University of Leicester - Fielding Johnson Building
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University of Leicester

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

A world-renowned research university founded in 1921 as a living memorial to the First World War. Home to the discovery of DNA fingerprinting and King Richard III. TEF Gold for teaching excellence. ~20,000 students from 150+ countries.

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The university in numbers

Why choose the University of Leicester

TEF Gold for teaching excellence, Top 30 UK for research quality, and home to some of the most important scientific discoveries of the 20th century

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THE World Ranking 2026
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Times Good Uni Guide (UK)
About the university

About the University of Leicester

The University of Leicester is a distinguished public research university in the heart of England. Founded in 1921 as a living memorial to the First World War, it is the only university in Europe created by its community to honour those who served. Leicester received its Royal Charter in 1957 and was named Times Higher Education University of the Year in 2008. The university is celebrated for two landmark discoveries: Sir Alec Jeffreys invented DNA fingerprinting here in 1984, revolutionising forensic science worldwide, and in 2012 Leicester archaeologists identified the remains of King Richard III beneath a city car park — one of the most remarkable archaeological finds in British history. Today, Leicester is a leading centre for space science, operating Europe’s largest university-based space research facility at the new Space Park Leicester, with partnerships including ESA, Rolls-Royce and Airbus.

TEF Gold

The highest possible rating for teaching quality and student outcomes — reflecting outstanding learning, assessment and support

DNA fingerprinting birthplace

Sir Alec Jeffreys invented genetic fingerprinting here in 1984 — a discovery that transformed forensic science, criminal justice and medicine

150+ countries

A global community with over 55,000 alumni living abroad in 198 countries — top 15 for student satisfaction in the UK

Space research leader

Europe’s largest university space research centre. Space Park Leicester opened in 2022 with partners including ESA, Rolls-Royce and Airbus

The Attenborough connection

Sir David Attenborough grew up on campus — his father was the university’s Principal. The iconic Attenborough Tower bears the family name

Heart of England

One of the UK’s most diverse and affordable cities, adjacent to Victoria Park. Just one hour from London by train

Fees

How much does the University of Leicester cost?

Undergraduate
from £22,200
per year · international student tuition
Postgraduate
from £19,000
per year · international student tuition

Want to know the full cost?

Tuition + Accommodation + Living costs + Insurance + Study materials
Video tours

Video Tours
University of Leicester

Explore the campus, accommodation and facilities through our exclusive video content

Campus Tour
Campus Tour
Accommodation & The Village
Accommodation & The Village
School of Engineering
School of Engineering
Foundation Programme
Foundation Programme

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Interview with the Head
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Student life beyond the classroom
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How It Works

University Admissions Process

A clear, structured process from initial consultation to enrolment

1

Initial Consultation

We assess your academic profile, goals, and budget, explain the higher education system and outline the most suitable university options.

2

University Selection

We identify suitable universities based on your profile, career goals and preferences - using first-hand insight, not just rankings.

3

Document Preparation

We help with your UCAS application, personal statement, references and portfolio - reviewing and preparing everything for submission.

4

Application & Offer

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5

Enrolment & Settling In

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Key facts

University of Leicester at a glance

University of Leicester campus

General overview

Founded in 1921 as a living memorial to the First World War. Royal Charter granted in 1957
~20,000 students — approximately 14,700 undergraduate and 4,300 postgraduate
Students from over 150 countries worldwide
TEF Gold — the highest possible rating for teaching excellence
Compact campus one mile south of Leicester city centre, adjacent to Victoria Park
University of Leicester students on campus

Rankings & research

THE World University Rankings 2026: =192nd globally, 25th in the UK
QS World University Rankings 2026: 326th globally, 37th in the UK
THE Research Quality 2026: joint 5th in the UK, joint 26th globally
Clinical Medicine: 2nd in the UK. History: 2nd. Sports Science: 2nd
Key strengths: space science, genetics, archaeology, medicine, museum studies
David Wilson Library

Campus & facilities

David Wilson Library (2008, £32m) — opened by Queen Elizabeth II, open 24 hours during term
Space Park Leicester (2022) — Europe’s leading university space research hub with 300m² clean room
Grade II* listed Engineering Building by James Stirling — an icon of modern architecture
Fielding Johnson Building (1837) — the original Victorian admin hub, now home to the School of Law
Attenborough Tower (18 storeys) — arts and humanities, named after the renowned broadcasting family
University of Leicester careers support

Careers & alumni

Sir David Attenborough — legendary broadcaster, grew up on campus
Sir Alec Jeffreys — inventor of DNA fingerprinting
Princess Mako of Akishino — Japanese Imperial Family, Leicester MA graduate
100 Hours programme — every degree includes 100 hours of employer-informed learning
208,000+ alumni globally across 198 countries
Tips

How to choose a university in England

Before making your decision, research rankings, location and costs. Here are 5 key considerations.

Don’t rely solely on a university’s overall ranking — explore subject-level league tables. A university may rank mid-table overall yet feature in the top ten for your chosen discipline. For example, Leicester ranks 2nd in the UK for Clinical Medicine, 2nd for History and 2nd for Sports Science.
Factor in living costs, transport links and the overall character of the city. London offers more internships but at a premium; Leicester is one of the most affordable and diverse cities in the UK, with excellent rail links — just one hour to London, 50 minutes to Birmingham and well-connected to the rest of the country.
Request a full breakdown of all costs: tuition, accommodation, meals, study materials, insurance and travel. Budgets vary significantly from university to university and city to city. Leicester offers guaranteed first-year accommodation from £74 per week — fully furnished with bills, Wi-Fi and insurance included.
Investigate the university’s research strengths and facilities. Leicester is a top 30 UK research university with world-leading work in space science, genetics and archaeology. The £32 million David Wilson Library, Space Park Leicester and Grade II* listed Engineering Building provide exceptional learning environments.
Seek advice from consultants who know universities from first-hand experience, not marketing brochures. A professional education consultant visits campuses regularly and provides objective, unbiased recommendations tailored to your goals.

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Reviews

Reviews of the University of Leicester

MARYADI helped us navigate the entire UCAS process and Leicester’s foundation year option was exactly what our son needed. The campus is beautiful — the David Wilson Library alone is worth the visit. He’s now studying Biomedical Science and the support for international students has been exceptional.

Nicholas & Helen M. parents of a Biomedical Science student

I chose Leicester for its space science programme — there really is nowhere else like it. Space Park Leicester is incredible: you’re studying alongside real ESA mission hardware. MARYADI’s guidance on scholarships saved me thousands, and the city is genuinely affordable compared to London or Manchester.

Oliver E. Physics & Space Science student

What surprised me most about Leicester was the history — this is where they found Richard III and invented DNA fingerprinting. The campus has a real sense of tradition and the 100 Hours employability programme helped me secure an internship in my first year. MARYADI made the whole application stress-free.

Sofia R. History & Archaeology student
Videos

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