University of Leicester

Powered by world-class research, the University of Leicester delivers research-inspired education across the Sciences, Humanities, Law, Medicine, the Arts and Business, with staff and students collaborating to create, share and apply knowledge to change the world. It is a world-leading, diverse and inclusive university based in the UK’s most multicultural city.

Whether you choose to study full-time on campus, or part-time via distance learning, through your studies and independent research you will acquire the advanced skills and knowledge to pursue your passion and enhance your career options.

The University of Leicester is a top 30 UK university (Complete University Guide 2023) and is proud to be one of the world’s leading research-intensive universities. Our research changes the way we think about the past, present and future. As a discovery-led university, we are elite in the excellence of our research, as well as being focused on innovation. Research underpins all of our taught postgraduate courses so you can be sure that the knowledge you’re learning, and skills you’re developing, are at the forefront of available knowledge.

Future career prospects

The University of Leicester maintains a dedicated Careers Team, which gives students year-round access to services and events, ensuring a smooth transition into their graduate roles. Students can book appointments with careers consultants who offer guidance with industry placement opportunities, job applications, interview training, CV writing, and coaching for setting up businesses and start-ups.

In-house recruitment consultancy Unitemps helps students find part-time work to fit around their studies. Unitemps provides an ideal place to look for flexible work within the University and in the local area.

The University fosters strong relationships with local and national employers, who frequently give subject-specific lectures with exciting guest speakers, and organise workshops and networking events.

English language support

In order to study at the University of Leicester, students must demonstrate the necessary proficiency in both written and spoken English. This can be demonstrated through one of the following ways:

• A secondary/high school or university qualification from a country approved by the University of Leicester
• The minimum International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score based on the entry requirements of the chosen course
• An equivalent English proficiency test and qualifications including Duolingo

If students do not currently meet the English language requirements, there is an option to take a pre-sessional English course at the University’s English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU).

Facilities and support arrangements

The University of Leicester has invested over £500 million in campus development, including advanced teaching and research facilities and a variety of social spaces for students to use.

The David Wilson Library is a fantastic facility used by students from every kind of degree course and for all types of work. Flexible and digitally oriented, with 24/7 opening hours during term time and hundreds of individual and group study spaces, this state-of-the-art library contains millions of books and journals and a huge archive of digital resources.

Our Student Support Services provides resources and guidance on issues such as health and wellbeing, childcare, academic support, disability services, financial assistance and more.

The Students’ Union offers further support, including a peer mentoring scheme to support students through the opening weeks and months of university. Students can download a free SafeZone app to summon first aid, security or safety assistance at any time.

Fees, funding and costs

Leicester offers a comprehensive programme of financial support options for new and returning postgraduate students.

Eligible students can benefit from fee discounts, full fee waivers and scholarships valued up to £9,000. These awards are granted on both needs and merit-based criteria, and are available to UK and international postgraduate students studying on campus or through distance learning. Scholarships and bursaries offered vary by subject and may change from year to year.

If you studied an undergraduate course with the University of Leicester, you are automatically entitled to a 20% discount on most postgraduate courses.

Location

Leicester is a fantastic university city, located in the heart of the UK. The cost of living is very reasonable, and the city is an inclusive and multicultural place to spend time. It is student-friendly, with plenty of high street stores and independent shops, cafes and restaurants, clubs, pubs and theatres, all situated within a short journey of the beautiful English countryside.

Transport across the city and beyond is easy with a network of bus routes connecting you to nearby towns and tourist destinations both inside and outside of the city centre.

The Village

Located in Oadby, only a 10-minute bus journey on our free shuttlebus, The Village is perfect for those who want to separate their time on campus and their downtime. Surrounded by plenty of green spaces including the University’s very own Botanic Garden, accommodation is made up of distinctive hall of residence buildings, plus converted Edwardian villas, with amazing features like wood-paneling and secret gardens. All rooms are self-catered.

The City

The City is made up of purpose-built housing blocks, located within a convenient 10-minute walk of campus. This is a fantastic living space for those who want to be close to Leicester city centre and the train station. Most rooms come with an en-suite bathroom, and all rooms are self-catered. The City includes the brand-new Freemen’s Common Development.

Both locations have a 24-hour reception and security on hand along with Residential Advisors who host a variety of events throughout the week for students to mix and make friends.

Culture

The Student’s Union offers more than 250 clubs and special interest societies covering a huge range of areas, from film, arts and theatre clubs to national cultural societies, faith and language groups. There are societies for politics, campaigning, hobbies and student media, and a massive selection of casual and competitive sporting societies, ensuring students are bound to find a society that appeals to their tastes

Leicester is a fantastic place to live and study, with a large community of students and a huge variety of things to do. It is a city with a rich and visible history and a cosmopolitan blend of cultures which make it an excellent location to experience life in the UK.

Leicester is home to the largest covered market in Europe, and has a lively nightlife scene, with bars and clubs to suit all tastes. Live music venues host big name artists and local up-and-coming bands, plus folk, jazz, classical and more.

Festivals from many cultures are an annual event, including the largest Diwali celebrations outside India and the UK's second largest Caribbean Carnival. The UK's longest running comedy festival takes over the city every February with hundreds of shows and events across Leicester.

How to apply

The University of Leicester website offers step-by-step guides on making your application, and what happens after you've applied.