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University of Leicester

A century of excellence

Founded in 1921, the University of Leicester has been providing world-class education and cutting-edge research for over a century. Join us and you’ll become part of a vast and vibrant student community, past and present, who are passionate about the world we live in.

The site for the University was donated by a local businessman, Thomas Fielding Johnson, in order to create a living memorial for all local people who made sacrifices during the First World War. This is reflected in the University’s motto Ut vitam habeant – ‘so that they may have life’.

Since opening its doors, the University of Leicester has been dedicated to improving lives and driving societal progress through teaching and research.

Student success at the core

Watch as two students, 100 years apart, walk the same journey at the University of Leicester

'So that they may have life' - Our History

Rankings and research

The University of Leicester is recognised for the high quality of its research and ranks globally for the quality of its teaching, student experience, and facilities. It is ranked in the top 25 universities in the Times Higher Education REF Research Power rankings. In addition, 75% of its research was judged to be internationally excellent with wide-ranging impacts on society, health culture, and the environment.

Other global rankings:

Research and global impact

“The University of Leicester doesn’t give us a candle to light the way, they teach us how to make fire instead. I couldn’t be happier with this University.”

Martim Botelheiro, Economics and Management, University of Leicester Global Study Centre

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