De Montfort University (DMU)

About DMU

DMU is a public university located in Leicester, England, originally founded in 1870 (as Leicester School of Art) and attaining university status in 1992.

It offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and foundation programmes, and emphasises employability, industry links and internationalisation.

The university has several faculties, for example: Arts, Design & Humanities; Business & Law; Health & Life Sciences; Computing, Engineering & Media.

Why choose DMU?

Here are some key reasons (especially for international students) why DMU may be a good choice:

• International community: DMU states that thousands of international students from 130+ countries study there every year.

• Strong focus on employability and industry-relevant programmes. DMU mentions that many courses include placement years and links with professional accreditation.

• “Block teaching” approach: DMU advertises that you focus on one module/subject at a time, rather than many simultaneous, which might help study-life balance.

• Modern campus location in Leicester: central, accessible, and the city is affordable compared to some UK cities.

• Scholarships & support: DMU offers dedicated scholarships for international students which helps manage cost. (See later section)

University ranking & recognition

Here’s a summary of how DMU appears in rankings and official quality metrics (for context):

• DMU achieved Gold in the UK Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) – meaning the highest standard of teaching, learning and outcomes according to UK Government assessment.

• According to specialist guides: DMU is placed in the band 801-1000 in QS World University Rankings (2022) and 601-800 in Times Higher Education global rankings (2022).

• On more UK-specific league tables, the university is ranked roughly around 100-120 region (depending on subject and year).

• While the global ranking is modest, DMU’s strengths are in teaching, employability, accreditation, industry linkage rather than high-end research output.

Campus locations & student experience

• The main campus is in Leicester, England – centrally located in the city, near Leicester Castle and city centre amenities.

• The campus has undergone major investment (for example new buildings, modern facilities) and is described as a “campus of the future” with creative and tech-enabled spaces.

• For international students, having a university in a city like Leicester means access to UK culture, transport links, accommodation and student services. DMU emphasises being a campus-based university in a city environment.

• Accommodation, city life, student union, clubs and diverse student body are mentioned in DMU’s materials for international students.

Types of courses & study levels

DMU offers a broad range of study levels:

• Undergraduate (Bachelor’s, Honours degrees) in many subject areas (business, computing, arts, engineering, design, humanities).

• Postgraduate taught (Master’s) and research degrees. Many programmes emphasise professional accreditation or placement/internship components.

• Foundation years / international pathways / distance / part-time: DMU mentions foundation courses, distance learning options and pathways for international students.

Mode of learning (on-campus / e-learning / blended)

• DMU is primarily a campus-based university, i.e., on-site teaching in Leicester. International student material emphasises “campus-based university in the city centre”.

• Blended and distance learning: DMU offers some flexible delivery, possibly part-time or distance/online options (for example via “distance learning courses” mention).

• For full online programmes the information is less emphasised—but you will need to check individual course pages if you require 100% online learning.

Number of programmes offered

• According to one information source, DMU offers “more than 300” courses at foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

• Another source states “500+ degree programmes” including undergraduate and postgraduate.

• So you can assume a large and diverse programme catalogue (hundreds) across disciplines, giving international students many choices.

Highlights & strengths

• DMU’s Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework indicates a strong focus on teaching quality, student outcomes and learning experience.

• Strong career/employability orientation: DMU promotes placements, internships, industry links and professional accreditation in many courses.

• Internationalised campus: Students from 130+ countries; friendly to international student needs (visa support, student services).

• Modern campus investments: New buildings, up-to-date facilities especially for design, engineering, media.

• Unique teaching approach (block teaching) which may reduce assessment overload and improve learning experience.

Practical checklist for international applicants

Here’s what you should do next:

1. Narrow down your subject(s) of interest (e.g., computing, design, business) using DMU’s course finder and check which level (undergraduate/postgraduate) suits you.

