Further your education, fine-tune your CV and enhance your employability at one of these top postgraduate destinations near Leeds.
Whether you’re looking to dig deeper into your degree subject or study something completely different, a postgraduate course is a great way to enhance your learning and stand out from the crowd. Don’t want to travel too far afield? We’ve compiled a bumper list of the best universities for postgraduate study, all within reach of Leeds. Crack open your notepad and take a look at these first-class higher education institutions.
Quick picks: Which postgraduate university is best for…
University of Huddersfield
Credit: University of Huddersfield
The University of Huddersfield is a great choice for postgraduate study in Yorkshire. This is a university that prides itself on its teaching quality, ranking in the top three universities in England for the proportion of teaching staff who hold doctorates, higher degrees or teaching qualifications. What’s more, they’ve received the most National Teaching Fellowships of any UK university, picking up 22 awards since 2008. Their postgraduate courses are offered on a flexible basis, with campus and distance learning options available.
Research is high on the university’s agenda, with £157 million invested into elite-level research facilities in recent years. The annual Postgraduate Research Conference gives students a chance to present their research and see what their peers are doing, while making invaluable connections. Postgraduate students will have access to dedicated places to study, as well as their very own society where they can meet like-minded people. The best bit? 97.8% of postgraduate students go onto work or further study within 15 months of graduating.
Distance from Leeds: Around 20 minutes by train.
Postgrad population: Around 6,400.
Best for: Flexible study, teaching quality and career-focused courses.
Find it: University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD1 3DH.
University of Nottingham
Nottingham is one of the top cities in the UK for student life, making the University of Nottingham an ideal destination for postgraduate study. There are a wealth of courses on offer, from Accounting and Finance MSc through to Archaeological Science MRes. If you choose to study on campus, there’s plenty to keep you busy outside of study hours, with the sprawling University Park widely considered to be one of the largest and most attractive campuses in the country. If you’d prefer to study online, distance learning is available too.
The university is known for its pioneering research. It’s where the MRI scanner was invented, and also where you’ll find the world’s largest group of human rights scholars. What’s more, three of the university’s academics have received Nobel Prizes – in medicine, economics and chemistry respectively. It’s also a great choice for mature students, with 10% of the student population falling into this category, so if you’re 25 or over when you start your postgraduate course, you’ll get to join a dedicated network providing support and events.
Distance from Leeds: Around one hour 40 minutes by train.
Postgrad population: More than 9,000.
Best for: Research-led study, campus life and strong global reputation.
Find it: University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD.
University of York
Credit: Alex Holland
As one of the 24 Russell Group Universities, the University of York is one of the most prestigious places for postgraduate study in Yorkshire. Renowned for its research facilities, York was ranked joint 10th for research quality in The Times Higher Eduction’s ranking of the UK Research Excellence Framework. There’s a huge breadth of postgraduate-taught courses to choose from, ranging from Bioarcheology through to Women’s Studies, alongside a wide range of postgraduate research degrees if you prefer to direct your own learning.
The university houses a large number of world-renowned research institutes, centres and facilities, like the Humanities Research Centre, which provides a fantastic environment for dynamic and imaginative research. Enrol as a postgraduate student you’ll join Wentworth Graduate College – the university’s only purely postgraduate college, home to over 8,000 members. After you graduate you’ll join York for Life, a vast alumni network of over 130,000, giving you access to a tailored programme of events, opportunities and offers.
Distance from Leeds: Around 25 minutes by train.
Postgrad population: More than 8,000.
Best for: Research, Russell Group prestige and historic city living.
Find it: University of York, York, North Yorkshire, YO10 5DD.
University of Hull
Credit: University of Hull
If you want to further your studies in one of the most affordable cities in the UK, the University of Hull could be your ideal fit for postgraduate life. The city has a distinctive waterfront and is one of the cheapest places to live. It’s also one of the UK’s most cultural cities, offering plenty to do outside of your studies. When it comes to postgraduate subjects, there are over 50 taught courses and 30 research options to choose from, so you could dig into the likes of Artificial Intelligence & Data Science, Biomedical Engineering or Criminal Justice & Crime Control.
