De Montfort University

De Montfort University (DMU) is a public university located in Leicester, England. It was established as a degree-awarding institution in 1992, evolving from its origins as the Leicester School of Art, founded in 1870. The university’s name honours Simon de Montfort, a 13th-century Earl of Leicester who played a significant role in establishing the first English Parliament. DMU has grown to serve approximately 27,000 full and part-time students and employs over 3,200 staff. 

The university is organised into four main faculties: Art, Design and Humanities; Business and Law; Health and Life Sciences; and Computing, Engineering and Media. DMU is committed to social justice and sustainability, recognised as a Sustainable Development Hub focusing on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 16 on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

Things to Know about De Montfort University, UK

• Founded in 1870 as Leicester School of Art, reflecting the region’s historic strengths in creative industries and design.
• It expanded through the late 19th and 20th centuries, merging with Leicester Technical School to serve the needs of a growing industrial city - including leaders in textiles, engineering, furniture making, and printing.
• Evolved into Leicester Colleges of Art and Technology, then officially designated as the City of Leicester Polytechnic in 1969.
• Among the first in the UK to introduce innovative computing courses in the 1960s, with a legacy of early leadership in both technical and creative disciplines.
• Women and a diverse student body were welcomed from the university’s early days, signalling its commitment to social mobility and broad access to education.
• Gained university status in 1992, formally adopting the name De Montfort University to honour Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester, founder of the English Parliament in 1265.
• Reached a peak in the 1990s as a multi-campus university, operating sites in Leicester, Bedford, Lincoln, and Milton Keynes. Since 2000, the Leicester city campus has become its core, blending historic and modern facilities.
• Now serves more than 27,000 students from the UK and worldwide, with a strong international community and a reputation for industry partnerships, employability, and social justice initiatives.

 

De Montfort University Programmes

De Montfort University (DMU) offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across faculties, including Business and Law, Art, Design and Humanities, Health and Life Sciences, Computing, Engineering, and Media. The curriculum is designed in consultation with industry partners to ensure alignment with current professional standards and requirements. Students benefit from modern facilities and teaching methods that prioritise hands-on experience and career development.

DMU provides over 300 full-time courses, many of which offer integrated placements, work experience, or ‘sandwich’ years. Popular areas of study include business management, marketing, law, engineering, computer science, creative arts, architecture, nursing, pharmacy, psychology, and media production. Courses promote both academic rigour and the development of technical, innovative, and transferable skills essential in a rapidly changing global job market.

 

De Montfort University Scholarships

DMU supports students through a variety of scholarships, bursaries, and grants designed for both home and international students. Awards recognise academic achievement, encourage excellence in specific subject areas, and offer financial assistance based on merit or need. Scholarships for international students are competitive and can be applied for directly at the time of application.

 

De Montfort University Admissions 2025

DMU welcomes applications from students worldwide to its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for the 2025 intake. The admissions process considers academic history, English language proficiency, personal statements, and supporting documents. International applicants have access to specialist support throughout the application, visa, and arrival processes.

Admission Deadlines 2025

 

Admission Requirements for International Students

• Undergraduate: Completion of 12th standard or equivalent (typically 65–70% for Indian boards), comparable to UK A-levels.
• Postgraduate: Relevant Bachelor’s degree (minimum 55–60% for Indian applicants) or UK 2:2 equivalent.
• English language proficiency: IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no sub-test below 5.5/6.0), TOEFL, PTE, or approved equivalent.
• Supporting documents: Personal statement, academic transcripts, references, copy of passport.
• Course-specific: Some programmes may require a portfolio, interview, or work experience.

 

Eligibility Criteria To Study At De Montfort University

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Postgraduate Admission Requirements

 

De Montfort University Fees

 

De Montfort University Placements

• Student Opportunities Hub

De Montfort University (DMU) offers a dedicated careers service called DMU Works, which supports students in finding part-time jobs, internships, and paid placements both on campus and with external employers locally, nationally, and internationally. This service operates year-round and covers a broad spectrum of sectors such as business, healthcare, engineering, media, and creative industries. DMU Works provides digital tools, including LinkedIn Learning, CV feedback, and interview practice to help students balance work experience with their studies.

 

• Paid Internships & Placement Programmes

DMU offers several paid internship schemes for students and recent graduates, including programmes such as ACE, Graduate Champions, and Frontrunners. These offer flexible opportunities that integrate with academic schedules, allowing students to gain valuable work experience. Many degree programmes include either optional or compulsory placement years, typically between the second and final year, enabling students to apply academic knowledge in real-world environments while earning a salary.
 

