The University of Leicester is a prestigious learning institution which offers ambitious students a diverse and inclusive educational environment in which they are encouraged to become the driving forces behind real-world change. Students' personal and professional development is at the forefront of all courses offered, which are powered by world-leading research.
The University of Leicester is ranked in the top 40 UK universities (The Complete University Guide, 2026) and recently achieved a prestigious overall Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (2023). In the National Student Survey (NSS, 2025), it scored in the top 15 nationally for student satisfaction.
Renowned for world-class research and education standards, the University of Leicester offers a diverse array of courses spanning 30 subject areas, including the sciences, humanities, law, medicine, the arts, and business. Many programmes offer an optional study year abroad, with students able to choose from one of 27 renowned global learning institutions to widen their horizons.
A degree from the University of Leicester is a highly respected qualification, recognised internationally. The university prepares its students with innovative and socially conscious courses, designed by experts in their fields. It encourages all students to enact social change, giving them the space and support to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to have successful and fulfilling future careers.
The University of Leicester is a diverse and friendly community of over 20,000 learners, with an international staff and student body originating from over 150 countries. It boasts an enviable location in Leicester, a vibrant city full of culture and entertainment which is known as one of the UK's most multicultural cities, as well as one of the most affordable (NatWest Student Living Index, 2023).
University of Leicester students on WhatUni say:
''The best part was the supportive academic environment, with passionate lecturers and plenty of resources like well-equipped libraries and study spaces.''
''Ever since the first open day and throughout my course, I have felt welcome and treated like a person rather than an anonymous student.''
''University offers wide range of career opportunities and student support which is really important in international student's point of view.''
Read honest reviews from real students at this uni
4.04.13.9
4.3In recent years, the University of Leicester has invested over £500 million into its facilities. Students access the very best resources, equipment and technologies, providing them with the most up-to-date practical skills and experience.
Library
The David Wilson Library is open 24/7 in term time and houses millions of books, journals and learning resources. There are study spaces, including bookable rooms for group study, quiet zones, and computer labs.
Sports
The Danielle Brown Sports Centre is located in the heart of the main campus, offering a range of facilities including a fully equipped gym and swimming pools. The Student Village also boasts its own top-of-the-range sports centre.
University of Leicester students on WhatUni say:
''Best part of the uni is its facilities like the David Wilson Library and sports centres, student union, career hub etc.''
''The university has many great facilities and many good events to get experience.''
''It great because I have 24/7 access to the library facilities and a free uni shuttle bus to and from my accommodation.''
Leicester is a diverse and multicultural city with a rich cultural history. It has a large student population and offers an array of shops, cafes and restaurants, clubs, pubs, and theatres. Leicester hosts a number of annual festivals and celebrations including the largest Diwali celebrations outside of India and a colourful Caribbean Carnival.
Leicester is one of the UK's most affordable cities and is served by good transport links to the rest of the country.
3.2Employability is embedded into every undergraduate study programme at the University of Leicester. As such, students are well-equipped for future success in their chosen specialist fields. The Graduate Outcomes Survey (run by the Higher Education Statistics Agency) reported that 94% of graduates from the university were either in employment or further study six months after graduating.
The careers and employability service at the University of Leicester offers extensive support to help students build their CV and gain valuable practical experience and knowledge. Students have opportunities to build their employability and confidence through services including CV workshops, mock interviews, and one-to-one consultations.
Friendly staff are able to assist students in sourcing part-time work and applying for industry placements. The university also runs a recruiter in residence programme during its annual careers festival, providing students with access to volunteering opportunities and industry and alumni mentoring.
Students are able to use the university's online employment hub, MyCareers Portal, to organise career plans, browse job listings, and access workshops and training courses. MyCareers Portal is accessible even after graduation and connects alumni with job opportunities in their specialist fields.
4.1The University of Leicester guarantees a space in university-owned accommodation to all first-year undergraduate students who apply before the deadline. In 2025, prices start at £79 per week, with room options for all lifestyles and budgets.
The university boasts two purpose-built accommodation facilities:
The university also provides support and guidance for students who prefer to rent privately nearby.
University of Leicester students on WhatUni say:
''The price that I pay for my accommodation is outstanding, the value for money is exceptional and I love where I live.''
''Nice accommodations.''
''Accommodation is decent, with options in the city and The Village.''
Entry requirements for the University of Leicester vary on a course-by-course basis, and there is no single pathway to admission. The university's admissions team considers each application on its individual merits. Anyone with the desire to study at the university is encouraged to get in touch with the admissions team, or the department organising the course, to discuss potential pathways to enrolment.
Undergraduate students at the University of Leicester are generally required to have a level 3 (sixth form level) qualification, such as A-levels or BTECS or an international equivalent. The university also accepts Access to Higher Education courses on many of its undergraduate programmes.
Certain courses may require additional submitted material with the application, such as an essay or portfolio of work. Prospective students can find information on specific entry requirements for each course on the individual course pages on the university website.
