The University of Leicester is a civic University. Founded in 1921 and receiving its Royal Charter in 1957, Leicester has a broad academic base. This breadth is characteristic of the civic universities of Britain's major cities. The City of Leicester is vibrant, cosmopolitan, welcoming and culturally diverse - qualities that the University reflects.

The University of Leicester is a leading UK University with a proud past and an exciting future. Leicester deliver high quality undergraduate, postgraduate and professional education and create research that has impact internationally. 

The discovery of DNA Genetic Fingerprinting and pioneering space exploration are their most famous achievements, but their world class research stretches across the arts, science, medicine, law, education, biological sciences and social sciences.

Leicester is special. It is a leading University yet it attracts students from a wide social and ethnic spectrum and delivers one of the highest student completion rates in the country. In September 2003 the Sunday Times wrote that of just five universities with a higher completion rate "none approach the diversity of Leicester's intake".

The University of Leicester is committed to delivering high quality undergraduate, postgraduate and professional education and to creating research that is of international significance.

In their mission, high quality research and teaching go hand in hand. Leicester expertise in postgraduate education is particularly respected. Their proud history and unique environment combine with these features to make Leicester a distinctive university and a special place to be a student.

Beliefs & Values

• University of Leicester is passionate about their work, teaching and research. They believe that higher education is a power for good and makes a significant economic, intellectual and cultural contribution to the world.

• They believe in the synergy between teaching and research. They are committed to producing high quality, significant research. This informs teaching.

• They believe that academic potential is the only legitimate means of differentiating between candidates when offering places.

• They believe that a diverse student and staff body makes the University stronger.

• They believe that choosing to study a higher education course requires courage, commitment and effort. Leicester aim to acknowledge this by providing a first rate teaching and learning experience for all their students.

• They are an international university that is committed to the region. University of Leicester believe they best serve their region by sharing with it the benefits of their internationally significant work.

• They believe that they improve and grow stronger by listening and learning from those who use their services.