Some universities consider their primary purpose to be high quality research, others concentrate on excellent teaching. Here at Leicester we think that the two are not only complementary, they’re inseparable. We believe that teaching is more inspirational when delivered by passionate scholars engaged in world-changing research – and that research is stronger when delivered in an academic community that includes students.

We think that a university should be about empowering people to explore what they don’t know. We achieve this through passionate, dedicated research and teaching. When we were named University of the Year for 2008-9 by the Times Higher Education, the judges applauded Leicester’s very different approach, calling us "elite without being elitist". Of Britain’s top 15 universities only one – Leicester – exceeds its government benchmarks for inclusivity.

Our dedication to providing an excellent student experience can be seen in our consistent performance in the National Student Survey. In 2008 92% of our full-time students were satisfied with their course. This is a level of satisfaction exceeded only by Cambridge amongst mainstream universities teaching full-time students in England.

With these ideas at heart, Leicester is re-framing the values that govern academia and re-defining what a university needs to be in the 21st century; we are constantly finding new ways of being a leading university.

Leicester’s compact and friendly campus is an ideal place to be a student. All the facilities you need are located on the same site so if you have a gap between lectures, you won’t be at a loss to fill your time. You might take a trip to the library, take part in an exercise class or meet friends for lunch in one of the many cafes and coffee bars. The campus has a bookshop, a bank, shops, bars, computer rooms and a chaplaincy.

The Department of Criminology is located a five minute walk away from the main campus on a leafy pedestrian only walkway, close enough to be able to make the most of the facilities on offer and close to the city centre, a short ten minute walk away.

Next step: Request an information pack and prospectus