The university has undergone a £300 million project to dramatically improve buildings and facilities. A £28 million health campus is spearheaded by the Allam Medical Building, designed to inspire the next generation of healthcare heroes, and £9.5 million has been spent to transform Middleton Hall into one of the region’s best performance venues. There are plenty of ways to boost your employability while you study, with an award-winning team of Student Futures professionals on hand to support you every step of the way.
Distance from Leeds: Around one hour by train.
Postgrad population: More than 3,000.
Best for: Affordability, health subjects and a spacious campus feel.
Find it: University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, HU6 7RX.
The University of Sheffield
Credit: University of Sheffield
The University of Sheffield is a top class university in a vibrant, student-friendly city. The university is extremely well-respected, ranking as the top Russell Group for student experience in the Daily Mail University Guide 2024 and being named best university in Student Crowd’s University League Table. There are plenty of postgraduate courses to choose from, ranging from Aerospace Engineering MSc to the popular Master of Business Administration. With flexible study and distance learning available, you can progress your career as you work.
If you choose to live and study in Sheffield, you’ll enjoy a city with a wonderful community spirit and a relatively low cost of living. There’s also guaranteed accommodation for all of The University of Sheffield’s postgraduate students, should you need it. At the centre of student life you’ll find a buzzing Students’ Union, which has won Whatuni’s Student Choice Award for Best Students’ Union six years in a row. Home to over 400 societies and its very own bar for postgraduates, it’s a great place to socialise and meet likeminded individuals.
Distance from Leeds: Around 40 minutes by train.
Postgrad population: More than 8,000.
Best for: Russell Group calibre, student experience and access to green space.
Find it: The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S10 2TN.
The University of Manchester
Credit: The University of Manchester
With a rich heritage and remarkable reputation, The University of Manchester is one of the best places to study for your Master’s without travelling too far afield. The Russell Group University is ranked as the 6th best in the UK and the 38th best in the world according to the 2021 Academic Ranking of World Universities. Enrol on one of their many postgraduate courses and you’ll pick up sought-after skills and gain exposure to experiences that will set you apart in the competitive job market – while the name Manchester adds impressive weight to your degree.
The university has been achieving incredible things for over 180 years, from inventing the modern computer to splitting the atom. Enrol and you’ll join a close-knit community, working with innovative facilities and among historic buildings. As Manchester is the only university in the UK to have social responsibility as a core goal, you’ll be encouraged to become the best you can be while making a difference in the real world, thanks to Stellify – a programme of transformational academic and extracurricular activities designed to help you make your mark.
Distance from Leeds: Around one hour by train.
Postgrad population: More than 14,000.
Best for: Global reputation, research strength and big city career opportunities.
Find it: The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M13 9PL.
University of Salford
Salford is a city that’s massively up and coming, and its university is no different. The University of Salford has collaborated with Salford City Council and 5plus architects to unveil an ambitious campus masterplan, which will fully utilise the area’s green spaces to help promote learning, health and wellbeing, while looking towards a zero carbon future. Join as a postgraduate student and you’ll enjoy a friendly campus environment, home to 40,000 students from across 194 countries. Life at Salford is diverse, vibrant and super welcoming.
One of Salford’s jewels is its MediaCity campus. Located next to BBC and ITV’s studios, the specialist campus is a haven for creative and media students, and the university’s MA Journalism course is an ever-popular choice. Flexibility is key – there’s room for distance learning and certain courses offer alternative start dates so you don’t have to start in September. With a commitment to ensuring students have everything they need to reach their potential, there’s access to financial assistance and wellbeing services, alongside academic support.
Distance from Leeds: Around one hour 15 minutes by train.
Postgrad population: More than 5,000.
Best for: Media, creative courses and flexible postgraduate study.
Find it: University of Salford, 43 Crescent, Salford, Greater Manchester, M5 4WT.
