UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS
A member of the Russell Group, the University of Leeds has one of the largest range of courses on offer in the UK, supported by world-leading research. Leeds is a lively, multicultural student city in the centre of the UK, with the campus just a 10-minute walk from the city centre. Leeds is the UK’s largest centre for business, legal and financial services outside of London, whilst also having easy access to the beautiful British countryside.
STUDY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS
Future-proof your career at a prestigious, research-intensive university in one of the UK’s most exciting and student-friendly cities.
Established in 1904, the University of Leeds is one of the largest Universities in the UK, with more than a third of the 39,000+ students being international from over 135 different countries. From day one, students will study among internationally renowned and inspirational academics working at the forefront of their fields; some will have even written the textbooks. The research expertise at the University of Leeds means they can offer an interdisciplinary curriculum, allowing students to deepen their understanding of their subject area, enhanced through hands-on learning. Choose from a range of degree specialisms, including direct entry professional courses, joint honours’ programmes, integrated masters and research degrees.
Leeds’ graduates are highly sought after by graduate recruiters, and students are able to network with employers and get industry advice through regular careers fairs, presentations, workshops and drop-in events, including sessions specifically for international students. More than 650 national and international employers target University of Leeds students and visit campus each year, including Apple, Arup Deloitte, IBM, John Lewis, KPMG, M&S, Procter & Gamble, Rolls-Royce and Unilever.
Students have access to world-class facilities, with over 2.8 million library resources across 4 libraries, a state-of-the-art sport and well-being facility, and elite labs and research institutes. What’s more, the University of Leeds has one of the UK’s best students’ unions which was the first students' union in the country to receive two gold standard awards for the Students’ Union Evaluation Initiative.
From the heights of the iconic Parkinson Tower to the lush green spaces around campus, the University of Leeds campus is home to an abundance of wildlife, including endangered Peregrine Falcons, rabbits, ducklings and more. Leeds also has one of the biggest single site campuses in the UK, and with easy access to the city centre, students are able to benefit from a tight knit campus community as well as everything city life has to offer.
HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS
The University of Leeds was officially founded in 1904, but its roots trace back to the establishment of the Leeds School of Medicine in 1831 and the Yorkshire College of Science in 1874. The School of Medicine allowed local students to study without traveling to Scotland or London, while the College of Science emerged to research technological advancements in the wool and textile industries; a significant part of Leeds’ industrial history. These institutions also aimed to broaden access to education, welcoming students of all faiths and backgrounds.
The University of Leeds has grown into a truly international institution, attracting students from around the world and boasts a diverse community. Over the years, Leeds has produced a wide range of notable alumni, including bestselling authors, Oscar-winning actors, Olympians, politicians and leading scientists. Since 1904, it has also awarded honorary degrees to distinguished individuals across various fields, reflecting its commitment to excellence and global impact.
LIFE ON CAMPUS
As a University with one of the largest single site campuses within a city in the UK, student life at the University of Leeds is a mixture of experiencing the campus student community and city life. Students soon get used to navigating the campus, which is a mixture of the typical red-brick of Russell Group institutions, post-modern, brutalist and modern architecture.
You will find everything at your fingertips for instance:
- Study spaces
- Shops for groceries, stationery and merchandise
- Food outlets, cafes and bars
- Galleries
- Green space to enjoy nature
The Leeds University Union is the students’ union on campus, home to all aspects of student life. It’s run by students, for students. In this building you can find many helpful services, social spaces and places to eat or drink. It’s a hub of student activity on campus and it was the first students' union in the UK to be awarded Excellent status by the National Union of Students (NUS) as part of its Quality Students' Unions accreditation scheme.
One of the great aspects of the University of Leeds being close to the city centre, is the array of places just opposite the campus. It is a 5-minute walk from the student medical practice, an Asian supermarkets, food outlets and student accommodations.
STUDENT SUPPORT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS
The University of Leeds offers a comprehensive range of support and wellbeing services to ensure students feel safe, supported, and empowered throughout their academic journey. The Student Counselling and Wellbeing Service provides confidential help for emotional and psychological challenges, including counselling, mental health advice, and preventative wellbeing activities. Beyond counselling, the Student Information Service (SIS) acts as a central hub for guidance on all aspects of university life—from administrative queries to personal concerns at multiple campus locations.
A key part of academic support at Leeds is the Academic Personal Tutor (APT) system. Every student is assigned an Academic Personal Tutor by their parent school, who helps students review academic progress, develop independent learning skills, and reflect on how their studies contribute to future goals. This formal academic support is complemented by peer support programmes, which offer first-hand advice and help students build connections and navigate university life. Leeds University Union also promotes peer-to-peer support through student-run helplines and community groups based on faith and culture.
