De Montfort University
Leicester, United Kingdom
De Montfort University
Leicester, United Kingdom
Founded
1870
Institution Type
Public University
Total Students
27,000+
International Students
130+ Countries
Discover De Montfort University: Overview & History
Discover De Montfort University: Overview & History
De Montfort University (DMU) is a public university located in the heart of Leicester, England. Originally founded as the Leicester School of Art in 1870, the institution has evolved through many incarnations including the Leicester Colleges of Art and Technology and Leicester Polytechnic before gaining full university status in 1992.
Named after Simon de Montfort, the 13th-century Earl of Leicester who played a prominent role in establishing the Parliament of England, DMU today serves approximately 27,000 full and part-time students with around 3,240 staff. The university is organized into three faculties: Business and Law; Health and Life Sciences; and Technology, Arts, and Culture.
DMU is recognized as a United Nations Sustainable Development Hub focusing on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. The university received a Silver rating in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework and has been named the best UK university for work experience by RateMyPlacement for two consecutive years.
Key Milestones
- 1870: Leicester School of Art founded, with classes hosted in a disused warehouse in Pocklington's Walk.
- 1992: Leicester Polytechnic officially became De Montfort University on 26 June 1992, gaining degree-awarding powers.
- 2017: DMU receives Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework, the first UK government assessment of teaching quality.
- 2018: Chosen as a Global Hub for UN Sustainable Development Goal 16 and named University of the Year for Social Inclusion by The Sunday Times.
Academic Structure & Faculties
Academic Structure & Faculties
De Montfort University offers over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across three main faculties. The curriculum is designed in consultation with industry partners to ensure alignment with current professional standards, and many courses include integrated placements or work experience opportunities.
Faculty of Business and Law
Incorporating the Leicester Castle Business School and Leicester De Montfort Law School, this faculty offers career-focused programmes in business management, accounting, law, and economics with strong industry connections.
- Business Management
- Law (LLB / LLM)
- Accounting and Finance
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
This faculty delivers programmes in nursing, pharmacy, biomedical science, psychology, and allied health sciences, with strong links to the NHS and healthcare industry for clinical placements.
- Nursing (Adult / Mental Health)
- Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Psychology
Faculty of Technology, Arts, and Culture
Formed in September 2025 by merging Computing, Engineering and Media with Art, Design, and Humanities, this faculty covers creative arts, computing, engineering, architecture, and media production.
- Computer Science
- Architecture
- Fine Art and Design
Leicester Castle Business School
Part of the Faculty of Business and Law, the Leicester Castle Business School is housed in the historic Great Hall of Leicester Castle and offers MBA and specialist postgraduate business programmes.
- MBA (Global)
- International Business and Entrepreneurship
- Project Management
School of Engineering
Within the Faculty of Technology, Arts, and Culture, the School of Engineering offers programmes in mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineering, housed in the award-winning Queen's Building.
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Aeronautical Engineering
School of Design and Creative Arts
DMU offers globally unique programmes in contour fashion, footwear design, and performance sportswear. The Vijay Patel Building provides purpose-built studios, galleries, and workshops for creative students.
- Contour Fashion
- Footwear Design
- Graphic Design and Illustration
Admission Requirements for International Students
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate Admission
- Academic QualificationsCompleted secondary education equivalent to UK A-Levels with good grades; International Baccalaureate accepted
- English Language (IELTS)IELTS 6.0 overall, no band below 5.5 (some programmes require higher)
- Application MethodApply through UCAS for undergraduate programmes
- Personal StatementRequired, detailing career aspirations and academic interests
- Additional RequirementsPortfolio required for creative courses such as Art, Design, or Architecture
Postgraduate Admission
- Academic QualificationsRelevant bachelor's degree with minimum 2:1 classification or international equivalent
- English Language (IELTS)IELTS 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0 (programme-dependent)
- Application MethodApply directly via the DMU international application form
- ReferencesTwo academic or professional references required
- Work ExperienceSome programmes (e.g., MBA) may require relevant work experience
Deadline for undergraduate applications to be guaranteed equal consideration by all universities.
Final deadline for undergraduate applications through UCAS; late applications may be considered subject to availability.
Postgraduate programmes accept applications on a rolling basis; early application is recommended to secure a place and allow time for visa processing.
The majority of courses start in September, with some programmes also offering a January intake.
Tuition Fees & Scholarships
Tuition Fees & Scholarships
De Montfort University offers competitive tuition fees, particularly for international students compared to many other UK universities. Leicester is also considered one of the more affordable cities in the UK for student living costs.
| Fee Category | UK Students (Annual) | International Students (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition | GBP 9,250 | GBP 15,750 - 16,250 |
| Postgraduate Taught | GBP 8,500 - 11,000 | GBP 15,750 - 20,900 |
| Placement Year Fee | GBP 1,905 | GBP 1,905 |
| Student Exchange Year | GBP 1,427 | GBP 1,465 |
| Total | Contact DMU for programme-specific totals | Contact DMU for programme-specific totals |
International Alumni Scholarship
A discount of GBP 2,000 is offered to all alumni who graduated within the last two years. Alumni achieving an upper second or first class degree may receive a scholarship of GBP 5,000 for postgraduate study.
