University of Leicester

The University of Leicester has a distinguished history of excellence in education for more than a hundred years. It has been a crucible in which great minds and mentors have come together to break new ground, develop fresh ideas and invent useful methods of understanding the world.

Research has always been a driving force behind the university’s success, and Leicester’s postgraduate community engages with some of the most significant social, economic, political, and scientific issues that society faces today.

At Leicester, students are encouraged to break away from traditional modes of academic practice and are given the freedom to innovate, facilitating exciting cross-collaboration between university departments and a multidisciplinary approach towards problem-solving. The university incorporates both the sciences and the arts into its research dialogue, aiming to cultivate sophisticated solutions to the most complex of issues. Students are provided with plenty of relevant support and are given the space required to expand their professional and personal development.

Leicester’s postgraduate community is a dynamic and diverse group of around 5,000 students who represent many countries around the world and work together to further the quality and outreach of their research work. The city provides a superb environment in which to study, with plenty of amenities, culture and entertainment and an atmosphere completely of its own.

University of Leicester students on Postgraduate Search say:

“Overall It was a wonderful experience.”

“In my opinion, University of Leicester gives priority to their students before anything else.”

“Structured and supportive training for PhD students.”

Postgraduate

The University of Leicester cultivates a rich and varied landscape of postgraduate learning opportunities, with many world-leading research groups and specialised academic study programmes to suit students from all over the world.

A postgraduate degree from Leicester is much more than a qualification. It represents a memorable and fulfilling student experiences which becomes an asset in the search for meaningful employment and future academic endeavours.

The University of Leicester’s courses empower students to become citizens of change. Courses provide the specialist subject knowledge and international outlook demanded by employers around the world. Many degrees are accredited by external professional bodies. This ensures that course content meets the quality benchmarks required for graduates to successfully embark on a competitive and fulfilling career.

Leicester’s teaching staff are enthusiastic, highly qualified and extensively experienced. Many have worked and taught overseas, and give postgraduate students access to their expertise and professional connections. Postgraduate students benefit from a lot of contact time with their supervisors and mentors, allowing them plenty of opportunities for feedback and a personalised approach to their studies.

Student researchers benefit from Leicester’s wealth of academic resources and superb facilities. Upon graduation, they’ll join the growing ranks of leading professional alumni, who can be found working in a huge variety of private and public sector professions around the world.

University of Leicester students on Postgraduate Search say:

“Excellent professors and relevant courseware. Good challenges to practice what you learned.”

“Friendly and helpful staff (both academic and administrative support).”

“Good arrangements of course material.”

Entry requirements vary by course, so prospective postgraduate students should refer to the University of Leicester website to familiarise themselves with any course-specific information before making an application.

The university aims to attract the best and brightest minds while keeping the admissions process accessible to anyone with the desire to study at Leicester.

Applicants need a good undergraduate honours degree, ideally a 2:1 or above, in a subject related to their chosen postgraduate course. Some degrees, particularly business-focused courses, will also accept professional qualifications. Students with lower or alternate qualifications may be considered in light of relevant professional or personal experience.

Since courses are delivered in English, postgraduate students for whom English is not their native language must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency before being accepted onto a course. There are several accepted assessment systems for this, however the most commonly used are IELTS and TOELS. Minimum IELTS score for postgraduate entry is 6.5, and the minimum TOEFL score is 88.

Leicester’s strengths span many academic disciplines and the university’s commitment to research excellence is consistent across the board. New postgraduate students can be confident that the content and teaching of their chosen course will be at the forefront of available knowledge and practice. The university is comprised of three colleges:

• College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities (includes Business School)
• College of Science and Engineering
• College of Life Sciences (includes Medical School)

Each college has a distinct approach towards research, although collaboration between departments is also encouraged.

There are many highly ranked departments at the university, delivering pioneering work across a broad spectrum of academic fields. Leicester’s postgraduate research community is a diverse group of individuals performing an equally diverse programme of research, investigating some of the most critical issues facing society. From viruses and disease to air quality, preserving the natural world, and ensuring social justice for all, Leicester leads the way.

University of Leicester students on Postgraduate Search say:

“I am really enjoying the way the lectures are delivered and the practicals in each lecture. The best part is talking with colleagues and reflecting together during the practicals and groups works.”

“The best aspect of my course is it gives us a blended learning experience including theory, lab & tutorial sessions etc.”

“The contact time I have with my supervisor is amazing-lots of opportunity to reach out to them whenever I need to.”

The University of Leicester maintains a dedicated careers team, which gives students year-round access to services and events and supports a smooth transition into their graduate roles. Students can book appointments with careers consultants via the MyCareers service, to which all new students are automatically registered. The team can offer guidance with job applications, interview training, CV writing, and coaching for setting up businesses and start-ups.

In-house recruitment consultancy Unitemps helps students find part-time work to fit around their studies. Unitemps provides an ideal place to look for flexible work within the university and in the local area.