2. Check the entry requirements for your country (qualifications, English language, any portfolio if needed).

3. Review the fees + scholarships carefully: look at the Global Access and other schemes, and ensure you meet deposit deadlines for eligibility.

4. Check mode of study for your chosen course: whether on-campus, part-time or any online/blended options.

5. Verify accommodation, visa support and international student services (DMU has dedicated international office).

6. Attend a virtual open day or contact DMU’s international admissions team to ask any specific questions (for your country, for scholarship eligibility, for placement year).

7. Submit your application early (to meet scholarship deadlines) and prepare your finances (tuition + living in Leicester).

Scholarship

DMU publishes a number of scholarships and discounts for overseas students. Key ones include:

• Global Access Scholarship (2025/26 entry)
  For full-time undergraduate and postgraduate taught degrees, starting Sept 2025 or Jan 2026.

  • Undergraduates: automatic if you meet criteria & pay deposit in time. Eg: Level 4, 5 or 6 entries get a fee reduction.

  • Postgraduates: different amounts depending on subject area (e.g., Business & Law, Computing/Engineering & Media, Health & Life Sciences).

  • Example values: UG £2,000 off; PG £2,000-£3,000 off depending on subject.

  • Additional early full-fee payment discount: e.g., £500 extra if you pay full tuition before deposit deadline (for UG) in addition to Global Access.

• Global Partnerships Scholarship (2025/26 entry)
  For international students who are originating from or currently studying at one of DMU’s global academic partner institutions (for undergraduate entry).

  • Awards include: 1 full scholarship (i.e., full tuition) + 8 awards of £8,000 for single year of study (UG).

  • Requires a written submission as part of the application.

• Other international-student awards

  • The “International Scholarship” / “International Scholarship Award” (earlier years) offering fee reductions for international students.

  • Full-fee payment discount: If you pay full tuition (or full first-year fees) by a certain early deadline you may get an additional discount (for first year) in addition to other scholarships.

  • Postgraduate Alumni Discount: If you are a DMU graduate pursuing certain postgraduate taught courses, you may get discount (for UK/EU students) — note: international fee status may differ.

Eligibility & Terms – what you must check

Here are the main rules and conditions you should be aware of:

• The scholarship (for international students) applies only to those who are assessed by DMU as having “overseas international student status” and paying the overseas/ international fee rate.

• Some types of courses are excluded: e.g., International Year Zero, International First Year, International Foundation, Incorporated Master’s programmes are not eligible for many of these discounts/scholarships.

• A student can only receive one DMU scholarship for their programme. If a student qualifies for multiple, DMU will award the one that is most beneficial.

• Scholarships are usually applied to tuition fee remissions/discounts, not cash payments. They reduce your tuition bill rather than provide extra funding for living costs.

• For many scholarships you must have an offer on a full-time course, accepted it, and paid your deposit by a specified deadline. For example the Global Access scholarship says “automatically awarded … should you pay the deposit fee before the deposit deadline.”

• Always check individual scholarship terms: some require you to maintain certain grades, or remain full-time, or not interrupt studies. For example a terms & conditions PDF mentions if you interrupt your studies prior to completion of first year, the award may be pro-rated.

• Some discounts or scholarships may only apply in the first year of study, especially for postgraduate taught or for students entering at advanced levels. Eg: the “International Scholarship award will only be awarded during the first year of study” for certain awards.

Example scholarship values (2025/26)

Here are some example amounts so you have a sense of what to expect:

• Global Access Scholarship:

  • Undergraduates: e.g., £2,000 off (Level 4, Level 5, Level 6) for first year or entire duration if entering Year 1.

  • Postgraduates: e.g., £2,000 for Art/Design/Humanities; £3,000 for Business & Law, Computing/Engineering & Media, Health & Life Sciences.

• Full-fee payment discount (UG): additional £500 if you pay full tuition early (first year) in addition to other scholarships.

• Global Partnerships Scholarship: full tuition for 1 award + £8,000 for 8 awards (for UG from eligible partner institutions).