Leicester is a First Class University

Founded in 1921, the University of Leicester has emerged as one of the leading academic institutions in the United Kingdom. Known for its strong reputation in both research and teaching, Leicester has consistently ranked highly in national and global league tables. Today, with a student body of around 20,000, including nearly 10,000 full-time undergraduates and over 6,000 students enrolled in its distance learning programs, the university stands as a vibrant and influential center of learning and innovation. Offering more than 140 undergraduate degree programs and 100 postgraduate degree programs, Leicester caters to a wide range of academic interests and professional aspirations, making it a destination for students from across the UK and around the world.

In recent years, the University of Leicester has consistently moved up in the rankings of UK and international universities, solidifying its position as a first-class institution with aspirations to break into the top ten universities in the country. Its rise through these rankings is a testament to the university’s commitment to delivering world-class education and research across a broad spectrum of disciplines. While Leicester is well-established in terms of its academic standing, its continued improvement in global rankings and research impact reflects a clear trajectory of growth and development.

The university’s performance in national league tables is particularly noteworthy. In the Sunday Times University Guide 2010, Leicester was ranked 20th in the UK, marking it as one of the top universities in the country. This placement underscores Leicester’s consistently strong performance across a variety of criteria, from academic reputation to student satisfaction and employability. The university’s citation levels, which rank as the sixth highest in the UK relative to its size according to the Times Higher Education (THE) and QS World University Rankings, further demonstrate its impact in research and academic scholarship. These citation levels reflect the quality and influence of the university’s research, which continues to shape discussions in many fields, from social sciences and humanities to medicine and engineering.

Leicester’s standing in other major rankings also highlights its growing stature. It was ranked 12th in the UK by the Complete University Guide 2008, an acknowledgment of its outstanding performance in teaching, student satisfaction, and research. This ranking places the university alongside some of the most prestigious institutions in the country, including Oxford, Cambridge, and London-based universities. The Complete University Guide specifically described Leicester as a "first-class university," a recognition of its consistently high quality in academic output, student support, and facilities.

In the international arena, Leicester also performs admirably. According to the Shanghai Jiao Tong University League Table, one of the most influential international university rankings, Leicester ranked joint 16th among UK universities and joint 151st globally. This places the university among the top 200 universities worldwide, a remarkable achievement for an institution of its size and focus. Leicester’s inclusion in the Shanghai rankings is indicative of its international reach and its growing reputation for research excellence.

The Times Good University Guide and the Guardian University Guide, two of the most respected national university rankings, also ranked Leicester highly in 2009. In both guides, the university was placed 14th in the UK, showcasing its strength in teaching and learning, research quality, and overall student experience. Leicester’s high position in these rankings is particularly significant given the intense competition among universities for these spots, and it reflects the university’s ability to maintain its academic reputation despite the challenges posed by an increasingly competitive higher education landscape.

In recognition of its commitment to excellence, the University of Leicester was shortlisted for the prestigious “University of the Year” award by the Times Higher Education Supplement in 2005 and 2006. This recognition highlights the university’s continued progress and its ability to remain a key player in the higher education sector. Additionally, Leicester was shortlisted by the Sunday Times as University of the Year in 2007, further solidifying its place as one of the UK’s premier academic institutions.

The university’s dedication to ensuring a high-quality student experience is also evident in the results of the National Student Survey (NSS). Leicester was ranked joint first for overall student satisfaction and teaching quality in 2007, sharing the top spot with Loughborough University. The NSS is a significant indicator of student opinion, and Leicester’s top ranking in this survey highlights its ongoing efforts to improve the student experience, including the provision of high-quality teaching, student support services, and modern campus facilities.

Research is at the heart of the University of Leicester’s mission, and the institution continues to attract global attention for its research output. The university’s achievements in the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2001, which resulted in 13 departments receiving 5 and 5* ratings, reflect its significant contributions to academic fields ranging from medical sciences to the humanities. These high ratings are a clear indication of Leicester’s ongoing success in producing world-class research that has real-world applications and influences academic, policy, and industry discussions.

Leicester has also consistently been recognized for its excellence in teaching. The university has achieved 14 successive “excellent” ratings in the government’s Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) assessments, each with a score of at least 22 out of 24. This recognition underscores Leicester’s dedication to providing high-quality teaching and learning opportunities for its students, and further reflects the university’s strong academic performance and commitment to maintaining high educational standards.

Beyond rankings and awards, the University of Leicester’s growth and development can also be seen in its expanding global presence. With over 6,000 students enrolled in its international courses through distance learning, Leicester has positioned itself as a leading provider of flexible education. The university’s international students come from a wide variety of countries, making it one of the most diverse universities in the UK. Its strong online offerings, particularly in fields such as business, law, and education, have made Leicester an attractive option for students who wish to study at a prestigious UK institution without having to relocate. This global reach not only enhances the university’s reputation but also broadens its impact, making Leicester an institution of choice for students around the world.

In conclusion, the University of Leicester’s rapid rise through UK and global rankings reflects its exceptional academic performance, strong research output, and commitment to providing a high-quality student experience. With a diverse and growing student body, a broad array of academic programs, and a deep focus on research excellence, Leicester is poised to continue its ascent among the UK’s top universities. Its consistent presence in national and international rankings highlights the strength of its academic profile and its growing influence on a global scale. As the university continues to build on its success, it remains a beacon of excellence in the UK higher education landscape.