University of Leicester

Overview

The University of Leicester is located in the heart of the UK, in the city of Leicester, East Midlands. Established in 1921, the University has a proud tradition of academic excellence and innovation. Currently, it has a diverse student population of approximately 20,000, representing over 144 different countries. It is renowned for its welcoming and inclusive environment, offering a supportive community for international and domestic students alike.

Ranked 26th in the UK by the Times Higher Education World Rankings 2024, the University of Leicester continues to build on its reputation for high-quality teaching and research. The University has invested over £500 million in campus development in recent years, enhancing facilities across all disciplines, including a state-of-the-art library, advanced laboratories, and a modern Student Village. This significant investment reflects Leicester’s commitment to providing an outstanding student experience.

Leicester is recognised globally for its research excellence, particularly in areas such as Archaeology, Physics, and Space Science. The University played a pivotal role in the discovery of the remains of King Richard III in 2012, an achievement that garnered worldwide attention. Its Department of Physics and Astronomy hosts Europe’s largest university-based space research facility, and Leicester's researchers have been involved in major international space missions, including the Mars Rover and James Webb Space Telescope projects.

The University of Leicester offers a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across its three colleges: the College of Life Sciences, the College of Science and Engineering, and the College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities. It is particularly strong in subjects such as Biological Sciences, Law, Medicine, and History.

Leicester’s central location makes it a convenient base for students exploring the UK. The city is just over an hour away from London by train and is well-connected to other major cities, such as Birmingham and Manchester. As one of the most culturally diverse cities in the UK, Leicester offers a rich cultural experience, vibrant nightlife, and a cost of living lower than many other UK cities, making it an attractive destination for students.

Services for International Students

The International Office at Leicester can provide support on issues such as visas, employment, finance and cultural adjustment. In-sessional and pre-sessional English classes are available for all international students who want or need to improve their English level before or during their degree. There are also a variety of student-led groups and activities for a range of nationalities as well as opportunities to make new friends through common interests.

Ranking

• 27th in the Times University Guide 2025
• 34th in the Guardian University Guide 2025
• 285th in the QS World University Rankings 2025
• 26th in the Times Higher Education World Rankings (UK universities) 2024

Highlights of the REF 2021 for the University of Leicester include:

• Research in Clinical Medicine, History, and Sports and Exercise Science is 2nd in the UK, Museum Studies 3rd, Archaeology 5th, Media 7th and English 11th
• Archaeology and Biological Sciences research is top in the UK for impact, with Clinical Medicine, Sports Science and Sociology all top for research outputs
• 89% of the university's research is classed as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’

Accommodation

The University of Leicester guarantees university accommodation for students who firmly accept an offer and apply by the September deadline. All of the rooms are self-catered, and there is a wide range to choose from, including studio flats and shared flats, studio apartments, and shared rooms are available. Many second and third-year students also choose to live in halls, but most live in and around the city. The accommodation office can assist students who wish to live outside halls in private rented accommodation.

Location

With a population of more than 300,000, Leicester is a commercial and cosmopolitan city in the heart of England. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, Leicester is within easy reach of many other major towns and places of interest - including Stratford-upon-Avon, William Shakespeare's birthplace, and Oxford and Cambridge.

All teaching buildings are within a few minutes' walking distance of each other on the University of Leicester’s compact campus. Leicester train station is within walking distance of the campus, while supermarkets, a cinema complex, local shops, bars and restaurants are nearby. East Midlands Airport is the closest airport and serves 28 different countries. The University of Leicester is just over an hour on the train from  London St Pancras, which connects you to Paris or Brussels with just one change of a train onto the Eurostar. Learn more about travelling to and from Leicester. 

The University of Leicester's buildings represent over a century of architectural styles which reflect our history and growth. The first University building, the Fielding Johnson, dates from 1837 and is a fine example of late Georgian architecture. Many of the more recent buildings have won architectural awards for design excellence.

Alumni

• Natalie Bennett (Former leader of the Green Party)
• Jyrki Katainen (Prime Minister of Finland)
• Peter Campbell (Editor-in-Chief of Nature)
• Atifete Jahjaga (President of Kosovo)
• Martin Löb (Mathematician)
• Bob Parr (Multi-Emmy Award winning television producer)