LEEDS BECKETT UNIVERSITY
Leeds Beckett University is a modern university in one of the UK’s most exciting student cities, Leeds. The university welcomes students from all over the world and creates an inclusive community where everyone feels supported. With career-focused courses, expert teaching, and state-of-the-art facilities, Leeds Beckett equips students with the skills and experiences needed to succeed worldwide, while its international team ensures a smooth transition to life in the UK and ensure you feel at home from the moment you arrive.
STUDY AT LEEDS BECKETT UNIVERSITY
Leeds Beckett University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as specialised courses for English language and university preparation. All courses have a focus on making students highly attractive to future employers. Leeds Beckett University covers broad expertise in areas like Health & Social Care, Business & Law, Engineering & Computing, Arts, Design & Media, Sport, and Education.
HISTORY OF LEEDS BECKETT UNIVERSITY
Leeds Beckett University are proud of their history and place within the community. Previously known as Leeds Metropolitan University, they’re a modern university with 200 years of history. Their activities and endeavours over many years have not only had positive impacts on themselves as an institution but have also been transformative to the world around them. Throughout their history, it is people who have shaped them and who continue to do so today.
They have over 253,000 former students, including Olympic and Paralympic medallists, Oscar award winners, politicians, and business innovators. Over the years, their graduates have changed the world. They've helped to shape their society, and they’ve come from 166 countries to learn and grow.
SPECIALIST AREAS AT LEEDS BECKETT
Leeds Beckett's specialist areas span across Health & Wellbeing (nursing, rehab, therapies, mental health), Creative Arts & Technology (film, gaming, creative tech, acoustics), Business & Law, and Humanities, with strong research in Cybercrime, Dementia, Child Development, Sport, Engineering, and Built Environment, supported by specialised facilities like clinical suites, labs for acoustics & biomedical research, and trading floors.
Key Specialist Areas:
- Health & Wellbeing: Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Dietetics, Mental Health, Psychological Therapies, Public Health, Rehabilitation Sciences, Biomedical Sciences.
- Creative Technologies & Arts: Film, Gaming, Creative Technologies, Acoustics, Art & Design.
- Business & Law: Economics, Analytics, Marketing, Journalism, Law.
- Humanities & Social Sciences: Criminology, Psychology, Sociology, History, English, Geography, Planning, Housing.
- Engineering & Built Environment: Engineering, Built Environment.
- Sport & Exercise: Human Performance, Sport Science, Exercise Medicine.
LIFE ON CAMPUS
Life at Leeds Beckett offers a vibrant campus experience with extensive societies, sports, and social events centred around the Students' Union (LBSU), supported by modern facilities like libraries and gyms, plus easy access to the lively city of Leeds for diverse nightlife, culture, and activities, with supportive student services and a strong global community ensuring a well-rounded university life.
Campus Life & Activities:
- Societies & Clubs: Over 80 societies and sports clubs, from academic to faith-based, offer chances to meet like-minded people and try new things.
- Students' Union (LBSU): A central hub for events, communities, and support, providing a sense of belonging and ways to get involved.
- Sports: Facilities include swimming pools, fitness centres, playing fields, and sports clubs.
- Global Village: A strong international community offers cultural exchange and support for students far from home.
STUDENT SUPPORT AT LEEDS BECKETT
Leeds Beckett University offers a wide range of student support services designed to help students with their academic work, wellbeing, personal issues, careers, money and more.
Leeds Beckett University offers a range of student support services, including:
- Academic support: Academic advisors, study skills help, library and IT support
- Wellbeing & mental health: Counselling, mental health and wellbeing support
- Disability support: Help for disabilities, long-term conditions and learning difficulties, including exam adjustments
- Careers & employability: CV help, career advice, jobs and placements
- Money & practical support: Funding and budgeting advice, hardship support
- Accommodation & campus life: Support in halls, safety and welfare services
- Additional support: Chaplaincy, and Students’ Union advice
- International support & scholarships: Support for international students, including advice on visas and access to international scholarships and tuition fee discounts
LEEDS BECKETT’S FACILITIES
Leeds Beckett University offers modern, high-tech teaching facilities across its City and Headingley campuses, designed to support practical, career-focused learning.
Students study in contemporary lecture theatres and classrooms with digital teaching technology, specialist IT labs and industry-standard software. Both campuses have modern libraries and study spaces.
Depending on their course, students can access a wide range of specialist facilities, including:
- Law clinics and crime scene simulation studios
- Health, nursing and sports science labs with clinical simulation equipment
- Engineering, computing and robotics labs
- Creative studios for art, design, fashion, film and photography
- TV, radio and media studios, green screens and performance spaces
- VR and digital media facilities
These facilities allow students to develop hands-on skills in realistic environments, making Leeds Beckett especially appealing to students seeking practical experience alongside academic study.