International students at Leeds benefit from tailored support to help them settle in and succeed. The university offers a dedicated International Orientation Programme, arrival assistance, and visa advice through the Student Visa Office. Students can access in-sessional Academic English support, helping build confidence in communication and academic writing. The Global Community team runs social and cultural activities such as Global Café and host visits, which are great opportunities to meet people, share cultures, and make friends. These services aim to create a welcoming environment and help international students feel at home in Leeds.
UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS FACILITIES
The University of Leeds continues to reinvest in its facilities to stay at the forefront of research and teaching. It boasts an advanced and well-equipped campus designed to support both academic and social aspects of student life. Students have access to modern teaching rooms, seminar spaces, and digital lecture theatres which support hybrid learning, as well as specialist facilities from studios to a Moot Court.
Specialist labs and centres include:
- Cryo-electron microscopy (Biological Sciences)
- Behaviour Lab (Business)
- Bragg Centre for Materials Research (Engineering)
- Virtuocity Simulation Centre (Environment)
- Next Generation Sequencing Facility (Medicine and Health)
The campus is home to four major libraries—Brotherton, Edward Boyle, Laidlaw, and Health Sciences—offering nearly 4,000 study spaces. These libraries provide extensive digital resources and subject-specific collections to support academic research and learning.
Leeds is a hub for entrepreneurship and foreward thinking, featuring the HELIX Innovation Hub with free access to immersive technologies, multimedia production studios, and a makerspace. Leeds also celebrates arts culture with galleries, theatres, a museum and special collections which directly impact research at the University.
SPORTS AND SOCIETIES AT UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS
The Leeds University Union (known as LUU) is an organisation which is run by students, for students. It represents the student voice within the University, providing support and social opportunities for students to love their time at Leeds. The LUU building on campus is home to study spaces, cafes, food outlets, events spaces and information points, acting as a one-stop-shop for all aspects of student life.
The students’ union also manages the clubs and societies at Leeds, of which there are over 350 to choose from! Join groups based on academics, culture, dance, faith, sports, volunteering, welfare, general interest and more, to meet other students with shared interests around the University. What’s more, societies are a great way to network, explore interests and gain skills outside of your degree course. Leeds also has a ‘Give it a Go’ programme allowing students to try out societies before committing, which is a great introduction to trying new hobbies. If there isn’t a society for you, you can create one!
Leeds Sport brings together everything that makes sport at the University of Leeds exceptional – from high-performance programmes and world-class facilities to vibrant student clubs and social leagues. The University’s Sport & Physical Activity team manages elite performance and facilities, while Leeds University Union (LUU) champions the social and wellbeing side through student-led sports societies. Leeds’s athletes, known as Gryphons, compete at the highest level, with focus sports including rowing, triathlon, netball, hockey, football, rugby, cricket, and swimming. Leeds is ranked 15th in the BUCS table and has entered over 70 teams in the BUCS leagues.
For those aiming higher, Leeds offers accredited sports scholarships supporting scholars with funding, free gym membership, and access to expert physio, strength and conditioning, nutrition, and psychology services. The facilities at the University of Leeds are second to none: the Leeds Triathlon Centre partners with British Triathlon, while Bodington and Weetwood provide 20 acres of elite pitches, including international-standard cricket and rugby grounds.
ACCOMMODATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS
The University of Leeds has a large accommodation offering of 20 residences. With options including on and off campus, catered and self-catered, ensuite and shared bathroom, there are options for every student to find a place which suits their budget, lifestyle and access requirements. A great perk for international students who apply by the 1st of July is that Leeds guarantees you a place in university accommodation for the duration of your first degree!
All rooms are single occupancy, and you may share a kitchen and living space with other students in a ‘flat’ style. The accommodation fee doesn't just include your room, it’s a full package to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. You’ll have bills and wifi included, as well as 24-hour campus security. A premium gym membership to the campus sports facility The Edge is also included, as well as the Residence Life programme, which organises social and wellbeing events to bring students together.
If students looking for something different, the city of Leeds has no shortage of private accommodation options within the city centre, most within a 15-minute walk to the campus.
STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES AND INTERNSHIPS
Most of the undergraduate programmes at the University of Leeds will allow you to take a placement year (also known as a ‘sandwich year’) between the second and third year of the degree. Many students take this opportunity to expand their horizons through a Year Abroad or develop their employability through a Year in Industry.
Studying abroad offers a unique opportunity to gain fresh perspectives on your education while immersing yourself in new cultures and languages. The University of Leeds has one of the largest study abroad programmes in the UK with over 400 university partners across six continents, offering you the chance to learn in another country for a year, a semester or even a summer.
Completing a Year in Industry enhances your employability, strengthens the skills you’ve gained during your degree, and provides valuable insight into your chosen career path. Each faculty has its own dedicated employability team to support students with finding and applying for placements. You’ll also have exclusive access to a variety of paid placement year opportunities available only to Leeds students.
