The University of Leicester, established in 1921 as University College Leicester, was granted university status by royal charter in 1957, becoming the University of Leicester. Located in Leicester, England, it is a public research university known for its exceptional research strength. This article by Cyclopes will detail the University of Leicester’s rankings and reviews to help you understand if the University of Leicester is a good choice.
Source: University of Leicester
Campus and Location of the University of Leicester
The University of Leicester’s main campus offers a variety of educational facilities tailored to students' needs, including the David Wilson Library, inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II herself, and the Attenborough Tower for the Faculty of Social Sciences. The new medical teaching centre, completed in 2015, is one of the UK’s largest eco-friendly buildings.
Located in the East Midlands of England, Leicester is an international metropolis at the heart of England. The city has excellent transport links, including two major railway lines, making London just a two-hour train ride away. Leicester is one of England's oldest cities and is rich in historical sites like the Jewry Wall, Leicester Cathedral, and Leicester Castle.
Rankings and Popular Departments at the University of Leicester
Is the University of Leicester well-ranked? In terms of academic rankings, the University of Leicester placed 285th globally in the 2025 QS World University Rankings [1] and 26th in the UK according to the 2024 Times Higher Education rankings [2]. It ranks within the top 30 in the UK for research excellence, noted for its groundbreaking DNA genetic profiling technique developed in 1984 [3]. Archaeology is another highlight, ranking 50th globally in QS 2024 subject rankings [1]. The university is also prominent in space research, contributing to the European Space Agency’s Mars Rover project [5].
Source: Freepik
Reviews of the University of Leicester
Is the University of Leicester good? According to student feedback, the university provides excellent campus facilities, high-quality teaching, and robust support for international students.
- Campus Facilities
The University of Leicester is well-equipped, featuring libraries, dining facilities, computer centres, and both indoor and outdoor sports facilities, all designed to ensure a conducive learning and living environment. Accommodation is guaranteed for first-year students [4], enriching their campus experience.
- Teaching Quality
The University of Leicester was awarded the Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) in 2023 [6], signifying top-tier teaching quality. This framework evaluates academic support, student satisfaction with teaching, and employability, illustrating the university’s commitment to high educational standards.
- Support for International Students
The University of Leicester offers comprehensive support for international students, including online and in-person events to help prospective students understand admission processes. The university also offers English courses and assigns personal tutors to help international students adjust to university life.
Source: Freepik
Cyclopes: Your Guide to Understanding British University Quality
In summary, the University of Leicester’s research achievements, particularly in genetics, archaeology, and space research, underscore its status as a research-intensive university. Having explored the University of Leicester's rankings and reviews, students and parents should have a deeper understanding of the university. For further educational consultation, feel free to contact the experts at Cyclopes!
References:
1. QS World University Rankings：University of Leicester
https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/university-leicester
2. Times Higher Education Best Universities in the UK 2024
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/student/best-universities/best-universities-uk
3. University of Leicester：DNA fingerprinting
https://le.ac.uk/dna-fingerprinting
4. The complete University Guide：University of Leicester
https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/universities/university-of-leicester
5. University of Leicester：New Mars rover plan welcomed by University of Leicester scientists involved in mission
https://le.ac.uk/news/2022/november/rosalind-franklin-exomars-new-plan
6. Teaching Excellence Framework：University of Leicester