The stars are in sight in more ways than one at Leicester. The research-intensive East Midlands university hosts the £100 million Space Park, opened by the astronaut Tim Peake in 2022, complete with a rooftop observatory. It is also investigating how the final frontier is shaping our lives at the Leverhulme Centre for Humanity and Space, established with a £10 million investment. There is star quality among the staff too: Dr Josh Smalley, a postdoctoral researcher in the Institute for Structural and Chemical Biology, was a finalist in the 2023 series of The Great British Bake Off. He has since developed the Science Kitchen on campus for food-related scientific demonstrations and events.
With the motto Ut vitam habeant — “So that they may have life” — the original institution that gave rise to the University of Leicester was founded in 1921 as a memorial to those who died in the First World War and pioneered DNA forensic science in the 1980s.
Leicester is a medium-sized, student-friendly city and it is relatively affordable. Glowing results in the latest National Student Survey and rising applications suggest Leicester is on the right track. Free breakfasts during termtime add to its charms.
What is the University of Leicester’s reputation?
In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), 89 per cent of its work was assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent. Some of the best results were in clinical medicine; archaeology; sports science; and history, and it maintained its position in 26= in our research quality index. This is on a par with some Russell Group universities, whose elite Nishan Canagarajah, Leicester’s vice-chancellor, would like his university to join. “Everyone looking at Leicester says, ‘This should be a Russell Group university,’” he said.
Leicester also received a gold rating in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2023).
Medicine and dentistry students represent about one in ten undergraduates, and the university has opened the Stoneygate Centre for Empathic Healthcare, pioneering a new approach to medical education that puts empathy at its heart.
Leicester has a longstanding commitment to space research and Space Park Leicester is forecast to contribute £750 million to Britain’s space sector over the next decade, creating 2,500 jobs in the East Midlands.
Soaring rates of student satisfaction are added to Leicester’s credentials: in our analysis of the National Student Survey, Leicester ranks 9th for student satisfaction with the wider undergraduate experience (up two places this year, and 53 places across the past two years) and 41= for their feelings about teaching quality (up 13 places, year-on-year).
What are the University of Leicester’s entry requirements — and my chances of getting in?
Degree courses require A*AA to BCC at A-level for a foundation Stem subject. Contextual offers, which provide a discount of up to two A-level grades, were offered to 5 per cent of 2024's entrants. Leicester welcomed a record number of undergraduates for 2024 entry, more than 5,000 for the first time. Three in ten gained their places through clearing.
What are the graduate prospects?
The university seeks to include work experience opportunities for students in all its degree courses through partnerships with graduate employers. Advisory boards help to align the university’s degrees with industry norms. Leicester’s endeavours to boost employability help it to rank 35=, based on the proportion in highly skilled jobs or postgraduate study within 15 months of graduation.
What is the University of Leicester’s campus like?
The compact campus, located a mile south of the city centre, is in the second phase of a £500 million modernisation project. The Georgian architecture of the Fielding Johnson Building contrasts with modern academic and residential blocks. At the Brookfield satellite campus, the School of Business has lecture theatres and a trading room. International students based at the Global Study Centre nearby have access to the full range of campus facilities.
When can I visit?
What about student accommodation at the University of Leicester?
Leicester guarantees all students who apply before September 1 a space in university-managed halls. Prices range between £82 and £273 a week.
Everything you need to know about the University of Leicester’s student life and wellbeing support
Student life in Leicester has plenty to recommend it. The city is home to one of the biggest Diwali celebrations outside India — with 6,500 lights along Belgrave and Melton roads. On campus the university’s award-winning students’ union is the only one in the country with its own O2 Academy. There are more than 200 clubs and societies. Both the university's sports centres have a gym, swimming pool, spa and studio.
Students who need help have access to a wellbeing team and a 24-hour phone line. Anyone in crisis or managing a long-term condition can turn to counsellors, mental health advisers and workshops. Leicester collaborates with the NHS, local government and voluntary sectors to achieve a “suicide safer” environment.
What do the students say?
“I have built amazing relationships at Leicester that have shaped who I am. The lecturers are incredibly supportive, answering my questions and guiding me. I love how campus is filled with endless food options and study spaces. I have felt a sense of community and belonging with the different societies I have joined and Leicester feels like home.”
Kirtthi Sri Baskaran, BSc medical physiology (second year)
How diverse and inclusive is the University of Leicester?
Black and ethnic minorities represent 68.8 per cent of students, placing the university 13th in our social inclusion index for this measure. The achievement gap with white peers is closing. Leicester ranks 77th for social inclusion overall in England and Wales. To widen access, there is a range of progression programmes such as Pathways to Law and AccessLeicester.
Everything you need to know about scholarships and bursaries at the University of Leicester
About 30 per cent of new entrants receive a financial award. The Citizens of Change scholarship awards fee discounts of £2,500 a year, applicants record and share a video of up to 60 seconds responding to the question, what do you want to change? Students from low-income households qualify for the £1,000-a-year Leicester Bursary. Musicians at grade 6 or above are eligible for £500 scholarships and there are also sports awards. Leicester offers two sanctuary scholarships each year covering fees and support for asylum seekers.
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