De Montfort University Review: A Comprehensive Guide
De Montfort University (DMU) in Leicester has built a strong reputation for its practical approach to learning and its diverse, supportive community. With a student population of around 25,000 from more than 130 countries, DMU is a popular choice for those seeking a university experience that prepares them for life after graduation.
De Montfort University Summary
- City: Leicester
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Graduate Employment Rate：
97% students are employed within 6 months of graduation.
Table of Contents
De Montfort University Overview
De Montfort University (DMU) is a public university based in Leicester, England. It has a diverse and inclusive student body, with around 25,000 students from over 130 countries. The university is well-regarded for its practical and career-focused courses across a wide range of subjects, including arts, business, engineering, computing, and health and life sciences.
In recent years, DMU has invested heavily in its facilities. Its modern campus in the heart of Leicester includes up-to-date teaching spaces, a dedicated student union building, and excellent sports facilities. The university also has strong links with industry, providing students with valuable work placements and real-world projects. DMU has a good reputation for research, especially in health, engineering, and design.
Leicester itself is a lively, multicultural city that offers plenty for students to do and explore. It has a vibrant cultural scene, affordable living costs, and strong transport connections.
De Montfort University Rankings 2026
De Montfort University (DMU) has demonstrated notable progress in global and national rankings, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence, research, and student satisfaction.
Global Rankings
- QS World University Rankings 2026: DMU ranks among the 801–850th in 2026 rankings.
- Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025: The university is placed in the 601–800 bracket, maintaining its position from previous years.
UK Rankings
- Complete University Guide 2026: DMU is ranked 120th in the UK.
De Montfort University Entry Deadline
| Date | What Happens |
| 13 May 2025 | Applications open. Students can start filling in their UCAS forms. |
| 2 Sep 2025 | Students can start submitting completed applications to UCAS. |
| 15 Oct 2025 (6pm) | Deadline for Oxford, Cambridge, and most medicine, dentistry, vet courses. |
| 14 Jan 2026 (6pm) | Main deadline for most undergraduate courses. |
| 26 Feb 2026 | UCAS Extra opens. Students with no offers can apply for more courses. |
| 30 Jun 2026 (6pm) | Last date to apply before Clearing. After this, applications go to Clearing. |
| 5 Jul 2026 | Clearing opens. Students can view and apply to available places. |
| 24 Sep 2026 | Final deadline to apply for 2026 entry. |
| 19 Oct 2026 | Last date to add a Clearing choice. |
De Montfort University Entry Requirements
Undergraduate Academic Qualifications
- A-levels: Typically, 104–136 UCAS points from a minimum of two A-levels, depending on the course.
- International Baccalaureate (IB): 24–32 points, subject to course-specific requirements.
- Foundation Courses: Completion of a recognised foundation programme may be accepted.
English Language Proficiency
- Art, Design, Business, Computing, and Engineering: IELTS 6.0 overall.
- Law: IELTS 6.5 overall.
- Humanities and Media: IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall.
- Science: IELTS 6.5–7.5 overall.
De Montfort University Fees
Annual Fees by Subject Area:
- Art, Design and Humanities: £16,250
- Business and Law: £16,250
- Computing, Engineering and Media: £16,750
- Health and Life Sciences: £16,750
- Nursing with NMC registration: £17,250
Fee Categories Explained:
- Band 1 (Classroom-based): £16,250 – mostly lecture and seminar-based courses
- Band 2 (Laboratory-based): £16,750 – courses requiring lab work and specialised equipment
- Clinical: £17,250 – only applies to the Nursing programme with professional registration
De Montfort University Scholarships
The university offers various scholarships for international students, such as:
- Global Access Scholarship
- Global Partnerships Scholarship
- Leicester Postgraduate Partnerships
De Montfort University Facilities
The QEII Leisure Centre is where you’ll spend way more time than planned once you discover it. This isn’t some basic university gym – it’s a proper leisure center with facilities that rival expensive private clubs.
The 25-metre swimming pool is perfect whether you’re doing serious training or just messing about after a stressful week. The climbing wall attracts both beginners and experienced climbers, and it’s a great way to meet people outside your course. The eight-court sports hall handles everything from badminton to basketball, with regular student tournaments and casual games happening.
