people and opportunities that you might not otherwise encounter during university.
The aim is simple: to give talented Liverpool students experiences, relationships and leadership skills that extend well beyond their degree programme.
What will you get from LELA?
As part of the programme, you will:
- take part in practical leadership and team-development activities;
- meet and hear directly from senior people working in industry and business;
- build your professional network before you graduate;
- meet and network with students from previous LELA cohorts;
- develop your confidence, communication and leadership skills;
- explore enterprise, innovation, sustainability and digital technology;
- work alongside students from subjects very different from your own;
- connect with opportunities through the Sir Peter Rigby Centre for Enterprise; and
- have opportunities to apply for paid internships and further development opportunities.
Throughout the year there will be industry-led events, networking opportunities, interactive sessions and practical activities. You'll have the chance to ask questions, make connections and begin building a professional network while you are still at university.
You'll also join a growing LELA community. Students from our previous cohorts will continue to be involved, giving you the opportunity to learn from their experiences and build relationships across different year groups.
Programme Highlights
- Exclusive Cohort: For 2026/27, LELA is expanding across the University, bringing together around 60 students from different disciplines to learn, lead and solve problems together.
- Networking & Training: Includes a non-residential leadership away day in Liverpool delivered by The 625 Company. Students will work in interdisciplinary teams and be challenged through leadership, communication, collaboration, decision-making, problem-solving and performance-under-pressure activities. Six evening events in Semester 2 will feature industry-led presentations and workshops focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.
- Industry Support: LELA is backed by industry leaders who will facilitate events and provide mentorship, offering insights into career paths and strategies for success.
- Internship Opportunities: The opportunity to apply for paid internships and further development opportunities.
Who can apply:
Applications are open for all second-year undergraduate students in any discipline No previous formal leadership experience is required.
We are looking for students who are:
- ambitious and curious;
- willing to work with people outside their discipline;
- interested in leadership and professional development;
- prepared to contribute to a team;
- open to being challenged;
- interested in industry, enterprise, innovation or creating positive change.
How to apply
Stage 1: Applicants should provide:
- A current CV, maximum two pages.
- A maximum 250-word response to: “Why do you want to join LELA and what would you hope to gain?”
- A maximum 200-word response to: “Tell us about a time you contributed to a team, solved a problem or took initiative.”
- Up to three areas of industry or professional interest to support future mentor matching.
- Confirmation that you can attend the Saturday 30 January 2027 non-residential away day.
Stage 2
Selected applicants will be invited to submit a showcase video answering specific questions about their future goals. A panel of senior academic members and industry leaders will evaluate the applications. Successful candidates will be notified in November, and the program will begin.
Programme timeline
- Monday 28 September 2026: Applications open
- Friday 16 October 2026: Applications close
- w/c 19 October 2026: Initial shortlisting
- w/c 26 October 2026: Video/interview stage
- Friday 6 November 2026: Offers made
- Thursday 12 November 2026: New cohort welcome / launch event
- Thursday 3 December 2026: Industry networking and mentor matching
- Saturday 30 January 2027:
- Thursday 11 February 2027: industry-led leadership journey and insights sessions
- Thursday 11 March 2027: industry-led leadership journey and insights sessions
- Thursday 15 April 2027: industry-led leadership journey and insights sessions
- Thursday 6 May 2027: industry-led leadership journey and insights sessions
- Thursday 10 June 2027: LELA celebration and awards
- June–August 2027: Internships and industry opportunities
Why join LELA?
LELA offers a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders, develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills, and gain hands-on experience that sets you apart in your future career. Join a community of like-minded peers and take the first step toward becoming a leader of tomorrow!
Apply
Ready to apply? Submit your application via Handshake by 16 October 2026.
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