University of Leeds

The University of Leeds is a Russell Group university in the UK and is ranked 22nd in the UK according to Complete University Guide 2024. It’s a prestigious university with a strong research reputation, as well as being known for its international outlook and diverse student population. 

Leeds was founded in 1904, bringing together the expertise of medical and scientific schools that had been operating since the 1800s. Today this higher education institution is home to over 38,000 students from more than 170 countries worldwide, based out of its large campus based close to the centre of the city. 

The University of Leeds campus is ten minutes from the city centre on foot, and as a result offers students convenient connections to the rest of the country by road, rail and air. Leeds is centrally located in the UK and is one of the fastest growing cities in the country. 

This popular student city is a centre for business and education and combines a buzzing cultural and nightlife scene with great services and easy access to the countryside. Leeds is located in-between three national parks – the Yorkshire Dales, the Peak District and the North York Moors, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. 

Graduates of Leeds join an alumni network that numbers more than 300,000 worldwide, and includes notable figures such as Jay Rayner, Little Boots, Chris Pine and Ken Robinson. 

The University of Leeds offers students a range of postgraduate study pathways, whatever their academic or professional objectives. 

Taught master’s courses at Leeds are suited to students building on undergraduate study, changing their subject area or returning to education as a professional. The university has more than 300 master’s courses, with many of them available on a full- or part-time basis. 

Postgraduate students at the university will join an energetic research community which is globally renowned. The university is home to a variety of research opportunities for postgraduate students, where they will be able to work alongside academics and have the support of the Leeds Doctoral College. Available degree types include PhDs, MPhils, master’s degrees by research and professional doctorates. 

It’s also possible to complete a postgraduate degree completely online at Leeds, allowing students to study from anywhere in the world. The university also has a range of short courses which are popular with professionals looking to reskill or enhance their careers. 

The University of Leeds accepts a wide range of qualifications for consideration during the postgraduate admissions process. Academic entry requirements can vary according to the type of degree being applied for (taught or research, for example), the level of study and the subject area. Non-academic criteria may also be applicable. This could be language proficiency for students who do not speak English as their first language, for example, or completion of relevant work experience for some vocational or professional courses. 

For example, applicants to the MA in Linguistics and English Language Teaching will need to have an undergraduate degree with a 2:1 grade or higher, in subjects such as English, psychology, speech therapy, linguistics or education. Applicants with lower grades may be considered in light of professional experience. 

Applicants for the MSc in Railway Operations, Management and Policy will need a 2:1 or higher degree in subjects such as mathematics, engineering, management, economics or environmental science. Application from other subject backgrounds may be possible, as well as those with relevant professional experience. 

Entry criteria for postgraduate courses at Leeds can change over time, so checking the relevant course page is recommended before applying. 

The University of Leeds supports the employability of its students in several ways, ranging from its curriculum to a dedicated careers centre and alumni support. 

Taught postgraduate courses are informed by the university’s ongoing research, supported by researchers who work at the cutting-edge of their fields. In combination with industrial and research partnerships that stretch around the globe, graduates at Leeds will be equipped with contemporary knowledge and skills to help them succeed. 

The University of Leeds Careers Centre provides students with various resources and services to enhance their employment prospects, throughout their studies. Whether it’s employer-led events such as workshops and seminars, careers fairs, access to internship and graduate application opportunities or personalised advice, Leeds has one of the largest careers services for students to use. 

Postgraduate students will be a part of the university’s extensive alumni network on completion of their degree, and benefit from ongoing careers support well beyond their graduation. As one of more than 300,000 alumni worldwide, these professional connections and ongoing alumni events allow Leeds graduates to effectively network and access enhanced job opportunities. 

Accommodation

The University of Leeds is committed to providing its postgraduate students with comfortable living arrangements that are conducive to their learning. As a result, the university provides a range of postgraduate-only accommodation options. 

While Leeds is unable to offer a guarantee of accommodation to postgraduate students, it is dedicated to helping students as much as possible in securing their ideal accommodation type. 

The university’s accommodation buildings are well-equipped, high-quality facilities that range in style from Victorian architecture town houses to contemporary, purpose-built apartments. Postgraduate students in university accommodation will benefit from: 

• A range of contract lengths to suit their needs 
• Flexible options for payment 
• A single rental charge inclusive of utilities, internet and sports facility access 
• 24-hour a day security protection 
• Contents insurance included 
• Personal support from residence wardens 

Leeds is the unofficial capital city of England’s largest county, Yorkshire, and is found at the heart of the country’s attractive northern regions. This vibrant city is a popular student destination and is home to a buzzing urban cultural scene, as well as wide range of arts and entertainment options. It’s well connected to the rest of the country and the world by road, rail and air, and is home to student population of more than 60,000. 

Postgraduate students at the University of Leeds can access a broad range of scholarships and bursaries to help them cover the costs of their studies. These awards may be paid directly to the university to reduce tuition fees, or will be received by students as payments towards their living expenses. 

Graduate students who have already completed an undergraduate degree at Leeds will be able to benefit from the university’s Alumni bursary, which provides a 10% discount to tuition fees for the first year of their master’s study. 

Master’s students from under-represented backgrounds or groups will be eligible for the Leeds Masters Scholarship, which is worth £5,000 and can be paid as a waiver of tuition fees or as a direct payment to the successful applicant. 

A variety of subject specific scholarships are available to postgraduate students, across both taught and research courses. These awards are typically allocated according to academic achievement and are delivered through the university’s different academic schools. Students can find further details on their school’s web page. 

Sporting scholarships are also available through the university, along with a range of financial awards available through various external organisations. The university’s website has useful links to help students find and apply for these.