SPORTS AND SOCIETIES AT LEEDS BECKETT
The Leeds Beckett Students’ Union (LBSU) is an organisation run by students, for students. Its role is to represent students’ interests, support their wellbeing, and help them make the most of university life.
The LBSU:
- Represents students’ views to the university
- Offers independent advice on academic, housing and personal issues
- Organises events, trips, campaigns, socials and live music
- Supports societies, sports clubs and volunteering
It’s a key way for international students to make friends, feel supported and settle into life in the UK.
Student societies:
Leeds Beckett has 100+ student societies, which are student-run groups based around shared interests, cultures, faiths, hobbies and subjects.
Examples include:
- Cultural and international societies
- Subject-based societies (e.g. law, business, psychology)
- Creative, media and gaming societies
- Faith and wellbeing societies
Societies organise socials, trips, talks and cultural celebrations. Students can join, help organise activities, or even start their own society, making them a great way to build friendships, confidence and leadership skills.
Sports clubs & BUCS:
Sport plays a major role at Leeds Beckett. The university has a strong reputation for sport and competes nationally in BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport) leagues.
Key points:
- 80+ sports clubs, from football, basketball and cricket to martial arts, climbing and cheerleading
- Teams compete weekly against other universities and travel to cities across the UK.
- Leeds Beckett has many successful teams, particularly in football, rugby, athletics and cricket.
- Opportunities for all levels, from beginners to elite athletes
There are also major events like Varsity, where Leeds Beckett competes against the University of Leeds in a city-wide sports competition.
Overall, the Students’ Union, societies and sports clubs at Leeds Beckett help students enjoy a full university experience, combining study with social life, leadership opportunities and high-quality sport- something that is often very different from more theory-based university systems.
ACCOMMODATION AT LEEDS BECKETT
University-managed halls of residence are the main option for first-year and international students. These are student-focused buildings with a mix of room types (typically ensuite rooms, studios and shared flats) and are designed to make settling in easier. All bills (utilities, insurance and often Wi-Fi) are included in the rent, and there’s 24/7 security and keycard access.
There are also private student accommodations in Leeds that many Beckett students choose - these are rented from specialist providers, usually near campus, with similar facilities and social spaces.
Main locations:
Arena Village: Modern halls very close to the City Campus (about a 7-minute walk), with ensuite rooms, communal study and social spaces, and even an on-site gym.
Marsden House & iQ Leeds: Popular city-centre options within walking or short bus distance of campus, with shared kitchens and lounges where you can meet other students.
Carnegie Village: Other well-used halls, with Carnegie close to Headingley Campus and offering a larger community feel near shops and cafes.
What living in halls is like:
- Rooms are usually en-suites or studios, often in shared flats of 4-6 students, giving both privacy and social opportunities.
- You’ll have access to communal kitchens, lounges and study areas where you can cook, relax or revise with friends.
- Social events and activities in halls help you make friends and settle in.
Overall, student accommodation at Leeds Beckett is designed to be safe, sociable, convenient and supportive - a great way to start university life, especially for those students coming from abroad.
INTERNATIONAL FOCUS
Leeds Beckett is one of the UK’s most multicultural universities, with over 1,500 international students from more than 140 countries worldwide studying on campus.
Its global community extends far beyond the UK, with alumni based in 174 countries, showing the university’s strong international reach.
International students come from regions such as Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas, creating a diverse and inclusive learning environment where students experience many cultures and perspectives.
Many international students report that studying in the UK is a rewarding but different experience - students may need to adapt to new cultural norms, teaching styles and independent study expectations, but there’s also a strong sense of community and support.
Leeds as a vibrant, multicultural city makes it easier to meet people from all over the world both on and off campus.
Leeds Beckett actively supports international students from before arrival through to graduation. Some key aspects include:
- Dedicated international support services offering guidance on visas, living in the UK, funding and employment advice.
- International Student Immigration Advice and Compliance team to help with practical and legal aspects of living and studying in the UK.
- Global Village and cultural events, which help students connect, celebrate diversity and share experiences.
- Regional representatives who support prospective students around the world.
- The International Study Centre offers preparatory academic and language support for students before starting their degree.
Leeds Beckett promotes a welcoming campus with inclusive policies and support networks that celebrate diversity and encourage cross-cultural interaction.
INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS
Leeds Beckett University has a strong, practical focus on employability, with courses designed in close collaboration with industry to ensure students graduate with real-world skills and experience.
Industry connections & course design
- Many courses are developed with employers and professional bodies, ensuring content reflects current industry needs.