Sheffield Hallam University
Credit: Sheffield Hallam University
With a focus on applied learning, Sheffield Hallam University is a great place to continue your studies while gaining valuable work experience. Take your pick from almost 300 postgraduate subjects, spanning everything from Business Administration to Sensory Integration, with part-time and distance learning options available for certain courses. The university is passionate about helping people from all backgrounds enter higher education, and in 2021 was named University of the Year at the UK Social Mobility Awards.
Sheffield Hallam has invested over £100 million into brand new facilities over the past five years, making it a great time to enrol. There are 24-hour libraries, student-designed study areas and the same equipment you’ll find in your future workplace – whether you work in aerospace or nursing. After you enrol you’ll work closely with three dedicated advisers – one to help with studies, one for personal support and one to help you kickstart your career. They’ll be by your side every step of the way, right through to graduation and beyond.
Distance from Leeds: Around 40 minutes by train.
Postgrad population: More than 5,000.
Best for: Applied learning, work experience and professional courses.
Find it: Sheffield Hallam University, City Campus, Howard Street, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S1 1WB.
University of Derby
Credit: Beth Walsh, University of Derby
Choose the University of Derby for your postgraduate study and you’ll enjoy research-informed teaching, strong industry connections and opportunities for real-world experience. State-of-the-art teaching facilities include a Human Performance Unit and Aquatic Research Facility, alongside the brand new Derby Business School, set to open in 2025. Derby’s reputation is ever-growing, ranking in the top 20 for teaching quality in The Times’ Good University Guide 2024 and in the top 20 for overall student satisfaction in the Complete University Guide 2024.
Popular courses include MSc Mental Health Nursing, which is approved against the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s new Future Nurse Standards of Proficiency, and MSc Management, which features a new curriculum developed post-Brexit and post-Covid, addressing the challenges of management in the 2020s and beyond. The university has been at the forefront of online learning for over 20 years, so it’s no surprise that their postgraduate offering is truly flexible. Many courses are also available part-time, so you can fit your studies around other commitments.
Distance from Leeds: Around one hour 40 minutes by train.
Postgrad population: More than 3,000.
Best for: Online learning, career-focused study and industry links.
Find it: University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby, Derbyshire, DE22 1GB.
University of Bradford
Credit: University of Bradford
Just a stone’s throw from Leeds, the University of Bradford is a great choice for postgraduate study. There are over 200 courses to choose from, spanning taught degrees, research degrees and CPD programmes. The university excels in future-focused fields like AI, big data and satellite systems engineering, with state-of-the-art facilities on-site like the multi-million pound Bradford-Renduchintala Centre for Space AI. Elsewhere, 28 types of Law LLM degrees offer a great stepping stone into the legal world, with no prior legal training or qualifications required.
You’ll receive ongoing support throughout your studies to help prepare you for life beyond graduation. The Career Booster programme is available to all students, giving you access to over 60 workshops, masterclasses, presentations and lectures, all designed to equip you with the skills and attributes you need to be job-ready. What’s more, with Bradford City of Culture 2025 on the horizon, there’s plenty for prospective students to look forward to, including job and volunteering opportunities in the cultural and arts sector.
Distance from Leeds: Around 20 minutes by train.
Postgrad population: More than 3,000.
Best for: Affordability, future-focused subjects and easy commuting from Leeds.
Find it: t=”_blank”>University of Bradford, Richmond Road, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD7 1DP.
Nottingham Trent University
Credit: Nottingham Trent University
As the winner of the Postgraduate category at WhatUni’s Student Choice Awards 2023, Nottingham Trent’s postgraduate offering is held in high regard. Enrol here and you’ll join a vibrant community of over 8,000 postgraduates, enjoying dedicated support, societies and facilities. With a wide range of Master’s, PhDs and professional qualifications in over 30 subject areas, there are plenty of options to choose from. Life in Nottingham is perfectly suited for students, with fantastic transport links and one of the lowest living costs in the UK.
