Study Abroad Website
University and Location
Founded in 1904 but with origins dating back to the founding of the Leeds School of Medicine in 1834, the University of Leeds today is among the top ten universities for research in the UK. The university is internationally acknowledged as a center of excellence in a wide range of academic and professional disciplines. With a student population of over 30,000 from more than 130 countries, Leeds boasts over 225 student clubs and societies. The university is located on a single campus within a ten minute walk to Leeds city center. Located 2 hours north of London in the historic county of Yorkshire, Leeds is an important cultural and financial center. The city is home to an impressive array of museums, theater and culture, including the Leeds City Museum and the Royal Armouries. Located near three national parks and with more urban parkland than any other European city, Leeds offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Available Fields of Study
Leeds offers an extensive array of academic programs including Business, Communication, Design, Electronic Arts, English, Engineering (civil, computer, electrical, mechanical, process, environmental & materials), Foreign Languages, Music, Psychology, Science.
Program Dates
Fall: Mid-September-late January*
Spring: Mid-January-early June
*Note that many final exams take place after the December holidays. Exchange students are expected to remain in Leeds for regularly scheduled exams unless there is an overlap with the start of the Rensselaer spring semester. In that case, students must make arrangements to take any remaining exams once back at Rensselaer.
Course Selection
Courses at Leeds are referred to as modules. Students will register for modules on-line during the application process. Students should refer to the detailed information concerning
module selection for exchange students. Many classes at Leeds are full-year classes, and semester exchange students may not register for these. Students may not select modules from more than four teaching schools. You may also refer to the online
Transfer Course Guide to see if any courses you are interested in taking have already been evaluated and approved. Keep in mind that course approval does not guarantee that the course will be offered during your semester abroad.
Courseload
One Leeds credit is roughly the equivalent of .25 of a Rensselaer credit. Exchange students are expected to enroll in 60 Leeds credit per semester, or the equivalent of 15-16 Rensselaer credits. Most Leeds semester classes are worth 10 Leeds credits, meaning that students must enroll in six courses. Classes may consist of lectures and small group tutorials or labs.
Grading and Academic Evaluation
Grades are based on a numerical scale of 0-100. Students must achieve a minimum grade of 40, or the equivalent of a C-, in order to obtain Rensselaer credit. Classes may not be taken on a pass/fail basis. Students should be aware that in the British university system it is not uncommon for the final grade to be based solely on the results of one exam, that students are expected to work independently outside of the classroom and that grade inflation is not the norm.
Accommodation and Meals
University housing is guaranteed to all exchange students. Students will be required to complete a housing application upon acceptance. Detailed information about Leeds housing options, including cost, is available on the
Leeds Preparation and Arrival web pages.
Estimated Expenses and Cost of Living
Students pay regular Rensselaer tuition while on exchange at Leeds in addition to airfare, accommodation and other living expenses. Students should expect to spend approximately $1500 per month for housing, meals, local travel and other basic living expenses. These estimates do not include recreational travel. Detailed
cost information is available at the Leeds website.
If you have additional questions, please contact
Karen Dvorak.