Career Development and Employability

The University of Leicester is committed to equipping students with the skills and experiences needed to thrive in a competitive job market. Our dedicated Career and Employability Centre offers a wide range of services to support your professional journey, from first-year undergraduates to recent graduates. Whether you're seeking internships, graduate jobs, or career advice, our team provides personalized guidance to help you achieve your goals.

• One-to-One Appointments: Tailored career coaching sessions with expert advisors to discuss CVs, interview techniques, and career planning.
• Workshops and Events: Regular sessions on topics like networking, LinkedIn optimization, and sector-specific skills, plus career fairs connecting you with top employers.
• Online Resources: Access to our virtual employability hub, including job boards, mock interview tools, and alumni success stories.

With an impressive 95% employability rate for graduates within six months of completion (based on recent HESA data), Leicester alumni are highly sought after in industries such as healthcare, finance, engineering, and media.

Internships and Work Placements

Hands-on experience is at the heart of our curriculum. Many of our degree programs incorporate optional or mandatory placements, allowing you to apply academic knowledge in real-world settings. The university partners with over 1,000 organizations worldwide, offering placements that last from a few weeks to a full year.

Program Type	Duration	Example Partners
Summer Internships	8-12 weeks	HSBC, NHS Trusts, BBC
Year-in-Industry Placements	9-12 months	AstraZeneca, Rolls-Royce, Deloitte
Volunteering Opportunities	Flexible	Local charities, Leicester City Council

Our Placement Support Team assists with applications, interview preparation, and funding for travel or accommodation. Past students have secured roles in innovative fields like renewable energy and digital marketing, gaining invaluable insights and boosting their employability.

Research Opportunities

As a research-intensive university ranked in the top 25 in the UK (REF 2021), Leicester offers exceptional opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research. Undergraduates can participate through summer research bursaries, while postgraduates access funded projects in areas like space science, genetics, and museum studies.

• Undergraduate Research Internships: Paid positions in labs or archives, often leading to publications or conference presentations.
• Postgraduate Research Degrees: PhD programs with scholarships covering tuition and stipends, supported by world-leading supervisors.
• Interdisciplinary Centers: Join initiatives like the National Space Centre or Centre for New Bioeconomies to tackle global challenges.

Our research culture fosters innovation, with students contributing to high-impact projects—such as the discovery of DNA fingerprinting, pioneered by a Leicester professor.

Scholarships and Funding Opportunities

Financial support is crucial for academic success. The University of Leicester provides a variety of scholarships, bursaries, and grants to eligible students, regardless of background. International students can access specific awards to ease the transition to UK study.

1. Merit-Based Scholarships: Up to £5,000 for high-achieving undergraduates based on academic performance and potential.
2. Need-Based Bursaries: Means-tested support for UK students from low-income households, including hardship funds for unexpected costs.
3. Subject-Specific Awards: Funding for STEM, humanities, or law students, often tied to research or placement commitments.
4. International Scholarships: The Global Excellence Scholarship offers up to 50% tuition fee reductions for outstanding overseas applicants.

Apply early through our online portal—over 80% of eligible students receive some form of support, ensuring accessibility to our world-class education.

International and Study Abroad Opportunities

Broaden your horizons with our global partnerships. The University of Leicester has exchange agreements with over 200 institutions in 40 countries, enabling semester or year-long study abroad experiences. Credits transfer seamlessly to your degree, enhancing your cultural competence and resume.

• Popular Destinations: USA (e.g., University of California), Europe (Erasmus+ programs), Asia (e.g., University of Melbourne).
• Funding Support: Travel grants and visa assistance available through the International Office.
• Virtual Mobility: Online collaborations and short-term programs for those unable to travel.

Returning students often report increased confidence and global networks, with many securing international jobs post-graduation.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Fuel your entrepreneurial spirit at Leicester's Innovation Hub, a vibrant space for startups and idea development. We offer incubators, mentorship from industry leaders, and access to seed funding through the Leicester Enterprise Accelerator.

• Business Plan Competitions: Annual events with cash prizes up to £10,000.
• Student-Led Societies: Join Enactus or the Entrepreneurship Society for workshops and networking.
• IP and Commercialization Support: Guidance on patenting inventions from university research.

Success stories include alumni-founded companies in biotech and tech, demonstrating how Leicester nurtures the next generation of innovators.

At the University of Leicester, opportunities are designed to empower you to excel. Engage with our services early to maximize your potential—your future starts here.