The University of Leeds

The University of Leeds is one of the UK’s largest institutions, home to more than 38,000 students representing over 170 nationalities.

As a proud member of the Russell Group, Leeds is consistently ranked among the world’s leading universities, placing in the top 100 in the QS World University Rankings 2021. Recognized as one of the 35 most international universities worldwide by Times Higher Education in 2020, Leeds has been welcoming international students for over a century.

Leeds is also highly regarded by employers, ranking as one of the Top 5 most targeted UK universities by graduate recruiters (High Fliers Research, 2021). The university offers extensive opportunities such as work placements, live projects, and fieldwork, helping students gain valuable experience and enhance their employability.

The city of Leeds is a vibrant, multicultural hub in the heart of the UK. The campus is just a 10-minute walk from the city centre, with excellent connections by road, rail, and air. As the UK’s third-largest and fastest-growing city, Leeds combines a thriving urban environment with easy access to scenic countryside. It is also the second-largest business centre after London, making it one of the country’s most popular destinations for students.

Leeds offers an excellent quality of student life, with accommodation ranging from modern apartments to historic buildings, both on and off campus. International students who apply before the deadline are guaranteed university housing, with options for both catered and self-catered living.

The university continues to invest millions annually in its facilities, ensuring a world-class learning environment. From cutting-edge laboratories and modern lecture theatres to one of the UK’s largest libraries, students benefit from outstanding resources. The Edge, Leeds’ premier sports and well-being centre, features an eight-lane 25m swimming pool and one of the country’s biggest university fitness suites.

Leeds University Union, regularly recognized as one of the UK’s best, offers over 300 student-led clubs and societies. This dynamic community ensures that every student can find opportunities to pursue their passions and make the most of university life.

PGS students will receive BA in International Relations or BSc in Social Policy, Sociology and Crime or BA in Sociology from the University of Leeds as a result of our dual-degree collaboration.

Highlights

• Founded in 1904, the University of Leeds is a top Russell Group institution ranked 86th in QS World University Rankings 2026, 123rd in THE 2025, and top 10 in the UK for research power (REF 2021). It has also received the Queen’s Anniversary Prize three times.

• There are three distinct majors to select from: 1) International Relations 2) Social Policy, Sociology and Crime and 3) Social Policy, Sociology and Crime .

• Offers one of the widest course selections in the UK, from foundation programs to PhDs. Leeds excels in business, engineering, food science, media, social policy, and design.

• Over 12,000 international students enrolled; strong support services include personal tutors, counseling, disability services, and global community programs. 92–97% satisfaction in international student surveys.

• Campus features four major libraries, modern labs, The Edge sports complex with an Olympic pool, and a professional performance venue stage@leeds.

• The award-winning Leeds University Union runs 300+ clubs and societies, ensuring a vibrant social scene in one of the UK’s most popular student cities.

• Situated just a mile from Leeds city center, with direct train links to London (~2 hours) and access to two international airports.

• Semester 1

  • Politics and Government of Thailand

  • Development of the International System

  • Social Theory and Design Thinking

  • Media and Political Imagination

  • Reading Fundamentals for Politics and Global Studies

  • General Education: Foreign Language (Please see this link for Gen-Ed courses offered this year.)

• • Semester 2

    • Public Policy

    • Leadership and Strategic Management

    • Foreign Policy Analysis

    • Urbanization and Migration

    • Advanced Academic English for Politics and Global Studies

    • General Education: Foreign Language (Please see this link for Gen-Ed courses offered this year.)

• Semester 1

  • Administration and Society

  • Global Political Economy

  • Writing Academic and Professional English on Politics and Global Studies

  • Select 1 Major Elective Course:

    1. Internship (Student completes their internship prior to the beginning of this semester)

    2. Seminar in Current Issues

    3. International Development Studies

    4. Peace and Conflict Transformation

    5. Environmental and Energy Politics

• • Semester 2 

    • Senior Project for Society

    • Cross-Cultural Management 

    • Select 1 Major Elective Course:

      1. Security and World Politics

      2. US Politics

      3. East Asia Politics and Society

    • Free Elective