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 the ranked 33rd among all UK universities (Complete University Guide, 2027), rising to the top 10 for medicine and archaeology. Its exceptional teaching practices have been recognised in its overall Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (2023). In the 2025 National Student Survey, the university ranks in the top 15 for student satisfaction.
Renowned for world-class research and education standards, the University of Leicester offers more than 150 undergraduate courses spanning 34 subject areas, including the sciences, humanities, law, medicine, the arts, and business. Many programmes offer an optional study year abroad, with the university boasting partnerships with over 160 institutions across six continents.
A degree from the University of Leicester is a highly respected qualification, recognised internationally. With a history spanning more than 100 years, 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 campus is situated in an enviable location in Leicester, a vibrant city full of culture and entertainment, known as one of the UK's most multicultural cities as well as one of its most affordable. The diverse and friendly student community of over 20,000 learners includes an international staff and student body originating from over 150 countries.
University of Leicester students on WhatUni say:
1. ''It's a comforting university because of the teaching staff and facility staff.''
2. ''A good university. Provides for many opportunities to learn and grow with others, find new hobbies, develop new skills and propel you into the future you'd like to have.''
3. ''The University of Leicester has been a strong place to grow academically and personally.''
Read honest reviews from real students at this uni
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4.3The University of Leicester has invested £245 million into facilities in recent years, with a mission to change lives through education and research. Students access the latest resources, equipment and technologies in custom-built settings, providing them with invaluable practical skills and experience.
Library
The David Wilson Library houses millions of books, journals and learning resources, with the third floor currently undergoing exciting redevelopment. Study spaces include bookable rooms for group study, quiet zones, and computer labs.
Sports
The Danielle Brown Sports Centre offers 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:
1. ''Library facilities top tier and there's always something to do outside of class!
2. ''There's a good variety of facilities, such as the 24/7 library.''
3. ''Campus, facilities and people are nice.''
4.1The University of Leicester guarantees a space in university-owned accommodation to all first-year undergraduate students who apply before September 1st. In 2026, prices start at £74 per week, with options for all lifestyles and budgets in its purpose-built accommodation facilities:
The university also provides support and guidance for students who prefer to rent privately.
University of Leicester students on WhatUni say:
1. ''It feels safe, and security is generally reliable. The rooms are decent size for student accommodation.''
2. ''The house is cosy.''
3. ''Great accommodation.''
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 per year are available to UK students.
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 2026/27 academic year, these are generally as follows:
Since fees may in some cases vary, students are encouraged to consult individual course pages for the most up-to-date tuition costs.
The University of Leicester offers more than 150 undergraduate degree courses spanning 34 subject areas, as well as postgraduate taught and research options. All undergraduate programmes offer 100 hours of employer-informed practical learning, ensuring students are fully equipped for specialist roles in the modern workplace. 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 is a to 30 UK university for its research output (Research Excellence Framework, 2021) and continually seeks to challenge accepted norms by breaking new ground in global fields. Environmental and social sustainability is at the core of all teaching and research, and as such, every course features a focus on sustainability to encourage 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:
1. ''Lecturers are fun, the professors are approachable, they take feedback on.''
2. ''Best aspect is the way the content is taught.''
3. ''Some of the lecturers are very good and can explain complex concepts well. The lecturers are also very approachable and the open door policy is very helpful.''
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). In particular, 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 (2027), the university ranked sixth in the country for medicine, and tenth for archaeology.
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*).
Employability
The university places employability at the heart of every degree programme, and its innovative inclusion of 100 hours' built-in work-related learning on every undergraduate degree propels it ahead of other universities. As well as its industry-informed curricula, the university has built strong and diverse connections with industry partners around the world, and these well-established links offer major employment opportunities for graduates.
University of Leicester students on WhatUni say:
1. ''Interesting content.''
2. ''There's a good balance between theory and real-world application.''
3. ''Seminars make you feel seen and heard.''
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.
The university offers almost 300 clubs and societies covering all areas, from arts to faiths and national cultures, politics and campaigning to general interest hobbies and sports. 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 are 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:
1. ''Welcoming community, lots of events and free things, always things to do people to meet.''
2. ''I love the community aspect of the university and the students union is great.''
3. ''Decent location. Not too far from city centre.''
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.
Dedicated support services provide 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:
1. ''The universities welfare team is amazing, and managed to help me with my finances.''
2. ''There's a lot of support when needed.''
3. ''There is a lot of support for students offered by the University as well as from the students' union.''
4.1Employability is embedded into every study programme at the University of Leicester. At undergraduate level, every single degree features a guaranteed 100 hours of employer-informed, work-related learning, built directly into their course. This initiative ensures that every student graduates with the workplace knowledge, confidence and transferable skills needed to stand out from the crowd as a desirable employee.
Careers service
The university's award-winning careers and employability service 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.
The university also runs a recruiter in residence programme during its annual Festival of Careers, providing students with access to volunteering opportunities and industry and alumni mentoring. At the festival, students can meet with potential employers, attend workshops and begin to build a professional network.
Friendly staff are able to assist students in sourcing part-time work and applying for industry placements Students are able to use the 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.
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