University of Leicester

The University was founded as Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland University College in 1921. The site for the University was donated by a local businessman, Thomas Fielding Johnson, in order to create a living memorial for all local people who made sacrifices during the First World War. This is reflected in the University's motto Ut vitam habeant – 'so that they may have life'.

Students were first admitted to the college in 1921, sitting examinations for external degrees awarded of the University of London. In 1927 the institution became University College, Leicester; 30 years later the college was granted its Royal Charter. This gave it the status of a University with the right to award its own degrees.

The University won the first ever series of University Challenge, in 1963.

• Leicester is ranked in the top 25 universities in the Times Higher Education REF Research Power rankings
• Ranked 30th in the Complete University Guide 2018 and 34th in the Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018
• International students from more than 70 countries
• Leicester is one of ten universities worldwide to be a HeForShe Impact Champion
• The University of Leicester has been recognised by The Association of Graduate Recruiters as the best institution in the UK with the best initiative to prepare students for the world of work