The University of Leicester, a world-leading university, prides itself on catalysing change and changing lives through world-class education and pioneering research. Leicester proudly calls itself "Citizens of Change" which is evident in its foundation. The university was founded over a century ago as a memorial to the people who lost their lives during World War I. Located near Victoria Park, just south of the city centre in Leicester, one of the most diverse cities in the UK and Europe, the university has developed into a world-renowned hub for education, cutting-edge research, innovation and social change.
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The University of Leicester is an enticing destination for prospective international students looking for an exceptional education in an innovative, vibrant and diverse setting. The following are six convincing reasons for selecting Leicester as your prospective university:
Leicester Rankings: A Mark of Excellence
Leicester's reputation speaks for itself. The university has continuously shown its academic prowess through impressive national and international rankings. Acknowledged worldwide for breakthrough discoveries, creative methodology for pushing the boundaries of knowledge, and addressing current problems, the University of Leicester is ranked among the top UK institutions and keeps rising in the significant league table:
- 'University of the Year' Daily Mail University Guide 2025
- 25th in the UK (and =191st in the world) in the (THE) World University Rankings 2025
- =27th in the Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
- =29th in the Daily Mail University Guide 2025
- Ranked 34th in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2025)
- Ranked 36th in the UK (Complete University Guide 2025)
- 34th in the UK (and =285th in the world) in the QS World University Rankings 2025
These prestigious awards solidify Leicester's standing as a distinguished university and guarantee that graduates get degrees that are respected and acknowledged across the world.
Explore Your Passion: Diverse & Comprehensive Courses at Leicester
Being a comprehensive institution, Leicester offers more than 150 undergraduate courses, enabling students to fulfil their goals, follow their passions, and become change agents. The university provides a wide range of postgraduate, and research programs spanning numerous disciplines, designed to match diverse academic interests and career goals.
Popular courses are: Biological Sciences, Media and Communication, Business Management and Marketing, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, Law, Physics, Population Health Sciences, and Criminology.
With a focus on industry-relevant education, the university equips students with cutting-edge knowledge, practical skills, and valuable industry connections, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for success.
Leicester's Gold rating in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) signifies an outstanding student experience and outcomes, with a Silver rating for the student academic experience indicating very high quality.
Campus Life: Leicester's Inspiring Environment, Premier Facilities
The campus is situated in a prime location, a mile south of the city centre, bordering Victoria Park and Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I College. The compact campus showcases diverse 20th-century architecture and is anchored by a historic 1837 structure.
The campus, boasts world-class resources and state-of-the-art facilities, fostering an enriching learning and living environment:
Fielding Johnson Building: The central building houses the university administration and the Leicester Law School. The Astley Clarke Building and the Danielle Brown Sports Centre complement the Fielding Johnson Building.
Iconic Skyline: Three prominent 1960s structures—the Engineering Building, the Attenborough Tower, and the Charles Wilson Building—define the university's silhouette.
Stirling's Masterpiece: The Engineering Building, Sir James Stirling's pioneering work, ingeniously integrates workshops and labs with a tower of offices and lecture theatres.
Attenborough Tower: This 18-story tower, home to departments within Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities, features rare paternosters.
Ken Edwards Building: A 1995 addition, strategically located near the Fielding Johnson Building, houses the School of Business, computer rooms, lecture theatres and the English Language Teaching Unit.
Percy Gee Building: The vibrant hub of student life, houses the Students' Union since 1957.
David Wilson Library: A comprehensively refurbished library, officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2008, is home to over one million books, interactive digital reading spaces, dedicated study rooms, and a relaxed café.
Historical Significance: Serving as a military hospital during World War I.
Attenborough Legacy: College House, the childhood residence of David and Richard Attenborough, prominent figures in media and entertainment.
Ground-breaking Discovery: The Adrian Building, the birthplace of genetic fingerprinting by Sir Alec Jeffreys in 1984.
Medical Hub: The state-of-the-art George Davies Centre, completed in 2016, is a nexus for medical education and research.
Additionally, Leicester offers cutting-edge facilities like 24-hour study spaces, two sports centres featuring swimming pools, gyms, and fitness classes, and a Botanic Garden, a tranquil escape for study breaks and relaxation.
Leicester’s cutting-edge infrastructure and holistic support services guarantee a fulfilling student experience.
Leicester’s Research Excellence: Pioneering Discovery
As a research-intensive university, Leicester is dedicated to advancing knowledge that shapes society and impacts global issues.