- Standard Alumni Award: GBP 2,000
- High-Achieving Alumni Award: GBP 5,000
- Eligibility: DMU graduates within last 2 years
Principal's Scholarship - Leicester Castle Business School
Available to full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolling in Leicester Castle Business School courses, this scholarship helps reduce tuition costs for committed students.
- Award Value: GBP 4,000
- Eligibility: Full-time UG and PG students
- Early Payment Discount: GBP 500 for full payment within 4 weeks of enrolment
Campus & Facilities
Campus & Facilities
DMU's campus is located in the heart of Leicester, just a five-minute walk from the city centre. A total of GBP 136 million has been invested in transforming the campus into a modern, inspiring environment with a blend of contemporary architecture and historic buildings.
The centrepiece of DMU's campus transformation, housing art and design subjects with purpose-built studios, galleries, and workshops.
DMU's main library offering extensive collections of textbooks, journals, and digital resources alongside modern study spaces.
Home to the Faculty of Business and Law, featuring modern lecture theatres, seminar rooms, and collaborative workspaces.
Housing & Dining
Student Accommodation
All DMU accommodation is within short walking distance from campus. Students can choose from several types of rooms to suit their needs and budget, with halls featuring free Wi-Fi and communal areas.
- Multiple halls of residence within walking distance of campus
- Rooms adapted for disabled students available
- On-site staff, 24/7 security, and social events programme
Dining & Recreation
DMU offers many places to eat and drink on campus, including the Food Village where students can order a range of cuisines. The QE2 Leisure Centre provides extensive sports and fitness facilities.
- Food Village with diverse cuisine options
- QE2 Leisure Centre with swimming pool, climbing wall, and gym
- Students' Union with break-out spaces, Demon FM radio, and nightclub
Student Life at DMU
Student Life at DMU
De Montfort University offers a vibrant student experience in one of the UK's most diverse cities. The Students' Union is an independent, student-led organisation that looks after over 200 student groups and societies, nearly 40 sports clubs, and the media group Demon Media.
Leicester: A Vibrant & Diverse City
Leicester: A Vibrant & Diverse City
Life in Leicester
Leicester is a diverse and welcoming city located in the East Midlands, home to major employers such as Caterpillar UK, IBM, Next, and PepsiCo. With London just one hour away by train, the city offers an affordable and culturally rich alternative to larger UK cities while maintaining excellent connectivity.
Cultural Diversity
Leicester hosts Britain's largest Caribbean festival outside London and the biggest Diwali celebrations outside India, reflecting its wonderfully diverse community.
Affordable Living
Accommodation, shopping, and socialising are more budget-friendly in Leicester than in nearby cities like Birmingham and Nottingham, making it ideal for students.
Sporting Heritage
Home to Leicester City FC, Leicester Tigers Rugby, and Leicester Riders Basketball, the city has a strong sporting culture with regular events and opportunities for fans.
Historic Landmarks
From Leicester Cathedral where Richard III was reinterred, to the Highcross Shopping Centre and the vibrant Leicester Market, the city blends history with modern amenities.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Network
Career Outcomes & Alumni Network
Where DMU Graduates Work
Practical Information
Practical Information
For International Students
DMU provides dedicated visa advice and guidance for international students. Once your offer is accepted and deposit paid, the university issues a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) for your UK Student Visa application.
De Montfort University International College offers integrated and standalone pathway programmes to develop your academic and English language skills before progressing to a full degree programme.
DMU's award-winning Careers Team provides guaranteed work experience opportunities, one-on-one career coaching, mentoring from companies like Intel and McAfee, and lifelong careers support for all alumni.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
De Montfort University World Rankings
De Montfort University World Rankings
De Montfort University consistently ranks within the top 7% of universities globally and has shown steady improvement across major international ranking systems. The university is particularly recognized for its strengths in graduate employability, teaching quality, and social inclusion.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Arts and Humanities | Times Higher Education | Top 250 |
| Business and Economics | Times Higher Education | Top 250 |
| Pharmacy and Pharmacology | QS Subject Rankings | #351-360 |
| Political Science | ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) | #201 |
Features
De Montfort University has a diverse graduate community, with thousands of students completing their studies each year across various disciplines. The university emphasizes employability and often reports high graduate employment rates, with many students going on to work in their chosen fields shortly after graduation.
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - May
Location
The Gateway, Leicester, LE1 9BH, United Kingdom.
Uni4Edu AI Assistant
