University of Leicester

At the heart of the UK, Leicester is a leading university committed to international excellence, world-changing research and high quality, inspirational teaching. Celebrating diversity among our staff and students; widening participation in higher education; engaging with local, national and international communities – all of these are part of what we do and who we are. We are ranked among the world’s top 1% of universities.

Founded in 1921 as a memorial to the Great War, the University of Leicester has a proud history of ambitious projects that lead to amazing discoveries. This is where genetic fingerprinting was invented in 1984. And did we mention that we found a King of England buried under a car park? In our second century, we will continue to aspire to be the very best in everything that we do.

History and Campus

The University was founded as Leicestershire and Rutland University College in 1921. The site for the University was donated by a local textile manufacturer, Thomas Fielding Johnson, in order to create a living memorial for those who lost their lives in First World War. This is reflected in the University's motto Ut Vitam Habeant – 'so that they may have life'.

Development and change

We are striving to ensure that we are delivering the best experience to our students and providing an academic environment for world-changing research.

Midlands Innovation

We are part of a world-class research and innovation partnership in the heart of the UK.

Corporate Social Responsibility

We are proud of our students, staff and city and work hard to make Leicester proud of us. Our success reflects well on the city and vice-versa.

Equality and Diversity

We are committed to ensuring that no-one at the University is disadvantaged because of race, sexuality, gender, disability, age or faith, and to spreading these ideals as much as possible among our many communities and partners - local, national and international.

We are one of the UK's most socially inclusive universities. We are committed to providing fairer and equal access to higher education.

Gender Equality

We are one of 10 universities worldwide to champion the UN's 10x10x10 Impact initiative.