Best universities for a master’s in Leeds

Leeds is an incredibly popular student city for a number of reasons; high-quality universities, an affordable cost of living, a truly thriving student culture supported by a vibrant nightlife scene and more. Leeds continues to build on its industrial heritage and thrives as a northern hub for finance, culture and the arts. The name Leeds comes from the old Celtic ‘Ladenses’, which means ‘people of the fast-flowing river’. This still rings true, as things don’t slow down in this independently minded, creative community. Leeds is located among some of the UK’s finest natural landscapes, with the Peak District to the south, the Yorkshire Dales to the north west and the North York Moors to the north east. 

CONTENTS 

• Which universities are in Leeds? 
• University of Leeds 
• Leeds Beckett University 
• University Centre Leeds 
• Leeds Trinity University 
• Leeds Arts University 
• Entry Requirements 
• What to do in Leeds 

Which universities are in Leeds? 

University of Leeds 

As a member of the prestigious Russell Group of universities, the University of Leeds is a leading UK higher education institution with a robust reputation for research. It recently placed 16th in the country according to the 2023 Complete University Guide league table, as well as taking 21st place in the 2022 Whatuni Student Choice Awards. Originally founded in 1874 as the Yorkshire College of Science, it became a university in 1904 and has continued to thrive as an international, welcoming centre of academia since. Its campus is located just north west of the city centre, giving students easy access to the heart of Leeds. 

Postgraduate students at the University of Leeds can explore over 300 master’s courses, in addition to a raft of postgraduate research programmes. Full-time or part-time study patterns are available in many subjects, in addition to a portfolio of professional short courses and fully online master’s degrees. Students who pursue a doctoral research qualification will be supported by the Leeds Doctoral College, and have the opportunity to be part of a passionate, world-renowned research community. 

With a campus 100 acres in size, found within walking distance of the city centre, the University of Leeds is ideally located for students looking to enjoy everything the city has to offer while getting a world-class education. Impressive 19th century architecture combines with 1960s brutalism and contemporary structures in a site that is rich with cutting-edge facilities and comprehensive student services. From bio-imaging to cryo-electron microscopy, and a future fusion factory, the university is an engine of innovation for students and industry partners alike. There are four libraries to choose from on campus, in addition to a huge range of study spaces around the site. 

Go to: Search postgraduate courses at University of Leeds

Leeds Beckett University 

Leeds Beckett offers world-class postgraduate education to students of all backgrounds, across dozens of subjects. It’s an academic community bursting with energy and loved by its students, having achieved 7th place in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2022 and earning its place as a ‘university of the year’. Its origin stretches back to 1824, when the Leeds Mechanics Institute was established. It became a university in 1992 and took its current name in 2014. The Leeds Beckett campus is just minutes from the city centre, in addition to a campus several miles out of town. 

The university has a comprehensive portfolio of innovative postgraduate programmes, designed to help students prepare for their chosen careers and stand out to potential employers. With passionate, experienced lecturers and cutting-edge research facilities, Beckett students are well placed to succeed across a wide range of PGCert, PGDip, MA, MSc and doctoral research qualifications. It’s also possible to study part-time or choose courses commencing in January, April and May, in addition to the typical September start. 

Postgraduate students at Leeds Beckett may study across one or more of the university’s two huge campus sites—City campus and Headingley campus. Both campuses offer convenient transport links to each other and the heart of the city. The City campus is home to departmental buildings which offer modern teaching and lecture spaces, high spec laboratories and excellent library facilities. The Headingley campus is nestled within 100 acres of lush parkland, making it the perfect location for focused study or research breakthroughs. 

Go to: Search postgraduate courses at Leeds Beckett University

Leeds Trinity University 

Leeds Trinity University is a renowned institution in the city’s higher education landscape, noted for its pioneering approach to career-focused postgraduate education. It places a strong focus on professional placements and experience building, an approach that has enabled its students to achieve positive graduate outcomes for more than 50 years. It’s based in a welcoming campus located just six miles from the centre of Leeds, giving students a peaceful study setting along with easy access to the city. 

There are a wide range of postgraduate programmes to choose from at Leeds Trinity. Courses across subjects such as business, law, psychology, journalism and creative writing demonstrate the breadth of Trinity’s postgraduate offerings, all of which are supported by dedicated teachers, modern research facilities and robust support services. Part-time study options, along with the prevalence of work placements, make it an ideal choice for professionals or career-minded students. 