The university's performance in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 was its strongest ever, securing 30th place in the Times Higher Education analysis, a 23-place jump from 53rd (REF2014) to joint 30th.
- Over 89% of overall research is classed as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’
- 52%) of research is assessed as ‘world-leading’ for its impact.
- Leicester’s Archaeology and Biological Sciences research is top in the UK for impact, with Clinical Medicine, Sports Science and Sociology all top for research outputs
- 100% of Chemistry research is classed as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’
- 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.
Leicester has spearheaded ground-breaking discoveries, including the well-known identification of King Richard III's remains, and is famous for its breakthroughs in fields like artificial intelligence, space research, health, and environmental sustainability.
Through robust research ties and industry connections, Leicester provides students with the chance to participate in pioneering research that propels global advancement and change.
Vibrant Student Life at Leicester: Connect, Explore, Thrive
Leicester is a melting pot of cultures, making it one of the most welcoming and diverse student cities in the UK. Campuses situated near the vibrant city centre and peaceful outskirts, offer a safe and welcoming environment. With a wide array of shops, bars, and restaurants just minutes from campus, Leicester provides ample opportunities for socializing and entertainment.
Thriving Culture: Leicester boasts a rich cultural scene with theatres, art galleries, live music venues (including the O2 Academy on campus), and numerous cultural festivals.
Tranquil Escapes: Easy access to parks and nature reserves across Leicestershire offers an excellent balance of city life and leisure.
Cultural Celebrations: Experience the city's diverse culture through events like the Diwali festival and the Caribbean Carnival.
Global Community: Leicester accommodates a diverse faculty and student community from 150 countries. The on-campus Global Lounge fosters inclusivity and provides a space for students to socialise, meet people from diverse backgrounds, and share cultures.
Sports Hub: A haven for sports enthusiasts, Leicester is home to Leicester City FC, Leicester Tigers, Leicester Riders, Leicestershire County Cricket Club, and other elite teams.
Festival City: With 270 days of festivals annually, including the UK's largest comedy festival, there's always something happening.
Cultural Quarter: Explore galleries, and theatres, enjoy shows at the Curve Theatre, discover street art and historical landmarks, or visit the King Richard III Visitor Centre.
Affordability: Consistently ranked among the UK's most affordable student cities, allowing students to enjoy city life without financial strain.
In all, Leicester offers an unusually favourable environment for academic endeavours and comprehensive personal development because of its unique blend of dynamic urban facilities, serene open areas, rich cultural tapestry, booming sports scene, inclusive global community, and inexpensive housing.
Outstanding Career Prospects: Leicester's Advantage
The University of Leicester is Top 20 for employability- Uni Compare best universities for employability 2025.
Among the top 25 UK universities targeted by employers, reflecting its focus on graduate employability.
Over 94% of Leicester graduates are employed or pursuing further studies within six months of graduation (DLHE Survey).
The university provides award-winning support through career-enhancing initiatives:
Integrated Career Support: Employability is woven into every undergraduate course, with the Careers and Employability Service assisting students from their first year. Students will discover the correct path and acquire the necessary abilities so that they are prepared for the next step when they finally put on that cap and gown.
MyCareers Platform: 24/7 online access to internships, graduate vacancies, career appointments, and event bookings.
Festival of Careers: Leicester's huge graduate recruitment event, featuring top employers across diverse sectors, with dedicated workshops, presentations, and information sessions.
Leicester Award: A unique personal development programme enabling students to identify, develop, and articulate transferable skills gained from academics and extracurricular experiences.
Unitemps: The university's in-house recruitment agency, connecting students with temporary and part-time opportunities.
Vibrant City Opportunities: Leicester's dynamic environment offers numerous part-time job opportunities, internships and placements.
Students graduate from Leicester with a competitive advantage in the labour market because of the university's solid industrial links and professional training possibilities.
Selecting the University of Leicester offers an unmatched student experience in a bustling UK metropolis and is a commitment to academic excellence, professional achievement, and personal development. Leicester is a great place to start your educational and professional journey if you're an international student looking for reputation, diversity, and innovation.
Planning to study at the University of Leicester? Let ScholarshipKart turn your ambition into action! Book a Free Consultation with our seasoned counsellors to find the ideal course that aligns with your goals and interests. From building a strong application to navigating the visa process smoothly, we offer end-to-end support. Inquire about scholarships? We’ll help you uncover the best funding options to make your UK education journey more affordable.