Leeds University - In Depth

Founded: 1904.

Site: Main site 1/2 mile from city centre.

How to get there: Leeds very accessible by road (M1 and M62), by national coach services, by rail (2+ hours from London Kings Cross), and by air (Leeds/Bradford airport 8 miles from city centre; Manchester airport just over 1 hour). University close to bus and railway stations; bus or walking distance of halls of residence.

Academic features: Many degrees modularised and available part-time. Additional foundation year for engineering students without standard entry qualifications.

Awarding body: Leeds University.

Main undergraduate awards: BA, BBcS, BChD, BEng, MEng, BSc, MBChB, LLB.

Length of courses: 3 years; 4 years (those involving period abroad, foundation year, undergraduate Masters'); 5 years (medicine, dentistry, MEng with foundation year).

Library & information services: Over 2.6 million volumes including microfilm, electronic resources and Internet access; 4000 study places. Annual expenditure on information provision, £120 per (FTE) student. Computing service, language centre, media services.

Study abroad: Most degree programmes offer a study abroad period, either optional or compulsory. Formal exchanges with 100+ institutions in Europe (through Socrates), 30+ outside Europe. Careers: Advice and placement service.

Student advice & services: Health centre, advisers for disabled students. counselling service, day nursery, chaplaincies, union welfare service.

Amenities: SU building at the centre of campus: largest venue for live music in Leeds, award-winning nightclub, facilities for clubs and societies, retail complex, welfare services centre, student newspaper and radio.

Sporting facilities: Two sports halls, 6 squash courts, climbing wall, fitness room on campus; extensive sports ground within 3 miles; outdoor huts in Lake District and Pennines; olympic standard swimming pool and golf in Leeds.

Accommodation: 90% of first years in university accommodation (all who choose it). 7380 places available (5450 for first years): 1590 catered places from £71-£91 per week, term time only; 5790 self-catering places (3860 for first years) at £45-£85 (ensuite), September-June. Most students live in privately owned accommodation for 1-2 years, £50-£75 pw self-catering (other types of accommodation limited; also little inexpensive accommodation for couples, with or without children).

Living expenses budget: Minimum budget of £4000 pa (excluding tuition fees) recommended by university.

Term-time work: LUU Joblink employment agency helps students find part-time jobs.

Financial help: Total available £960,000 government funds, 1000+ students helped. Also funds may be raised from charitable trusts and university funds, especially for international students facing hardship through no fault of their own, usually in final year. Apply for help to Welfare Services, Leeds University Union.

Tuition fees: Home students up to £1150 pa for first degrees if publicly supported (eg those eligible for a student loan), otherwise £1150-£2659. International students pay £8318 pa (classroom), £11,041 (lab/studio), £9678 (joint arts/sciences), £20,747 (clinical).