University of Leeds

The University of Leeds, England, is one of the largest universities in the United Kingdom and the most popular by applicants, with 52,444 applicants in 2003 for 7,228 places (UCAS).

History

The various bodies that were to become the university were initially founded in the second half of the 19th century in response to the need to improve scientific education in the area, especially in the areas of cloth work and medicine. They also espoused a general principle found in the establishment of other academic bodies in northern cities at the time, namely to challenge the "exclusivity of the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, which served only the needs of the Anglican aristocracy and gentry." (Origins). These bodies were initially to become part of the federal Victoria University, but following the enthusiasm of the other member institutions - in Manchester and Liverpool - to break away and form their own city Universities, Leeds did the same. In 1904, King Edward VII granted the University of Leeds a charter as an independent body.

Related Topics:
19th century - Oxford - Cambridge - Victoria University - Manchester - Liverpool - King Edward VII

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In August 2001, the University merged with Bretton Hall College.

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