The rise of Leeds as a shopping and clubbing mecca has added to the attractions of a university which has long been one of the giants of the higher education system. It is second only to Manchester University in terms of applications received, although the demand for places was down at the start of 2009 when most universities were enjoying healthy increases. The university is in the midst of a £360 million campus development plan designed to propel it into the top 50 universities in the world. It is currently just outside the top 100 in the world rankings published by Times Higher Education and QS.

An unusually wide range of degrees gives applicants more than 650 undergraduate programmes to choose from, with over 2,000 academic staff teaching 32,000 students, including more than 8,000 postgraduates.

Development and location

The university occupies a 98-acre site within walking distance of the city centre. The buildings are a mixture of Victorian and modern, the latest of which are Leeds’ newest theatre and a £16m building to house student services. Other improvements include a new swimming pool and fitness centre which is under construction and new buildings for the schools of earth and environment and law.

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Nine other colleges in various parts of the county offer Leeds courses, but handle their own admissions. Further afield, Leeds is also part of the Worldwide Universities Network, which brings together 16 research-led universities to collaborate on research, postgraduate degree programmes and continuing professional development. There is a thriving study abroad programme and the university has links with over 250 universities around the world. A free-standing language unit caters for casual learners as well as specialists.

Courses

Leeds operates modular courses, enabling its students to take elective modules or combine complementary subjects. Almost a quarter now take dual honours or interdisciplinary combinations such as nanotechnoogy, women’s studies or international studies. The university was chosen to house a national centre of excellence in interdisciplinary teaching and another in assessment and learning in medical practice settings.

Scores in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise showed improvement since 2001, with over 60 per cent of the university’s submission rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. Electrical and electronic engineering produced the best results in the country, with social work and social policy, English, Italian, geography and nursing also all highly rated.

The Quality Assurance Agency gave Leeds the best possible verdict on its academic processes in 2008. The National Student Survey published in the same year showed that improved satisfaction levels had been maintained, with dentists and zoologists 100 per cent satisfied and geographers not far behind. The verdict on learning resources was especially positive, thanks to one of the largest libraries at any UK universities and an extensive IT network. Sports and social facilities are also first rate.

Leeds teams regularly excel in competition and the university hosts one of five centres of cricketing excellence.

Access

More than a quarter of the undergraduates come from independent schools, and there is a low proportion of working-class students – less the one in five. But the projected dropout rate has improved and, at less than 8 per cent, matches the national average for the university’s courses and entry grades. The already large students’ union, famous for its long bar and big-name rock concerts, has been extended to cope with the latest phase in the university’s expansion. A £4.5-million upgrade has provided a new venue, more shops and catering facilities. Town–gown relations are generally good.

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