Global University Rankings

The University of Leicester consistently performs well in international university rankings, reflecting its commitment to research excellence, teaching quality, and global impact. These rankings evaluate universities based on criteria such as academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty-to-student ratio, citations per faculty, and international faculty and student ratios. Below is an overview of the university's standing in major global ranking systems.

Ranking Body	Year	Position	Key Strengths
QS World University Rankings	2025	272nd	High scores in academic reputation and international research network
Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings	2024	201-250th	Strong performance in research quality and industry income
Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU/Shanghai)	2023	301-400th	Excellence in natural sciences and highly cited researchers
US News Best Global Universities	2024-2025	233rd	Top-tier in clinical medicine and social sciences

These positions place the University of Leicester among the top 3% of universities worldwide, highlighting its global competitiveness. For instance, in the QS rankings, the university has improved steadily over the past decade, climbing more than 100 places since 2015. This upward trajectory is driven by investments in cutting-edge research facilities and international collaborations.

National Rankings in the UK

Within the United Kingdom, the University of Leicester is recognized as a leading research-intensive institution. National rankings assess factors like student satisfaction, entry standards, graduate prospects, and research output. The university's position in these guides underscores its value for money and employability focus.

• Complete University Guide 2025: Ranked 38th out of 130 UK universities. This ranking praises the university's research quality (87% of research rated world-leading or internationally excellent in REF 2021) and student-to-staff ratio.
• Guardian University Guide 2025: 30th place, with high marks for teaching quality and career progression. The guide notes Leicester's innovative teaching methods, including blended learning post-pandemic.
• The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024: 42nd, emphasizing strong performance in student experience and value added to student outcomes.
• Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024: Shortlisted for University of the Year for Teaching Quality, based on student votes reflecting real campus life.

Leicester's national rankings have shown resilience, particularly in employability metrics. According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), 95% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduation, placing the university in the top 20 for graduate outcomes in the UK.

Subject-Specific Rankings

The University of Leicester excels in a wide range of disciplines, with several departments ranking in the global top 100. These subject rankings are compiled by bodies like QS and THE, focusing on specialized criteria such as publication impact and expert surveys. Below is a detailed breakdown of standout subjects.

Top-Performing Subjects

Subject	QS World Ranking 2024	THE World Ranking 2024	Notable Achievements
Medicine	151-200th	126-150th	World-leading in space medicine and genomic research; home to the NHS-partnered Medical School
Law	101-150th	101-125th	Renowned for human rights and international law; 100% of law graduates employed or in further study
English Language and Literature	51-100th	101-125th	Strong emphasis on creative writing and digital humanities; alumni include bestselling authors
Archaeology	20th	26th	Discoveries like Richard III's remains; top in UK for field research opportunities
Physics and Astronomy	151-200th	176-200th	Contributions to gravitational wave detection; partnerships with CERN

In addition to these, the university ranks highly in other areas:

• Business and Management: 201-250th globally (QS 2024), with the School of Business accredited by AACSB and EQUIS.
• Psychology: Top 150 worldwide, noted for cognitive neuroscience research.
• History: 51-100th (QS), bolstered by the university's role in historical forensics.
• Computer Science: Rising in rankings due to AI and cybersecurity programs, entering top 200 globally.

Subject rankings highlight Leicester's interdisciplinary approach. For example, the Leicester Institute of Genetics, Health and Therapeutics integrates medicine and biosciences, leading to breakthroughs in personalized medicine. This focus not only boosts rankings but also attracts funding from bodies like the Wellcome Trust and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Research Excellence and Impact

Research is a cornerstone of the University of Leicester's reputation. In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, 87% of submitted research was rated as world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*). This places Leicester in the top 20 UK universities for research power.

• Research Income: Over £100 million annually, supporting projects in climate change, cancer research, and space exploration.
• Highly Cited Researchers: Multiple faculty members listed in Clarivate's Highly Cited Researchers 2023, particularly in clinical and social sciences.
• Impact Case Studies: REF highlights include the identification of King Richard III's remains, which has global cultural and scientific impact, and advancements in diabetes treatment through the Leicester Diabetes Centre.

The university's research parks, such as the Leicester Innovation Building, foster industry partnerships, contributing to rankings that value knowledge transfer. In THE's Impact Rankings 2023, Leicester scored highly for UN Sustainable Development Goals, ranking in the top 100 for partnerships and good health initiatives.

Student Satisfaction and Employability

Beyond academic rankings, student-centered metrics are crucial. The National Student Survey (NSS) 2023 gave Leicester an overall satisfaction score of 80%, above the sector average. Key strengths include teaching on my course (85%) and learning community (82%).

For employability, the university's Careers and Employability Service offers tailored support, including internships and global exchange programs. In the QS Employability Rankings 2022, Leicester placed 301-500th globally, with alumni in prominent roles at organizations like the BBC, NHS, and Deloitte.

• International Student Support: Ranked top 20 in the UK for international student satisfaction (ISB 2023).
• Campus Facilities: Modern accommodations and the David Wilson Library contribute to high living and learning scores.

Future Outlook and Continuous Improvement

The University of Leicester is poised for further ranking advancements through its Strategy 2026, which emphasizes digital transformation, sustainability, and inclusivity. Recent initiatives include a £10 million investment in AI research and expanded scholarships for underrepresented groups.

Comparatively, while not in the elite top 10 UK universities like Oxford or Cambridge, Leicester offers a distinctive blend of research intensity and approachable campus life. Its rankings reflect a university that punches above its weight, providing accessible excellence for students worldwide.

In summary, the University of Leicester's rankings demonstrate a robust, multifaceted institution. Whether you're eyeing global prestige or subject-specific strengths, Leicester stands out as a choice for ambitious learners. For the latest updates, consult official ranking methodologies, as positions can fluctuate annually based on evolving criteria.