University of Leicester

As a top 25 UK University, Leicester has always been home to the great minds; academics, researchers and students who aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo, advance new practices, and develop a fresh way of thinking. Through the ground-breaking research of their experts, you will tackle the emerging social, economic, political and scientific issues head on and set the agenda where others simply follow.

At Leicester, students aren’t confined by academic boundaries. The innovative approach you will take towards your studies brings together the sciences and the arts to inform the latest conversations and provide solutions to the most complex of issues. You will be given the space and support in which to be creative and develop both personally and professionally.

Leicester was given Silver in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) and has been awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education on three occasions.

The dedicated careers team have information about services and events, as well as top tips for CVs, covering letters, personal statements, application forms, interviews, psychometric tests and even LinkedIn.

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.

Students are automatically registered on MyCareers when they arrive at Leicester. This is where they can book appointments with careers advisers and search for activities and UK graduate roles.

Students can book an appointment with a careers adviser which can cover application coaching, general careers guidance, mock interviews or business start-up coaching.

The university engages with local and national employers to provide students with quality careers advice and support. Employers run workshops, deliver subject specific talks and exhibit at employment fairs.

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 of their courses are accredited by external bodies meaning you can be sure that the content meets the quality benchmark expected to successfully enter the world of work.

With access to academic resources and facilities, you’ll gain the real-world transferable skills to remain competitive in the global job market and join their growing ranks of alumni who have brought positive change to their industries and fields of expertise.

Leicester Students’ Union offers more than 250 societies covering arts, sports, faiths, national cultures, politics, campaigning, hobbies and student media.

£21 million has been spent on rebuilding and refurbishing the Students' Union building and facilities. The new East Wing extension will be opening in September 2020.

The Students’ Union is home to the only on-campus O2 Academy live music venue in the UK, hosting established and new bands, plus club events and student nights.

Guaranteed University-managed accommodation for all students who apply for a room before 1 September each year.

Postgraduate students will live in The City, which is made up of purpose-built self-catered blocks, and is located within ten minutes’ walk of campus, city centre and train station. With 24-hour support, student residential advisors and a packed social calendar available to all students.

Flexible and digitally oriented, the David Wilson Library is open every day and for 24 hours a day during term time.

There are millions of printed volumes, a vast collection of eBooks and journals, hundreds of computers and group study rooms.

The library team support students’ study needs and help them get the most out of the resources.

With its own café, the library is also a great spot to read, study or take time out.

The Digital Reading Room is an outstanding social learning space and there are also new social learning spaces across campus.

The city's nightlife has bars and clubs to suit all tastes. Live music venues host big name artists and local up-and-coming bands, plus folk, jazz, classical and more.

The UK's longest running comedy festival takes over the city with hundreds of shows and events across Leicester every February.

Festivals from many cultures including the largest Diwali celebrations outside India and the UK's second largest Caribbean Carnival.

Leicester is a sporting city: home to Leicester Tigers, Leicestershire County Cricket Club, Leicester Riders (basketball) and 2016 Premier League Champions Leicester City.

Superb shopping, from high street brands at Highcross shopping centre to speciality boutiques in Leicester Lanes to the largest covered market in Europe.

Leicester offers more than 250 societies covering arts, sports, faiths, national cultures, politics, campaigning, hobbies and student media. Whatever interests you, you’re bound to find a society to your tastes at the University of Leicester’s Students’ Union.

Sports range from archery and badminton to fencing, table tennis and even ultimate Frisbee. If you’re lucky, you might even meet the Students’ Union mascot, Gary the Griffin, cheering on Leicester’s teams!

Student Support Services provide advice and guidance on finance, childcare, benefits and personal issues. They also provide access to a range of services and resources to enable positive student wellbeing, including confidential counselling and support.

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.

The University has an Ofsted-registered nursery on campus. The Chaplaincy welcomes everyone regardless of faith. Chaplains provide support and advice and there are also World Faiths Advisers for many religions.

The Wellbeing Service offers confidential counselling and support. The service offers one-to-one and group therapy sessions. The Students’ Union has two trained therapy dogs. The Students’ Union runs a mental health drop-in called Headspace. Staff in Accommodation Services are trained to signpost students to any support.

The AccessAbility Centre provides support and advice for students with dyslexia or other SLDs.

Tuition fees at Leicester vary depending on the level of study and the length of the course, as well as whether you study on campus or via distance learning. On average, an MA or MSc will cost between £8K and £11K when studied full time on campus, while a qualification that stops just short of a full degree, such as a PGDip (postgraduate diploma) or PGCert (postgraduate certificate) are often lower priced.

International Students per Year: EU students currently pay the same fees at UK students, but students from outside the UK and EU will pay significantly more. A full Master’s degree, studied full time on campus will cost international students up to £21K, while a PGCert or PGDip will cost less.

Fee discounts, full fee waivers and scholarships of up to £9,000 are available to postgraduate students studying on campus or by distance learning. Scholarships and bursaries offered vary by subject and may change from year to year.

Leicester’s strengths run across disciplines, and their commitment to excellent research means that you can be sure that no matter what you study, the content and teaching will be at the forefront of available knowledge and practice. The University is comprised of three Colleges:

• College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities (which also houses our Business School)
• College of Science and Engineering
• College of Life Sciences

Entry requirements vary per course, so it’s best to refer to the University of Leicester website or prospectus before you apply. Generally, you’ll need a good undergraduate honours degree, ideally a 2:1 or above, often in a subject related to what you want to study at postgraduate level. Some courses, particularly business focused courses will also accept professional qualifications.

Postgraduate taught courses at the University of Leicester offer a route through to a full research degree (PhD) via an MPhil. PhDs are usually completed in 3-4 years full-time, though part-time options are also available.

Leicester offers a range of postgraduate qualifications and study modes. With over 25 years’ experience of delivering courses by distance learning, you’re able to study anytime, anywhere, in a way that fits around your work and life commitments. If you’d prefer to study at their campus, at just over an hour from London by train, and a short car journey from East Midlands Airport, they are accessible no matter where you are in the world.