The Leeds Trinity University campus is a one stop shop for everything postgraduate students might need during their time there. From student accommodation to food and drink, as well as social and event spaces, there’s much more to the university site than learning facilities. Students will find plenty of that too, however, with buildings like the Media Centre providing access to cutting-edge technology while the Andrew Kean Learning Centre is a comprehensive source of useful resources and inspiring study spaces. 

Go to: Search postgraduate courses at Leeds Trinity University

Leeds Arts University 

Leeds Arts University stands out among the city’s higher education institutions as an independent, specialist arts university – one of a kind in the North of England. Students come to this university from across the country, and beyond, to undertake impactful and specialised programmes of study across a range of creative disciplines. Founded in 1846 as the Leeds School of Art, it’s always been a home for artistically minded people. It has two buildings located in the centre of the city, just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Leeds. 

Courses available to postgraduate students at Leeds Art University include MA degrees in areas such as animation, creative practice, curation practices, digital fashion, fine art, graphics design, illustration, and photography. The university’s smaller number of courses allows it to focus its resources on attracting successful industry professionals to teach there, as well as a wide range of professional experience and networking opportunities. 

Leeds Arts University is based out of a cutting-edge £22m contemporary building that has undergone regular expansion. With industry standard facilities such as auditoriums, film and photography studios, fashion design workshops and a specialised arts library, it’s an ideal place for students to achieve their potential in the creative industries. Music studios, AV technology and 3D facilities ensure that it’s an arts institution for the modern, digital age. 

Go to: Search postgraduate courses at Leeds Arts University

University Centre Leeds 

University Centre Leeds offers postgraduate students the opportunity to become the masters of their craft with a range of industry-informed courses, across a range of subjects from education to biosciences, leadership and management, or creative practice. Students will be based out of one of two sites, each of which are a stone’s throw from the centre of the city and all the exciting options it offers.  

Students at the university centre will be able to pursue a number of qualifications; MA, MSc and PGCE course types provide varied routes to building advanced knowledge and skills in preparation for a successful career. The university centre places a strong focus on personal support, with small class sizes and highly experienced tutors contributing to student success. Courses are validated by Leeds City College, Open University, and Pearson. 

University Centre Leeds offers students access to an excellent range of facilities, with industry-standard spaces and technologies allowing students to gain real experience of their future careers. Some of the newest facilities at the university include expansive biomedical science laboratories, smart photo editing suites and contemporary makeup studios. A variety of clubs and societies, as well as excellent student support, make for a well-rounded student experience. 

Go to: Search postgraduate courses at  ;University Centre Leeds

Entry Requirements 

In order to be accepted onto a postgraduate level course at a university in Leeds, you’ll need to make sure you meet the entry requirements set out by the course co-ordinators. This will often vary according to the institution and subject area you’re applying to. You can use our dedicated course finder tool to easily get up to date information on admissions criteria. 

What to do in Leeds 

Leeds has an excellent range of activities for you to enjoy during your downtime from studying. The city has undergone a stunning amount of redevelopment over the past years and now hosts contemporary structures nestled among impressive period architecture and historic Leeds institutions. Leeds City Museum, Leeds Art Gallery and the Tetley Gallery are just some of the top stops for arts, culture and city history.  

Independence and creativity permeate the city. From the independent Hyde Park Picture House, the UK’s last gaslit cinema, to the impressive 1,500 seat Leeds Grand Theatre, you’ll be able to experience exceptional arts and performance. The city itself is a canvas, with exciting and ever-changing street art to find around every corner. 

Leeds is known across the country for its incredible nightlife. Famous and prestigious nightclubs ranging from Wire to Beaverworks, The Hifi Club, Mint and Pryzm, you’ll be able to find every genre of music and incredible line-ups—including world-famous acts and up and coming local artists. 

As a student in Leeds, you’ll be able to get out into all sorts of lovely countryside with ease. Roundhay Park is a 700 acre woodland on the outskirts of the city, with a serene lake and woodlands to explore. Further afield, the Yorkshire Dales and other national parks offer exciting moors, valleys and forests to discover in every direction from the city. 

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