University of Leeds

Introduction

As one of the largest research-intensive universities in the UK, the University of Leeds engages in world-class research across an exceptionally diverse range of disciplines. Join us and you will become part of a community that stimulates, challenges and supports you to deliver research in an environment that suits you. Established in 1904, we are part of the prestigious Russell Group – the 24 leading research universities in the UK, and are well known throughout the world for our quality of teaching and research. We have more than 34,000 students from 150 countries, and our total international student population exceeds 7,000. Leeds is ranked in the top 100 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2019. In the 2017 National Student Survey, 89% of final year Leeds students said they were either satisfied or very satisfied with the overall quality of their course. Students voted Leeds in the top three universities in the UK in the 2018 Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey, scoring particularly highly on the University’s campus environment, facilities and extra-curricular activities. In 2017 the University achieved a Gold rating in the new Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), the highest award possible. An independent panel judged that the University delivers “consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for its students, of the highest quality found in the UK.” Leeds is part of the Worldwide Universities Network, which brings together 22 research-intensive universities to collaborate on research, postgraduate degree programmes and continuing professional development. There is a thriving study abroad programme for our undergraduate students and the university has links with over 400 universities around the world. Integrating research with learning and teaching is at the heart of our strategy; courses are taught by staff who are passionate about their subject and engaged in world-class research and cutting-edge professional practice. Our teaching programmes are underpinned by this research - meaning students have the opportunity to learn about the research process and experience how new knowledge is created. We have over 2,600 postgraduate researchers, and 2016-17 we secured research awards totalling £167 million. We have been awarded 26 National Teaching Fellowships (given to academics in recognition of their imaginative and innovative learning and teaching methods). That’s more than any other institution in England, Northern Ireland and Wales – reflecting the excellence of our teaching. Interdisciplinary research is promoted through our many faculties, research centres and institutes. We have one of the UK’s best students’ unions. Ours 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. Leeds University Union was also the first in the country to receive two gold standard awards for the Students’ Union Evaluation Initiative. There are a wide range of co-curricular opportunities to take advantage of, from volunteering locally or abroad to performing in student productions or joining sports teams. Leeds University Union has over 300 clubs and societies, so students can further their interests or try something completely new. Ours is one of the largest single campus universities in the UK (98 acres) just one mile from the city centre. Leeds is a vibrant city renowned as a centre for arts, sports, leisure, entertainment and nightlife. It has everything you would expect from a major city and is surrounded by beautiful, accessible countryside. With over 200,000 students living within the city boundaries, there is a real student focus, making it an exciting place to live and learn.