University of Leeds

The University of Leeds is a public research university in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It was established in 1874 as the Yorkshire College of Science. In 1884 it merged with the Leeds School of Medicine (established 1831) and was renamed Yorkshire College. It became part of the federal Victoria University in 1887, joining Owens College (which became the University of Manchester) and University College Liverpool (which became the University of Liverpool).[6] In 1904 a royal charter was granted to the University of Leeds by King Edward VII.[7] The university has 36,330 students, the 5th largest university in the UK (out of 169). From 2006 to present, the university has consistently been ranked within the top 5 (alongside the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of Nottingham and the University of Edinburgh) in the United Kingdom for the number of applications received.[8] Leeds had an income of £751.7 million in 2020/21, of which £130.1 million was from research grants and contracts.[2] The university has financial endowments of £90.5 million (2020–21), ranking outside the top ten British universities by financial endowment.[2] Notable alumni include current Leader of the Labour Party Keir Starmer, former Secretary of State Jack Straw, former co-chairman of the Conservative Party Sayeeda Warsi, Piers Sellers (NASA astronaut) and six Nobel laureates.[9][10]

University of Leeds is one of the UK's leading research-intensive universities, renowned for its academic excellence, innovative research, and vibrant campus life. Established in 1904, it is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and consistently ranks among the top 100 universities worldwide. The university attracts over 38,000 students from more than 170 countries, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.

Key Areas of Popularity

Leeds is particularly celebrated for its strengths in several disciplines. Here are some highlights:

• Engineering and Technology: The Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences is world-leading, with cutting-edge research in sustainable energy, aerospace, and civil engineering. It's home to the Bragg Centre for Materials Research.
• Medicine and Health Sciences: The Leeds School of Medicine is famous for its clinical training and groundbreaking work in cancer research, neuroscience, and public health. It's affiliated with major NHS hospitals.
• Business and Economics: Leeds University Business School, triple-accredited (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS), excels in management, finance, and entrepreneurship programs, producing influential business leaders.
• Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences: Renowned for literature, history, and law, with the School of English producing notable authors and critics.
• Environmental and Earth Sciences: Pioneering sustainability studies, including climate change and geology, supported by the Priestley International Centre for Climate.

Rankings and Achievements

Category	Highlight
Global Ranking	Top 75 in QS World University Rankings 2024
Research Impact	95% of research rated world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)
Student Satisfaction	High scores in employability, with 96% of graduates in work or further study within 15 months

Beyond academics, Leeds is popular for its stunning 550-acre campus in the heart of a dynamic city, offering rich cultural experiences, sports facilities, and strong industry links. It's a hub for innovation, with spin-out companies and collaborations driving real-world impact.