University of Leicester

The University was founded in 1921 as Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland University College, and the site for the University was donated to create a living memorial for the local people who lost their lives in the First World War. In 1957 the University was granted its Royal Charter and attained the status of a University with the right to award degrees. The main University campus is situated a mile south of the city center, adjacent to Victoria Park and Queen Elizabeth I College. The Fielding Johnson Building is the central building that houses the University administration office and the Faculty of Law. The Engineering Building of Leicester University comprises laboratories, workshops, offices, and lecture theatres. The 18-storey Attenborough Tower houses the College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities. The Percy Gee Building built-in 1957 is home to Leicester’s Students’ Union.

The University of Leicester’s academic schools and departments are organized into Colleges:

• College of Life Sciences: it has four academic schools, Leicester Medical School, School of Biological Sciences, School of Psychology, and School of Allied Health Professions.
• College of Science and Engineering: it comprises six departments, Chemistry, Informatics, School of Geography, Geology and the Environment, Engineering, Mathematics and Physics, and Astronomy.
• College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities: it has 10 schools namely American Studies, Archaeology, and Ancient History, School of Arts, School of Business, Criminology, Education, History, Politics, and International Relations, Leicester Law School, School of Media, Communication and Sociology and Museum Studies.

The University of Leicester offers a number of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, the University focuses on research-based education and is in collaboration with various government bodies, industries, and research organizations. The University has about 4000 students from around the world enrolled and a number of faculty and staff are composed of people from different nationalities and ethnicity.

• The University of Leicester ranked 37th in the Times University Guide 2021.
• The Times Higher Education named Leicester “University of the Year” in 2008.
• Leicester is one of the UK’s most affordable cities to live in guaranteeing the best values for food, accommodation, and other living costs.
• The University provides support for International students on issues such as visa, finance, employment and cultural adjustments.
• The research conducted by the students and staff of the University of Leicester is of a world-class level and 75% of submitted research was judged to be internationally excellent.

The University of Leicester ensures that its students have everything they need for their future careers, namely degrees, skills, knowledge, experience, and confidence. The University has a Career Development Service to help students plan their futures as well as to help students who have no idea about what they want to do after completing their graduation. The Career Development Service provides students dedicated and personalized support and guidance. Many of the degrees offered by the University of Leicester ensures that students gain work experience by including placement opportunities or modules which require students to work in a real industry setting. Even after graduating from the University students still have access to Career Development Services and support. 94% of graduates from Leicester are in employment or further studies within six months.

Some notable alumni of the University of Leicester are:

• Atifete Jahjaga (Former President of Kosovo)
• Malcolm Bradbury (English author and academic)
• Aaron Porter (Former President of the National Union of Students in the UK)
• Peter Atkins (English Chemist)
• David Blanchflower (British-American labor economist and academic)

Student Services:

The University of Leicester has a Student Support Service to provide assistance and services that are accessible and inclusive for all students and staff. The University of Leicester has state-of-the-art facilities for its students including laboratories, libraries, art studios, cafeterias, auditoriums, etc. Career counselling services are offered to students and the University has partnerships with several industries and organizations to provide internships and jobs to students. International students are given support and help on issues like visas and finances, and English classes are also available for students who wish to improve their English.

Accommodation:

The University of Leicester guarantees accommodation to students who apply by the September 1st deadline. The postgraduate accommodation is located in The City and is close to the campus and city centre. There are a number of options available for students to choose from namely single rooms, studio apartments and shared rooms are available which are either catered or self-catered.

Medical facilities:

The University of Leicester has a Student Welfare Service designed to meet the needs of its students and offers specialist advice on several issues including health conditions. The University also has a Student Counselling Service to provide free and confidential counselling services to students facing any mental issues.

Sports facilities:

The University of Leicester provides excellent sports facilities and services to its students, staff and local community to keep them active and healthy. The Danielle Brown Sports Centre located on the central campus has a gym, swimming pool, sports hall and sauna for students to use.

Clubs:

The University of Leicester’s Students’ Union has over 200 clubs and societies covering sports, performance, media and politics. The Students’ Union is an independent organization representing the student body and each student can become a member of a society or club of his choice. These give students the opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills and to enjoy their time in the University.