University of Leeds

As a leading university in one of the UK’s best student cities, the University of Leeds is an enduring frontrunner on Ucas applications. Its research-led pedigree underpins a broad course offering, while a £32 million investment programme in 2025 aims to create vibrant and welcoming student spaces for learning and wellbeing at the classic redbrick campus, which is only a ten-minute walk from the city centre. The city itself goes all out to offer lively nightlife geared to its big student population. Leeds is easier to get around on public transport than many cities, and walking works too — with a network of footpaths and byways inviting you into a patchwork of green spaces.

What is the University of Leeds’ reputation? 

A member of the elite Russell Group, Leeds’s research standing is world-class. In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), 90 per cent of its research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent, helping it secure a top 20 spot in our research quality index. It is consistently in the top 100 in the QS World University Rankings (86th for 2026 and closing in on Times Higher Education’s top 100 (123rd in 2025). 

Student satisfaction shows a mixed but improving picture. While our National Student Survey analysis shows a 26-place gain to 66= for the overall student experience, the university ranks lower (114=) for teaching quality. Similarly, the latest Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2023) awarded Leeds silver overall (down from gold in 2017). The panel commended its “outstanding rates of continuation and completion” for students.

The university is ready to take on global challenges through two futures institutes. The Priestley Centre for Climate Futures opened in 2024 and the Institute for Societal Futures is in the planning stage, aiming to tackle big issues through interdisciplinary collaboration. 

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What degree courses have been discontinued and what new courses are available?

Leeds is halfway through Curriculum Redefined, a decade-long review of the courses it offers and how well it prepares graduates for work and life. New degree programmes for 2026 reflect a focus on future-facing skills, with courses in primary education and computer science. Two new courses combine chemistry or physics with AI — as bachelor’s or integrated master’s degrees, with or without a year in industry or abroad. 

What are the University of Leeds’ entry requirements — and my chances of getting in?

Courses ask for grades from A*AA to CDD. Contextual offers reduce entry requirements by up to two grades, taken up by a fifth of entrants in 2024. To be eligible, applicants must come from deprived postcodes or have completed the university’s access scheme. Just over 10 per cent of nearly 8,500 new students were accepted through clearing. 

What are the graduate prospects?

A vast network of over 320 global university partners and hundreds of employers underpins excellent graduate prospects. Leeds ranks 35= in our analysis of the Graduate Outcomes survey of the proportion of graduates in highly skilled work or further study after 15 months.

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What is the University of Leeds’ campus like?

The campus is constantly evolving. Recent developments include a new Health Sciences Library, the Helix digital innovation hub with immersive technology and prototyping equipment, and the Esther Simpson Building for the business and law schools. The £96 million Sir William Henry Bragg Building for engineering and physical sciences, opened in 2021, has facilities to engineer materials at the atomic level. Refurbishments of the Laidlaw and Edward Boyle libraries have been followed by nearly £17 million spent to upgrade the students' union, where the Old Bar has been serving real ale and pub food since 1939.

When can I visit? 

leeds.ac.uk

Everything you need to know about the University of Leeds’ student life and wellbeing support

The vibrancy of student life here is renowned. The students' union offers  more than 300 clubs and societies, including aikido, art, “stitch ’n’ bitch” and street dancing — and if you can’t decide, the Find Your Fit 60-second online quiz will make some suggestions. Art and culture are well served by the galleries, music facilities and theatres that sparkle on campus.The School of Music has practice rooms and recording studios — and hosts concerts and masterclasses. The Riley Smith Theatre stages student productions.

Extensive sports facilities start with the Edge, which has a swimming pool. Premium gym membership at the Edge is included in student rent on campus.The university also houses the £5 million Brownlee Centre, the UK’s first purpose-built triathlon training base, named for its famous Olympic alumni, Alistair and Jonny Brownlee. 

Many of the clubs based at the Gryphon Sports Centre compete in the British Universities & Colleges Sport (Bucs) league. Sports Park Bodington, a hub run jointly by the Football Foundation and the university, has three full-size floodlit 3G pitches. Rowers use the £1 million boathouse on the Aire and Calder Navigation Canal, three miles south of campus. 

Wellbeing support has been boosted with more staff to provide same-day drop-in appointments. The students’ union also runs an Essentials hub to help anyone who’s struggling with the rising cost of living, providing emergency food supplies and assistance with managing money.

What do the students say? 

“The university has a brilliant location near the centre and Leeds University Union has made my time really special — it’s inclusive, supportive of diversity and makes the student experience genuinely fun and fulfilling.”
Shivani Gug, education officer, Law LLB graduate and current MA political communications student

What about student accommodation at the University of Leeds?

Leeds guarantees a room to first-years who meet the deadline. Much of the accommodation is further from the city centre than the campus.

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How diverse and inclusive is the University of Leeds?

The university ranks 109th in our social inclusion index. More than a quarter of its students come from selective schools, while about a third are the first in their family to attend university.

Everything you need to know about scholarships and bursaries at the University of Leeds

More than a quarter of new entrants receive financial help. The Leeds Bursary offers up to £2,000 a year for students from low-income households. The bursary can be received as cash or as credit against tuition fees or accommodation costs. A range of scholarships and merit-based awards are also available.

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