• Work-Based Learning in Degree Programmes

Placement opportunities are embedded in the curriculum of many courses, often involving full-time paid work lasting up to 12 months. Students receive tailored support from the university’s dedicated placement teams across faculties such as Arts, Design and Humanities; Business and Law; Computing, Engineering and Media; and Health and Life Sciences. These teams liaise with employers and help arrange work placements aligned with students’ career goals.

 

• Diverse Industry Connections

DMU maintains strong partnerships with a wide range of employers including NHS, Amazon, Deloitte, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), IBM, HSBC, Next, Siemens, and Bosch. These partnerships ensure students have access to relevant and high-quality placement opportunities. The university is recognised for bridging academic skills and employer expectations, making its graduates highly employable.

 

• Career Support Services

DMU Works offers comprehensive career guidance, including CV workshops, mock interviews, employer networking events, and recruitment fairs, culminating in a major annual Careers Fair that attracts hundreds of employers and over 2,000 students. Students receive ongoing one-on-one career coaching and access to mentoring schemes from companies such as Intel, Matalan, and McAfee.

 

• Flexible Work Options & Visa Support

International students on a UK Student Visa are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations, subject to immigration rules. DMU provides dedicated visa advice and employment guidance to ensure students can gain work experience legally and effectively.

 

• Real-World Impact

Placements at DMU often involve projects that contribute to community development, business growth, and innovation. Students develop essential skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, which greatly enhances their employability upon graduation.

 

De Montfort University Rankings 2025-26

De Montfort University (DMU) is recognised globally and continues to improve its standing in various university rankings, reflecting its focus on academic quality, research impact, and student experience. Here is an overview of DMU’s rankings for 2025-26:

 

Top Employers Hiring DMU Graduates

 

De Montfort University Campus Life

• Vibrant and Inclusive Student Community

DMU hosts over 27,000 students from more than 100 countries, creating a lively and multicultural environment. The De Montfort Students’ Union (DSU) plays a pivotal role in campus life, offering more than 200 clubs, societies, and volunteering opportunities. These range from sports and arts to cultural exchange groups and academic associations, fostering a strong sense of belonging and community.

 

• Blend of Historic and Contemporary Facilities

The university campus combines Leicester’s historic architecture, such as the Grade II-listed former Christie Hall, with modern teaching, social, and research facilities, including the Queen's Building for Engineering and Computing and the Vijay Patel Building for Computing and Informatics. Recent investments have enhanced learning spaces and student amenities, such as new study hubs, cafes, and accessible social areas, creating an environment conducive to academic success and collaboration.

 

• Extensive Resources and Support Services

Students benefit from cutting-edge libraries equipped with over 600,000 physical and digital resources, specialist IT suites, and 24/7 campus-wide Wi-Fi. DMU provides comprehensive support services including counselling, mental health support, disability services, and international student guidance. The Careers and Employability team offers workshops, career coaching, job fairs, and placement assistance that help students prepare for their professional futures.

 

• Campus Location and Social Life

Located just a short walk from Leicester city centre, DMU provides students with easy access to a vibrant city renowned for its cultural diversity, theatres, music venues, shopping, and nightlife. Leicester offers excellent public transport, allowing students to explore the wider East Midlands region. The university itself provides numerous social events throughout the year, including freshers’ week, cultural festivals, and academic seminars.

 

• Commitment to Sustainability and Social Responsibility

DMU is committed to integrating sustainability and social justice into its campus development and operations. Recent projects include energy-efficient building refurbishments, waste reduction initiatives, and partnerships focused on community engagement and environmental stewardship.

 

De Montfort University Student Life

Student life at DMU extends beyond academics to include personal growth, cultural exploration, and real-world experience. Leicester’s affordability and diverse population make it one of the UK’s most welcoming student cities. Students can enjoy a range of cultural festivals, cuisine from around the world, local markets, and green spaces.

The university supports a global network of students, enabling international friendships and cultural exchange. DSU coordinates peer mentoring, language exchange programmes, and opportunities to volunteer locally, helping students integrate fully into campus and city life.

DMU’s strong links with local businesses, charities, and public organisations provide excellent part-time job and internship opportunities in retail, hospitality, media, and technology sectors. Students balance academic work with valuable employment experiences that boost their career readiness. Leicester’s central location also provides easy access to major UK cities and countryside for travel and leisure.