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Fall Semester: September 29, 2008 -January 16, 2008
Spring Semester: January 12 - June 26, 2009
The University of Leicester is located in the heart of England, only 75 minutes north of London by train. Set in an elevated position, the university campus overlooks Leicester city centre. A number of university buildings offer panoramic views of the city and surrounding area. Victoria Park, once the city's racecourse, borders the campus and is a popular venue for sport and relaxation.
The University of Leicester was founded in 1921 and was granted its Royal Charter in 1957. The site for the University was given by a local textile manufacturer, Thomas Fielding Johnson, in order to create a living memorial for those who gave their lives in the First World War. This is reflected in the University motto 'Ut Vitam Habeant' - so that they may have life. Students on direct exchange are administered by the Study Abroad Office while at the University.
The university has an excellent library where you can find the books for your courses as well as research materials.
The International Student Association at Leicester plans trips throughout England and the UK nearly every weekend. These reasonably priced trips are a great way to see the country and meet other international students.
Leicester is a lively city that shows the spirit of the new, multi-cultural Britain. The city is bisected by a river and canals and offers excellent shopping, theaters and nightlife. The city has an excellent bus system so you will have no problems getting around. From Leicester it is easy to travel throughout England and the UK by rail or bus.
The British Council offers information about studying and living in Britain on their easy to navigate website- check it out for lots of up to date info.
Courses
Students can choose from a wide range of courses offered from over 25 departments. Departments that offer classes to exchange students include:
For a full listing of courses click here and for registration information click here.
The Study Abroad Office at Leicester University will advise students regarding course selection.
Fall Semester
The 11-week teaching period for the First Semester runs throughout the autumn term, from September to December. Students take 60 credit units (approx. 15 US credits) a semester. Since the assessment period is after the Christmas vacation, students taking the First Semester are not required to return to Leicester to sit examinations but are assessed solely on the basis of performance throughout the semester; following consultation with the relevant tutors, students may be given extra written assignments in some or all of their modules.
Spring Semester
The Second Semester teaching period extends from January to May: 9 weeks of the spring term and 2 weeks of the summer term, with the 5-week Easter vacation in between. Students take 60 credit units (approx. 15 US credits) a semester. Students taking the Second Semester are not normally required to sit examinations but are assessed solely on the basis of performance throughout the semester; following consultation with the relevant tutors, students may be given extra written assignments in some or all of their modules.
Teaching Style
Courses at Leicester have both lecture and tutorial components. Lectures meet twice a week and are similar to lecture classes in the US. The professor lectures on the topic to the class and there is usually no discussion. For each class you will also meet in a tutorial, usually one time a week. The tutorials are small groups of generally less than 10 students led by the professor or a teaching assistant. In the tutorials you are expected to participate in discussion of the lecture topics. You may also have small assignments or projects for the tutorial. You may find that there is more emphasis on independent learning in the UK than at a US university. You will not be given a list of specific readings, rather you are expect to read the relevant information from a variety of books suggested by the professor. Assignments may also be very broad, allowing you to pick your own area of interest to write on.
Students have two housing options in Leicester; residence halls with breakfast and dinner provided or self-catering accommodation.
In catered residence halls students usually have their own rooms, although there may be some doubles. Bathrooms are shared by small groups of rooms. Internet is available in every room but students must supply their own computers. The halls have common rooms and study lounges where you can relax and meet other students. The halls often arrange social events like welcome dinners and holiday balls. Some halls even have a Thanksgiving dinner for American students. Living in a catered hall is a great way to meet British students.
More information is available from the University of Leicester.
This program is open to Mason students ONLY. Students must be at least a second semester sophomore by the time of departure and have a minimum 2.5 GPA. Students should not study abroad the last semester of their senior year if they plan to graduate on time.
Paid to Mason:
Paid to the University of Leicester:
Not included:
If a student applies and is accepted into the direct exchange program and then drops out of the program, they are still responsible for paying the $300 administrative fee to CGE.
Fall Semester 2008: March 1, 2008.
Spring Semester 2009: October 1, 2008.
Apply early to secure your spot!
International university deadlines may vary. Please be in contact with the program officer for regular updates.
To apply, first, consult the How to Apply section and then complete the online application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please contact the program officer for further application instructions.
For more information, please attend a study abroad info session.
Program Officer: Erin Mateu