EMPLOYABILITY AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates from the University of Leeds are highly sought after by graduate recruiters. Through hands-on, industry leading teaching enhanced by student opportunities, students at Leeds can develop their skills, network and build a strong CV for life after graduation.
Students can access the Careers Centre from day one and beyond as an alumni, taking advantage of professional careers support and guidance. Workshops and events are held year-round to support students in job hunting, applications, interviews, profile enhancement and understanding the job market in the UK. Many of the world’s most successful organisations regularly visit campus to recruit Leeds students, including Apple, Arup Deloitte, IBM, John Lewis, KPMG, M&S, Procter & Gamble, Rolls-Royce and Unilever.
Leeds also supports budding entrepreneurs, and since 1995 has been the birthplace of over 110 spin-out companies in sectors as diverse as graphic design and film production, drink manufacturing and overseas volunteering. The ‘Spark’ initiative also offers business start-up support in the form of financial grants to training, mentoring and competitions.
INTERNATIONAL FOCUS
The University’s international strategy aims to be a “truly international university with global reach and impact through internationally relevant, accessible and high-quality education and world-changing research and innovation.” Leeds has been named in the top 35 most international universities in the world, with around one third of the students being international from over 135 different countries. There are many student societies based on shared faiths and cultures, ensuring international students feel at home in Leeds.
Leeds has an extensive international orientation programme, inviting international students to arrive two weeks in advance of beginning their studies, to settle into the city, explore the campus, and attend a full programme of events to help make friends and understand British culture. Leeds itself has a vibrant and diverse community and actively celebrates festivities from around the world year-round, making students feel at home in an inclusive environment.
STUDY IN LEEDS
The University of Leeds is the Russell Group university in the city of Leeds, located in the English county West Yorkshire in the North of England. Leeds is the 3rd largest city in the UK and the largest region for business and legal outside of London. It’s central location in the UK makes it a perfect location for travel if you wish to explore the rest of the UK and beyond, with a central train station, bus network and even an airport with links to Europe.
Leeds is particularly known for being student friendly due to the large population of students. From the live music scene, sports fixtures, international food scene and buzzing nightlife, there is plenty to do beyond the campus. Arts and culture thrive in the city, showcased in the North Ballet, Opera North, Leeds Grand and other indie theatres, alongside free entry to many museums and galleries. History entwines with modernity, celebrating the Yorkshire heritage and international influence.
The city is far from a concrete jungle, with green space and parks in abundance. Close by you can find one of Europe’s largest parks in Roundhay, and beyond are the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales, which is a perfect place to escape to for a hike or to explore traditional British towns between assignments. The University even has a Get Out Get Active programme to help students see more of the region and tick off their UK sightseeing bucket list.
WHY CHOOSE THE UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS
Studying at the University of Leeds offers the prestige of a Russell Group institution, exceptional employability prospects, a dynamic student city, outstanding campus life, and a globally inclusive community—all of which combine to provide a truly world-class university experience.
1. Prestigious, Research-Intensive Russell Group University
As a member of the Russell Group, the University of Leeds is recognised for world-leading research and teaching excellence. Students learn from internationally renowned academics—many of whom are pioneers in their fields—and benefit from an interdisciplinary curriculum that connects theory with real-world application. This reputation ensures that a Leeds degree is respected globally.
2. Outstanding Employability and Career Opportunities
Leeds graduates are highly sought after by employers worldwide. Over 650 global companies actively recruit on campus each year. Students gain access to career fairs, workshops, and networking events, as well as opportunities for placements, study abroad programmes, and entrepreneurial support through the university’s Spark initiative.
3. Vibrant, Multicultural Student City
Leeds is one of the UK’s most exciting, affordable and student-friendly cities. Located in the heart of the country, it offers the perfect blend of urban energy and access to nature, with the Yorkshire Dales just a short trip away. It’s also the UK’s largest centre for business and finance outside London, providing professional connections and opportunities. The city’s multicultural atmosphere, lively arts and music scenes, and welcoming student community make it a fantastic place to live and study.
4. Exceptional Campus, Facilities and Student Life
The University of Leeds boasts one of the largest single-site campuses in the UK, just a 10-minute walk from the city centre. It offers state-of-the-art facilities, including world-class libraries, advanced laboratories, innovation hubs and a top-rated sports and wellbeing centre. The Leeds University Union (LUU)—one of the best in the UK—hosts over 350 clubs and societies, ensuring students can explore their interests, make friends, and build a strong sense of community.
5. Strong Global Community and International Support
With over 39,000 students from 135+ countries, Leeds is truly international. The university provides extensive support for international students, including a dedicated International Orientation Programme, visa and language support, and cultural integration activities like Global Café. This inclusive and supportive environment ensures students from around the world feel at home from day one.