International
International applicants will be required to demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency. The required level varies between courses. The university accepts a range of English language test results, including IELTS.
The University of Leicester understands that the cost of funding a university education is a significant investment, and as such provides accessible funding opportunities to all students. Fee discounts, full fee waivers, scholarships and bursaries of up to £5,000 are available.
Funding opportunities vary by subject. There are also dedicated sports scholarships to support talented and performance-focused athletes and a sanctuary scholarship designed to support asylum seekers. The ‘Citizens of Change' scholarship offers bursaries to students who are passionate about social change, invention, and activism.
Full details and specifics can be found on the university's scholarships, bursaries, and funding page. Prospective students are advised to visit the university's website to familiarise themselves with the relevant application criteria and deadlines for submission dates.
All students must pay annual tuition fees at the University of Leicester. For full-time undergraduate programmes in the 2025/26 academic year, these are generally as follows:
Since fees may vary between programmes, students are encouraged to consult individual course pages for the most up-to-date tuition costs.
The University of Leicester offers more than 150 different degree courses which span 35 subject areas. All programmes feature employability at their core and are designed to reflect the university's commitment to social change on both a local and global level. Most courses include an optional year abroad and/or placement year.
Programmes are designed and taught by expert staff who are globally recognised in their fields for innovative research, and as a result course content at the University of Leicester is built around the most up-to-date knowledge and developments in teaching. Tutors get to know learners individually and offer bespoke support to ensure every student can reach their full potential.
The University of Leicester's research output continually seeks to challenge accepted norms by breaking new ground in global fields, and environmental and social sustainability is at the core of all teaching and research. Every course has a built-in sustainability module that encourages students to explore how they might affect real social change in their specialism
The university's cutting-edge learning facilities benefit from continuous investment. Space Park Leicester is a world-leading community facility for innovative industry professionals, students and alumni to drive growth in the space industry. Brookfield campus is home to Leicester's Business School and offers state-of-the-art teaching facilities, including a Harvard-style lecture theatre, a ULSB trading room, and 16 dual-screen Bloomberg terminals.
University of Leicester students on WhatUni say:
''All classes take place in person which is useful as it means you can always ask the professor questions in person afterwards and it's easier to learn and discuss ideas this way.''
''The University of Leicester has amazing staff and faculty who make sure international students feel welcome away from home.''
''All my teachers are so lovely and knowledgeable with great lessons and information.''
Teaching
The University of Leicester is renowned for the quality of its teaching, having received a prestigious overall Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (2023). The panel noted the outstanding quality of embedded engagement with learners leading to continuous improvements in student outcomes and experience.
In the Complete University Guide (2026), the university ranked especially highly in the following subject areas:
Research
The University of Leicester is well-known for its long-standing connections with the global research community and for the strength of its research output. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF, 2021), 89% of its overall research output was assessed as world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*).
Industry links
The university has strong and diverse connections with industry partners, and these well-established links offer major employment opportunities for graduates. The Leicester Innovation Hub fosters expertise across a wide range of research areas, with a focus on space-based services, medical and pharmaceutical services, and business support services.
University of Leicester students on WhatUni say:
''The course is well revised as per the industry's demand and standards.''
''The course is interesting, and lab sessions are great!''
''The mix of in-class and online learning provides flexibility, and the coursework is often practical and relevant to real-world applications.''
The university offers more than 200 clubs and societies covering all areas, from arts to faiths and national cultures, politics and campaigning to general interest hobbies. A number of sports groups regularly compete both nationally and internationally.
Students are encouraged to establish new societies where they do not already exist. Organisational assistance and funding is offered through the students' union.
4.2Leicester's Students' Union (SU) is led by students and champions empowerment, innovation, and inclusivity for its student body. The SU organises a diverse programme of events throughout the year, while providing support and opportunities for personal development.
University of Leicester students on WhatUni say:
''The atmosphere is great.''
''There's always something good going on at the Student Union.''
''It is a student centric university and they actually listen to students which is nice.''
4.2The University of Leicester offers a range of support services to assist students through any difficulties they may experience while at the university, and works tirelessly to aid students in fulfilling their potential.
A dedicated student support service provides advice and guidance on finance, childcare, benefits, and personal issues. The student wellbeing service offers confidential counselling and support, with various one-to-one and group therapy sessions available throughout the year.
All students have a dedicated personal tutor appointed to them at the start of their studies. This is a member of academic staff who can assist across both academic and personal matters. Personal tutors can provide bespoke guidance or signpost to external support resources where necessary.
The chaplaincy provides students with spiritual support and advice during their time at the University of Leicester. It is a safe space for students of all faiths and beliefs, with specialist advisors on hand for different faiths.
University of Leicester students on WhatUni say:
''Best Student support from emotional wellbeing to career development.''
''Every member of staff and member of the student union that I've spoken to has been extremely helpful and has helped to clarify any issues that I've been having.''
''I love how my lecturers are so supportive and the careers service is the best at giving guidance.''
4.3