- Teaching often includes live briefs, real client projects and case studies based on real business challenges.
- Staff frequently have industry backgrounds, bringing professional experience directly into the classroom.
Work placements & practical experience
- Most undergraduate and postgraduate courses offer work placements, internships or sandwich years.
- Placements may be short-term, part-time, year-long or embedded into modules, depending on the course.
- Careers and course teams support students with placement preparation, applications and CVs.
- Guest lecturers & industry events.
- Students regularly hear from guest speakers, including industry professionals, alumni and employers.
- Faculties host industry panels, networking events, careers fairs and employer-led workshops.
- These events help students understand industry expectations and build professional contacts.
Careers support & networking
- The Careers Team provides ongoing support with CVs, interviews, LinkedIn profiles and job searches.
- Students can access networking opportunities, mentoring schemes and employer insight events.
- Strong links with local, national and international employers, particularly in business, sport, health, creative industries, engineering and technology.
- Careers support from your day 1 to 5 years post-graduation.
International industry connections
- Leeds Beckett has global partnerships with universities and organisations worldwide, supporting:
- International placements and internships.
- Study abroad and exchange opportunities.
- Guest speakers and collaborative projects with international partners.
- A large global alumni network also supports international networking and career opportunities after graduation.
This strong emphasis on industry engagement helps Leeds Beckett students feel career-ready, whether they plan to work in the UK or internationally.
STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES AND INTERNSHIPS
Leeds Beckett encourages students to gain international experience through study abroad and professional internships. Students can spend a semester or a full year at partner universities across Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia, gaining global perspectives and academic credit. Many courses also include UK or international work placements, from short internships to year-long professional experiences, giving students hands-on skills and real-world experience.
Through its global partnerships, Leeds Beckett supports international internships, collaborative projects, and combined study-and-work opportunities, helping students build a professional network and stand out to employers worldwide. For students from more theory-focused systems, these experiences are particularly valuable for enhancing employability and career readiness.
EMPLOYABILITY AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Leeds Beckett University places employability at the heart of its courses, ensuring students are well-prepared for life after graduation. The university has a strong graduate employment record, with a high proportion of students securing jobs or further study shortly after finishing their degree. This means that students not only gain academic knowledge but also the practical skills, experience, and confidence needed to succeed in the workplace.
The Careers and Employability Service is central to this support. Unlike in some countries where students may not have access to dedicated career guidance, Leeds Beckett offers a wide range of services, all aimed at helping students transition successfully into their chosen careers. Students can attend career fairs and employer networking events, where they meet potential employers and learn about opportunities in their field. They can also access workshops on CV writing, application forms, cover letters, and interview preparation, as well as one-to-one guidance for more personalised advice.
Students benefit from alumni networks, mentoring schemes, and industry connections, giving them the chance to learn from graduates who have successfully entered the workforce. The university also supports internships, placements, and volunteering opportunities, helping students gain real-world experience while studying.
Graduates from Leeds Beckett go on to a wide variety of careers, both in the UK and internationally, across sectors such as business, law, media, healthcare, sport, education, technology, and the creative industries. Many also pursue further study or professional qualifications.
Overall, the university’s approach combines practical skills development, industry connections, personalised guidance, and real-world experience, ensuring that students leave Leeds Beckett ready to succeed in their careers and feel confident navigating the job market.
STUDY IN LEEDS
Leeds is one of the UK’s most welcoming and student-friendly cities, making it ideal for international students. The city combines the excitement of a big city with a compact, easy-to-navigate layout, so everything, from campus and libraries to shops, cafes, and entertainment is within reach.
With a large, diverse student population, Leeds offers a vibrant social scene, cultural festivals, and a chance to meet people from around the world. Living costs are more affordable than London or other major UK cities, while still giving access to restaurants, shopping, and nightlife.
Leeds is also a career hub, with opportunities in business, creative industries, health, finance, and technology, making internships and work experience easy to find. For international students, the city is well connected with excellent trains, buses, and airports, it’s easy to travel across the UK and explore Europe during your studies.
Overall, Leeds offers a perfect balance of academic excellence, multicultural life, career opportunities, and travel possibilities, helping international students feel at home while making the most of their time in the UK.
WHY STUDY AT LEEDS BECKETT UNIVERSITY
Students love Leeds Beckett University for its modern, hands-on facilities, strong student support, and vibrant campus life with societies, sports clubs, and a busy Students’ Union. The university offers global opportunities through study abroad programmes and international internships, while its career-focused support helps students gain real-world experience and professional connections. With a diverse international community, an affordable, lively city, and high employability outcomes, Leeds Beckett provides the perfect environment to study, socialise, and prepare for a successful career.