Nottingham Trent is one of the country’s most industry-focused universities, ranking in the top 10 unis for work experience at the RateMyPlacement Awards 2023. Continuous investment in industry-standard specialist facilities keeps them at the forefront of innovation. You’ll receive tailored careers support throughout your studies, and even after you graduate, helping enhance your employability. Got a business idea? NTU Enterprise can help you make it a reality, supporting more than 400 student start-ups since 2001.
Distance from Leeds: Around one hour 45 minutes by train.
Postgrad population: More than 8,000.
Best for: Employability, industry links and practical postgraduate study.
Find it: Nottingham Trent University, 50 Shakespeare Street, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 4FQ.
Durham University
Credit: Durham University
Durham University is a world-class university located in a unique and historic setting. Its collegiate structure sets it apart from other universities – when you enrol, you’ll become a part of one of 17 colleges, within which you’ll have the opportunity to take part in sport, music, theatre and volunteering, as well as joining parties, dinners, clubs, and societies. Ranked 7th in both the 2024 Guardian University Guide and the Times & Sunday Times Good University Guides, the historic institution is held in extremely high esteem.
When you join Durham as a postgraduate student, you’ll graduate with so much more than a degree. You’ll get to enhance your research skills, explore your career options, and give yourself the best possible start to your future. Durham graduates work at a wide array of organisations, including IBM, the United Nations and Deloitte. As a county, Durham provides history and scenery in equal measures, home to world-class museums and stunning coastlines. What’s more, a year of cultural activity in 2025 makes it a great time to move.
Distance from Leeds: Around one hour 20 minutes by train.
Postgrad population: More than 5,000.
Best for: Academic prestige, collegiate life and historic surroundings.
Find it: Durham University, The Palatine Centre, University, Stockton Road, Durham, County Durham, DH1 3LE.
Manchester Metropolitan University
Located just an hour’s drive from Leeds, Manchester Metropolitan University is a fantastic place to study a Master’s degree. The vibrant university enjoys a buzzing city centre location, home to top-class staff and excellent facilities. When it comes to postgraduate study, there are over 200 courses to choose from, from subjects within Accounting & Finance to Tourism & Events, with taught and research options available. If you’re fitting your studies around work or other commitments, part-time and distance learning can offer flexibility.
Enrol as a postgraduate student and you’ll join over 6,000 likeminded scholars working towards bolstering their career prospects, with 93% going into work or further study within 15 months of graduation. If you choose to undertake a research degree, you’ll get to delve deep into your chosen subject under the guise of an expert supervisor. Research focuses around five world-transforming missions spanning key topics from health to economy, so you can help solve the pressing problems affecting our planet and global society.
Distance from Leeds: Around one hour by train.
Postgrad population: More than 6,000.
Best for: City-centre study, flexible courses and career development.
Find it: Manchester Metropolitan University, All Saints, All Saints Building, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M15 6BH.
York St John University
Credit: York St John University
Looking to further your career while working towards a fairer society? York St John could be the perfect fit for your postgraduate study. The close-knit university is so much more than an education provider, it’s a place dedicated to helping remove barriers. It’s one of a few ‘sanctuary’ universities that offers scholarships to refugees, it offers free creative courses to mental health service users and it developed its own contextual offer scheme back in 2018 which helped to drive social mobility and widen access to education.
When it comes to postgraduate study, there are over 60 taught courses to go at, alongside research options. Each course centres around three pillars – inspiring learning, impactful research and career focus. In 2026, York St John will celebrate its 185th anniversary and 20 years of full University status. In this time it’s gone from strength to strength, and in 2023 it ranked 13th in the UK for teaching quality in Good University Guide. With an 11-acre campus near York city walls and a London campus exclusively for postgraduate study, it’s a fantastic place to further your learning.
Distance from Leeds: Around 25 minutes by train.
Postgrad population: More than 2,000.
Best for: Community feel, social impact and studying in the centre of York.
Find it: York St John University, Lord Mayor’s Walk, York, North Yorkshire, YO31 7EX.
