Leicester University
Leicester's Location:
Leicester is the 10th largest city in Britain with a population of approximately 300,000. Leicester is well known for being a student city with approximately 12% of the population being students during term time. It's just about an hour from London by train and is easily accessible with two international airports close by. It is a culturally diverse city with a large number of shared cultural events. Leicester's Caribbean Carnival is the 2nd largest in the UK and the city's Diwali celebrations are the largest outside of India and attract visitors from many cultures. The Leicester Comedy Festival has been staged annually since 1994 and attracts many of the top comedy acts to the country.
A Few Key Facts:
Leicester has much to offer in terms of sports and culture. Leicester is home to three leading sports teams, a range of excellent, free museums and art galleries; a state-of-the-art theater (Curve opened in 2008); the largest covered market in Europe and the award-winning National Space Center. Leicester also hosts a huge range of independent and mainstream shops and parks and botanical gardens are close by for those seeking to get away from city life.
- Leicester is ranked in the top 2% of universities in the world by the QS World University Rankings 2010.
- Leicester was named University of the Year for 2008-09 by the Times Higher Education in the UK.
- In 2009-10 Leicester was awarded the Times Higher Education award for Best Student Support.
- Leicester has top student satisfaction ratings with 91% of full time students satisfied with their programs.
Majors:
Leicester offers a wide range of arts & sciences. We recommend Leicester for the following majors:
- Ancient History, History & American Studies
- Art History & Film Studies
- Computer Science
- Criminology
- Economics
- Engineering
- English Language & LIterature
- Mathematics
- Media & Communication
- Psychology
- Sciences: Biology, Geology, Physics, Astronomy, Chemistry, Geography & Archaeology
- Sociology
Academic Requirements:
Leicester prefers students who have a 3.0 GPA but students with a 2.8 might be considered.
Leicester's Academic Term:
- Fall runs late September to late mid December.
- Spring runs late January through mid-May and includes an extended Easter break
Course Selection & Transfer Credit
Like most UK schools, undergraduate degree programs at Leicester are completed in 3 years. That means that courses transfer back to USM in the following way:
Leicester Year 1 = 200 Level USM Course
Leicester Year 2 = 300 Level USM Course
Leicester Year 3 = 300 or 400 Level USM Course
Before selecting Leicester courses students must first check the Leicester Course Guidelines for Exchange Students. This will include any updates on courses which might be closed to exchange students, important notes on pre-requisites or other factors which might limit course availability. To review available courses visit Leicester's online course guide.
A full time load at Leicester is 60 credits which is equivalent to 15 USM credits. Courses worth 20 Leicester credits will transfer back to USM as 5 USM credits. Courses worth 10 Leicester credits will transfer back to USM as 2.5 credits.
Housing at Leicester:
Students will live on campus in Odbay Student Village which includes a mixture of properties from Edwardian houses, to newer, purpose built blocks situated in the green area of Oadby. The grounds are beautiful and the Student Village is close to a large supermarket and plenty of pubs and restaurants. There is a regular bus service into the city which is complemented by the Students’ Union minibus service at night. There are varying types of accommodations at different price levels to suit all students’ needs.
Students who live in CATERED housing will pay for 11 weeks and will be expected to vacate their room prior to Christmas and during the 5-week Easter Break. The price for catered housing includes 14 meals per week. Meals included are Breakfast and Dinner Monday through Friday and Brunch and Dinner on Saturday and Sunday. Lunches can be purchased on campus for $6-8 / per meal.
Students who wish to stay in campus for all or part of the Easter break may do so for an additional costs per night with no meals included. However, most students find this is an excellent time to travel.
Students who live in SELF CATERED housing will pay for 15 weeks and can remain in their room over the Christmas and Easter breaks. Students will need to plan to purchase meals or cook for themselves. Self Catered rooms include access to cooking facilities.
Cost:
Students attending Keele will be charged for 15 credits of in-state tuition and academic fees. Students will pay for room and food once in the UK.
New International Student Orientation:
At the start of each semester Leicester offers the opportunity to participate in a London based orientation for an additional cost. This orientation is optional but it is recommended as it is a great way to connect with the other incoming students. The fall orientation is 7 days and costs approximately $1200 while the spring orientation is 3 days and costs approximately $400.
SPRING BREAK TRIP: In addition Leicester offers optional study tours which take place during the first week of Easter break. On tour typically goes to Rome while the second tour goes to Berlin and Prague. Most costs are included on these tours with the exception of some meals. The cost for each study tour is approximately $1280.
Student Visa:
If you are studying in the UK for 6 months or less you do not need a student visa. Visas are a MUST for students studying in the UK for the full academic year.
Helpful Links:
Learn more!
To learn more about Leicester contact the International Programs office at the University of Southern Maine: international@usm.maine.edu
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