The university fosters strong relationships with local and national employers, who frequently give subject-specific lectures with exciting guest speakers, and organises workshops and networking events.

The placement rate of Leicester postgraduates after completing their course is 94%, which indicates the university’s success in ensuring that its graduates are prepared for their lives after education.

University of Leicester students on Postgraduate Search say:

“My curriculum seems career ready.”

“The student support services are outstanding specially the career's hub.”

“I will be undertaking a placement, and so look forward to that later on in the year.”

Student union

Leicester's students’ union is the representative voice of its student membership and works to establish a positive and constructive dialogue between students and staff. It also functions as one of the university’s social engagement hubs, offering a huge selection of clubs and societies covering arts, sports, faiths, national cultures, politics, campaigning, hobbies and student media.

Clubs and societies

The University of Leicester Students’ Union offers more than 250 clubs and societies covering a huge range of areas, from film, arts and theatre clubs to national cultural societies, faith and language groups. There are societies for politics, campaigning, hobbies and student media, and a massive selection of casual and competitive sporting societies, ensuring students are bound to find a society that appeals to their tastes.

City life

Leicester is a fantastic place to live and study, with a large community of students and a huge variety of things to do. It is a city with a rich and visible history and a cosmopolitan blend of cultures.

Leicester is home to the largest covered market in Europe, and has a lively nightlife scene, with bars, clubs and music venues to suit all tastes.

University of Leicester students on Postgraduate Search say:

“Students have so many opportunities like volunteering, societies, being part of the student's union.”

“Great range of active SU clubs and societies.”

“I feel that the SU is very much the hub with a variety of different food places and facilities.”

Accommodation

The University of Leicester guarantees university-managed accommodation for all students who apply for a room before 1st September each year.

Postgraduate accommodation is available at both The City and The Village. The City, which is just a short walk to campus and the city centre, features the brand-new Freemen’s Common neighbourhood, which is vibrant new development in which postgraduate students can live and enjoy.

The Village is surrounded by an abundance of green space with a free university shuttle bus pass for ease of travel to and from campus.

Both sites offer self-catered accommodation options.

Facilities

The University of Leicester, in its lifetime of more than a century, has steadily expanded its infrastructure to become the world-class campus which it is today. Through intelligent investment of funds, Leicester provides modernised teaching facilities, state-of-the-art laboratories, and workshops equipped with industry standard equipment and the latest teaching technologies.

The recently opened Freemen’s Common represents a £150 million investment in the future of its student experience, and the £20 million refurbishment of the student’s union indicates the effort being put in to extra-curricular enrichment.

University of Leicester students on Postgraduate Search say:

“I really like how easily accessible some of the student accommodations and the SU is to the rest of campus.”

“Good dedicated study and relaxation spaces for PhD students.”

“I love the buildings and the library.”

Leicester values the importance of providing excellent student support. The university works hard to provide a range of free and confidential services to encourage a positive and supportive learning environment to help students to achieve their academic and personal goals. The advice centre provides resources and guidance on issues such as health and wellbeing, childcare, academic support, disability services, financial assistance and more.

The students’ union offers further support, including a peer mentoring scheme to support students through the opening weeks and months of university. Students can download a free SafeZone app to summon first aid, security or safety assistance at any time.

In addition to its campus facilities, the University of Leicester website is a hub of useful information and online support resources. Many of the university’s student initiatives are features online, and students can engage with the advice centre team, book appointments or even find contact information for more specialised services.

University of Leicester students on Postgraduate Search say:

“Helpful university counselling service available.”

“The staff is professional and always available to help.”

“Very good curriculum and constantly available support.”

The University of Leicester appreciates that postgraduate course fees can be a significant financial consideration. Each year, it offers a comprehensive programme of financial support options for new and returning postgraduate students, to ensure that everyone has access to the resources needed to study in confidence.

There are all kinds of awards available, and prospective students are encouraged to check the university’s fees and funding pages online to check for eligibility and to familiarise themselves with any key dates and deadlines.

Taught

Postgraduate taught courses at the University of Leicester offer a route to a full research degree. PhDs are typically completed with 3-4 years full-time study, although there are also part-time and distance learning options available. Taught courses offer a structured learning system with more of a leaning toward the eventual research work that students will encounter during their PhD.

Research

The University of Leicester is a research-driven institution, with a progressive and future-oriented approach towards its postgraduate courses. There is a huge selection of research groups to participate in, which tackle some of the most significant challenges faced by society and as a species.

The university’s postgraduate community of around 5,000 students and researchers is central to its research output, and undertakes much of the ground-breaking work which the university is proud to share with the wider research community.

Distance learning

Leicester offers a continually evolving programme of postgraduate qualifications and study modes. The university has invested in developing a capacity for delivering distance learning courses effectively and successfully, and has over 25 years of experience in this teaching method.

The university’s distance learning students benefit from the flexible study, which allows them to organise their degree around existing employment and personal commitments, as well as complete a course of study from anywhere in the world.