Overview | Academics | Cost | Location | Life Abroad | Student Voices
Experience British culture while studying abroad at the world renowned University of Leeds! The University of Leeds is the UK's second largest university with 33,000 students from over 145 countries. This exchange program allows you to directly enroll in university courses in a variety of fields and have the opportunity to live and study alongside British students. The University of Leeds is an eclectic mix of the old and the new reflecting its 100 years history. Brand new buildings and state-of-the-art facilities co-exist with impressive older landmark buildings.
Leeds is located on the River Aire in West Yorkshire, England and it is considered to be one of the fastest growing cities in the UK. With its continued commercial prosperity in areas of finance, business and media, Leeds was named the top city to visit by the Good Britain Guide. This is all complemented by a vibrant mix of culture, commerce and style, making Leeds the primary social hub of the North.
Leeds has been voted "best university destination in the UK," and has over 120,000 students studying in and around the city.
Situated close to the UK's geographical center, Leeds is well placed for traveling around the UK and to other European countries. It boasts a thriving international airport and the largest train station outside the capital. London is two and a half hours away by train, or 40 minutes away by air.
Leeds is near three beautiful national parks: the Yorkshire Dales, the Lake District and the Peak District. Each has distinctive awe-inspiring scenery and a huge selection of outdoor activities and pursuits.
Getting to Your Program
You are responsible for arranging your own transportation to Leeds, but are given arrival dates and guidelines.
Visa
At application, students should have a passport valid for 6 months beyond the end of the program.
A visa is required for students studying abroad in the UK. There are two different types of visas for studying in the UK: the Tier 4 General Student Visa OR the Student Visitor Visa. IAP will provide you with information and guidance regarding this process, but students are ultimately responsible for applying and obtaining the visa.
Orientation
IAP expects you to be an active participant in preparing yourself for your study abroad experience. As a participant on an IAP program, you will receive a pre-departure orientation, either in-person or online. The type and format of this orientation will vary by program and will be provided to you upon acceptance to the program.
In September, exchange students participate in International Welcome Week & Fresher's Week. Both take place during the two weeks prior to the start of the fall term. The Leeds Study Abroad office holds two required events for students during International Welcome Week. The first is a two day Orientation Programme, which gives information about healthcare, banking, studying in the UK, university services, culture shock, and social opportunities in Leeds. The second mandatory event is a welcome briefing specifically for exchange students. This meeting assists in helping students with their program of study and other administrative information.
Students who begin in January receive the same information from the Leeds Study Abroad Office, but events are typically a bit smaller.
Housing
Most students choose to stay in University residences. A place in University residences is guaranteed to all students who apply for accommodation by the housing application deadline.
Accommodation Services has an impressive range of accommodation from modern, purpose-built apartments to converted mansions both on and off campus. You can choose from catered (meals provided) and self-catered (prepare your own meals) accommodation. To find out more about Accommodation at the University of Leeds, click
here.
Excursions and Activities
The International Student Office organizes several events specifically for international students, including weekend trips to various parts of the UK once a month. You also have the opportunity for individual travel, and with its central location and good train and bus links, Leeds is an excellent base from which to explore the rest of the UK and Europe.
Leeds University Union is one of the biggest in the country. The Union boasts a game complex, travel agent, and numerous shops and services. Gigs by major bands are also held regularly at the Refectory, Leeds' largest permanent music venue.
Insurance
All participants in IAP programs are enrolled in health insurance through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) and the cost of the insurance coverage is included in program fees.
On-Site Support
University of Leeds' Study Abroad Office
Handbooks
Use the links below to find out more information on academics, daily life and student impressions for this program.
Online Pre-Arrival Guide 12-13 (Spring - 2012-13)
University of Leeds Preparation and Arrival Info (Fall - 2013-14)
University of Leeds Preparation and Arrival Info (Year - 2013-14)
Returned Student Network
Click
here to see testimonials from students abroad or to contact a returned student.
Student Testimonials
"Leeds is a large university and boasts of international prestige in research. I wanted to study outside of London so it would be cheaper, but still wanted to attend a competitive, prestigious university."
-Catherine F.
"Leeds has an amazing student culture that really needs to be experienced to be believed!"
-Christoper T.
"The people are fantastic, the city is amazing and it is just a train or bus ride to just about anywhere."
-Elyse H.
Read Abby's Blog! Abby studied on this program during the Spring 2012 semester. You can read about her experiences and see her pictures here.
Blogs
Read about current & past students' adventures.
Abby-Spring 2012
Leeds is among the top ten universities for research in the UK and is internationally acknowledged as a center of excellence in a wide range of academic and professional disciplines. Integrating research, learning, and teaching is at the heart of the University's strategy. Classes are taught by staff who are engaged in world-class research and cutting-edge professional practices.
At the university, "classes" are called "modules." You may enroll in a broad range of modules at the University of Leeds. Module descriptions in the online module catalog include prerequisites you must fulfill in order to enroll in each course. Most students take classes in three or four different academic departments, from across a wide range of the university's degree programs.
Affiliate Institution(s)
University of Leeds
Program Web Page(s)
University of Leeds Study Abroad
Foreign Courses
Modules (Classes) Available at Leeds
Course Equivalents
Use the links below to see a list of courses that students have taken on this program before and the UW equivalents. Note: this list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses or departments. You will get instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance.
Sort by Foreign Course Titles
Sort by UW-Madison Course Titles
Group by host institution and Sort by Foreign Course Titles
Group by host institution and Sort by UW-Madison Course Titles
