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LEEDS UNIVERSITY
University of Leeds, Leeds.
Broad study areas: Business & economics, science & engineering,
medicine & dentistry, humanities, fine art, social science, law, modern
languages, music & performing arts.
Students: Total 31,500 (27,000 full-time, 4500 part-time); male/female
ratio 9:11.
First degree students 20,600 (19,800 full-time, 800 part-time), of
which 1630 international, 3300 mature on entry.
Postgraduates 7500.
Teaching staff 2050.
In brief: A top UK research-led university.
Location: Leeds, north of England.
Average UCAS points on entry: 300.
Admissions information: AS-levels accepted in combination with 2+
A-levels or equivalent; individual courses may require specific subjects and
grades.
Drop-out rate: 5%.
State school entry: 77%.
Accommodation: House 2 Rent
Founded: 1904.
Site: Main site _ 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 X), 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: House 2 Rent
Term-time work: LUU Joblink employment agency helps students
find part-time jobs.
Student view
It’s at the centre of a cosmopolitan metropolis that is one of the fastest
growing and most prosperous cities in Europe. University is just to the
north of the city centre, a mishmash of differing architectural styles,
ranging from neo-classical to 70s concrete and modern glass and steel. Easy
access on foot or by fantastic public transport to all areas, especially
studenty areas of Headingley and Hyde Park. Leeds is easy to reach, being
slap-bang in the middle of the country where the two main motorways (M1 and
M62) intersect; it has an international airport and the busiest train
station outside London. Leeds students are a friendly bunch! The university
has one of the biggest and best ranges of courses in the country (from
geography to aviation studies); its sheer size (33,000 students) makes it
able to offer more courses and modules than elsewhere. A great emphasis on
students and their pastoral care; dropout rate among the lowest, due to
fantastic help and advice available to all students. The union (LUU), at the
heart of the campus, is one of the most active and well-resourced in the
country. Its multi-functioning building includes, yes, that legendary
establishment, the students’ union bar – or two in Leeds’ case. From a
pint while fixated on Arsenal v Man U in the Old Bar, to a cocktail
over the latest Heat magazine in The Terrace, there is something to
suit everyone’s tastes; and because of the low prices your student loan
will last that little bit longer! Union also has a couple of the city’s
best clubs – Stylus and Bar Coda (home to fantastic club scene including
Fruity, the official Student Night of the Year); also the city’s largest
live music venue, playing host to some of the most exciting gigs around. LUU
also prides itself on the services it offers its members; the student advice
centre (nationally recognised) and great student employment service, Joblink;
one of the broadest range of recreational societies and sports clubs in the
UK (from aikido to yoga); and, to ensure you are safe while you study, a
range of safety services and information (from free transport home, to
personal alarms and self-defence classes). All first years are guaranteed a
place in university accommodation. City has plenty of rented accommodation;
most students are in shared houses in Headingley and Hyde Park areas (the
famous LS6). Plenty to do in the city – West Yorkshire Playhouse, Opera
North, Back 2 Basics and Speedqueen. Main nocturnal student activity based
in three areas, Headingley, the Union and the city centre. City has a
fantastic scene, is home to some of the best urban music nights and is truly
multicultural in nature. Great shopping: national chains along with local
retailers; and Kirkgate market is a sight to behold, both for value and
range of products.
Student life
Housing: Plenty of private accommodation, mostly in Headingley and Hyde
Park; check out http://www.house2rentleeds.co.uk.
Eats: LUU for daytime eating. At night, it’s good to get out: major
chains; plenty of small cafés and restaurants for all tastes in city centre
and Headingley.
Drink: LUU bars serve cheap drinks. Huge variety of bars in Leeds.
Nightlife: LUU nightclub, hosts variety of exciting gigs (Keane,
Maroon 5, Joss Stone). City has endless clubs and bars; art house cinemas,
bowling alleys, lots of venues; West Yorkshire Playhouse and lots more.
Locals: Quite friendly relationship; couple of city pubs to avoid.
Sports: Loads of clubs, well-equipped sports centre on campus;
international swimming pool in city centre.
Financial help: Available from welfare service.
Jobs: Jobshop on campus.
Best features: Student-friendly city, large numbers of students (10%
of the population).
Past students: Mark Thomas (comedian), Judy Dench (actress), Nick
Witchel (BBC News), Jack Straw MP, Claire Short MP, Marc Almond, Andy and
Liz Kershaw (BBC Radio), most of the people from the League of Gentlemen,
Alan Yentob (BBC supremo), Mark Byford (another BBC supremo), Alistair
McGowan (BBC TV), John Godber (playwright), Sir Phillip Watts (Shell), Dr
Shuhei Toyoda (developed the Toyota Yaris), Sir Duncan Michael (built the
Sydney Opera House), Kimberley Jane Walsh (Girls Aloud).
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