The fitness suite has all the equipment you’d expect, plus personal training options if you want professional guidance. The dance studio runs classes for all levels – from complete beginners to advanced dancers. Fitness classes cover everything imaginable, so you’ll find something that works for your schedule and interests.
De Montfort University Notable Alumni
De Montfort University has produced several distinguished alumni who have excelled in various fields.
- Louis de Bernières – Award-winning author, best known for his novel Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.
- Sophie Walker – Former leader of the Women’s Equality Party.
- Malcolm Bradbury – Novelist, academic, and critic, known for The History Man.
- Tommy Sandhu – Radio DJ and TV presenter.
- Laura Coleman – Miss England 2008 and media professional.
- Katie Brennan – England women’s rugby player.
Experience the City of Leicester as a Student
Leicester works brilliantly as a student city. Everything you need is within walking distance of campus, but the city has enough going on that you won’t get bored. The Cultural Quarter becomes your second home – galleries, theaters, and cafes where you’ll end up studying more than you planned.
Food scene is incredibly diverse. You’ve got everything from proper British pubs to authentic cuisine from across the globe. The local markets are perfect for grabbing lunch between lectures, and there are plenty of late-night spots for those post-library sessions.
Nightlife covers all bases. Revolution and Atik handle your standard club nights, while places like The Cookie offer live music and alternative vibes. Student nights happen throughout the week, so there’s always somewhere to blow off steam after exams.
What makes Leicester special is its authenticity. It’s not a manufactured student town – it’s a real city with real people where students are part of the community. You get the full university experience without feeling isolated from actual life. You’ll graduate knowing you lived somewhere that prepared you for the real world, not just academia.
How much does it cost to live in Leicester as a Student
Accommodation
You’re looking at around £300-450 per month for a decent shared house. Areas like Clarendon Park, Stoneygate, or near the universities are popular with students. University halls cost about £400-600 per month depending on what you want.
Food and Groceries
Food shopping is reasonable. You’ll spend roughly £30-40 per week at supermarkets like Tesco or Sainsbury’s if you cook most meals. Eating out occasionally won’t break you either – a proper meal at a decent restaurant costs £8-15, and takeaways are usually under £10.
Transport
Transport costs depend on how much you use it. A monthly bus pass costs around £50, but honestly, most students walk everywhere or cycle. If you need to get home for holidays, Leicester’s train connections to major cities are solid but not cheap.
Other Expenses
Nights out vary massively. Student nights at clubs charge £3-8 entry, and drinks are heavily discounted. A typical night might cost £20-30 total. Cinema tickets are about £6-8 with student discount, and most entertainment venues offer student deals.
Total Estimated Monthly Budget:
Realistically, expect to spend £800-1200 per month total, depending on your lifestyle. Leicester lets you live comfortably without constantly worrying about money, which is exactly what you need as a student.
Opportunities in Leicester as an International Student
Work opportunities are solid if you can legally work in the UK. Retail jobs are everywhere – Highcross shopping centre, local businesses, and restaurants constantly hire students. The university itself offers campus jobs that understand your study schedule. Many international students work in hospitality since Leicester has a decent tourism scene with the cathedral and King Richard III connections.
Networking happens naturally here. Leicester’s business community isn’t intimidating like London’s – it’s accessible. Local professional meetups, chamber of commerce events, and business networking groups actually welcome students. The universities run proper careers fairs where local employers actively recruit international talent.
Your cultural background becomes an asset in Leicester’s diverse economy. Companies value international perspectives, especially in sectors like healthcare, education, and business services where Leicester has strong job markets. The city’s location gives you easy access to Birmingham, Nottingham, and London for internships and career opportunities.
Language exchange programmes are active, and volunteering opportunities let you build UK work experience while helping the community. Organisations like the Leicester Multicultural Advisory Group and various cultural centers offer leadership roles that look great on your CV.
De Montfort University Contact Information
- Official website: https://www.dmu.ac.uk/home.aspx
- Address: Gateway House, Leicester LE1 9BH, United Kingdom
- General information for international students: +44 116 255 1551
