Leeds Beckett University is a technical university in the northern English city of Leeds.
The university’s heritage stretches back to 1824, when the Leeds Mechanic Institute was created. The Institute played a valuable role in educating the pioneers of the industrial powerhouse that was 19th century Leeds.
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Gradually, more technical schools opened in the city. Several combined to form Leeds Polytechnic in 1970, which later gained the right to award degrees and became Leeds Metropolitan University. In 2014, the university changed its name to Leeds Beckett. It is named after one of the university's founding colleges, Beckett Park.
What started as a technical college now offers a broad range of subjects, encompassing arts and humanities as well as science and technology. The university retains its strength in technical fields, with three prominent research institutes for sport, sustainability and health. Leeds Beckett is a member of the Athena SWANN charter, which commits to gender equality in science and technology subjects.
The university offers a short course in English over the summer for any international students wishing to polish their language students before embarking on studies.
Leeds Beckett’s student union is a hub of societies, sports teams and volunteering opportunities. Students can join clubs which range from football to ethical hacking; from Harry Potter to Yoga. The union is also a popular music venue where big names from the UK and beyond play each week.
Leeds is an exciting, vibrant city. It has four universities, making for a major student population. In recent years it has been the focus of major redevelopment, and now the city’s industrial past mingles with modern shopping centres and art galleries.
