Located in Leicester, England, the centenary de Montfort University (DMU), formerly known as Leicester School of Art, has been in operation since 1870 and currently focuses on four areas of education, totaling 400 courses in: Business and Law; Health and Life Sciences; Art, Design and Humanities; and Technology.
The tradition, associated with the university's constant renewal, has guaranteed it a Gold category award for teaching excellence in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) and international recognition in the course of Contour Fashion, the oldest in the world, with 70 years of operation. Students in this course have already had the opportunity to work with big names in fashion, such as Calvin Klein, ASOS, H&M, as well as creating their own brands after graduation. DMU alumni have had their creations worn by celebrities like Beyoncé, Rita Ora and Paloma Faith.
Fashion student sews clothes at university. Photo: Publicity/De Montfort University
Encouraging cultural diversity, the institution welcomes international students from over 120 countries, including Brazil. According to Katy Fair, responsible for the international recruitment office at DMU, the university hopes to receive more and more Brazilian students as a way of expanding the South American community among its students and maintaining itself as a genuinely international institution.
Recently, the Brazilian Ayanda Dantas returned to the DMU to expand her knowledge with a master's degree in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, one of the most sought after courses by Brazilians, according to Fair explains. In 2014, through Science Without Borders, Ayanda took an extension course at the university, when she was still a Pharmacy student in Brazil. Now, she has decided to do her Masters in the UK to increase her knowledge in the field and international experience. “And there is more equipment and structure here than at the university in my hometown,” he explains in an interview with DMU.
The student also claims that the university campus is close to the center of Leicester. "It's a wonderful city, in the middle of England and close to everything."
During her first trip to university, Ayanda collaborated on research on the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of synthetic products with Dr. Ketan Ruparelia, which could be used for cancer therapies. The master's student intends to return to Brazil after completing her studies to participate in research related to Zika and other viruses.
Students tour the university's facilities. Photo: Publicity/De Montfort University
Also as an incentive to welcome international students, the university offers the DMUGlobal program, which seeks to “enrich studies, expand cultural horizons and develop key skills valued by employers,” says Fair. The program includes opportunities such as academic trips, summer schools, volunteering and internships.
“On our last DMUGlobal trip, we took 1,000 students to New York, focusing on areas ranging from architecture, on iconic buildings in the city, to finance, on Wall Street,” says the recruiter.
The university is interested not only in multiculturalism but also in social inclusion. Therefore, it offers an exclusive scholarship to LGBTQs interested in taking a postgraduate course, covering not only the total cost of the course but also helping with housing and other costs. “This scholarship allows international students to be welcomed into an inclusive environment where they can inspire others and advance LGBTQ rights around the world. De Montfort prides itself on its diversity of staff and students by focusing on multiculturalism and inclusion,” says Fair.
Technology student. Photo: Publicity/De Montfort University
What to do to study at DMU
The university seeks enthusiastic international students who are dedicated to learning and passionate about their subject of study, as well as those who want to live new experiences and expand both academic and non-academic careers.
“When someone applies for a course at DMU, we look at their application as a whole, so keep that in mind when writing your personal statement. Talk about your career aspirations, how the course at DMU can help you achieve this, share your passion for the topic. We don't expect you to know everything about the course you've chosen, but we hope to find someone passionate about the subject”, explains the recruiter.
She also says that it is important to research everything about the course you want and the opportunities related to it, including those available at DMUGlobal. “Read the contents of each module to find out which ones interest you and also to find out how you can use them to make your training in the subject irresistible. Be prepared, open-minded and willing to seize opportunities, as De Montfort prides itself on providing students with much more than just a degree.”
O loveUK, as a free advising, reviews all candidate documents to maximize the chances of being approved. If you are interested in becoming part of the DMU student body, contact us so that we can help you make that dream a reality.
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