First cohort studying Apollo-Leicester university course find out more about life and learning in the UK
The first cohort of students in India on a degree which will see them split their studies between the University of Leicester and the subcontinent have been given a taste of studying and living in the UK.
In October 2025, more than 40 undergraduates were inducted onto a Computer Science 2+1 degree programme which sees them study for two years at The Apollo University (TAU) in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, India, with the opportunity to progress to their final year and graduation at the University of Leicester.
After successful completion of their studies at TAU, students can choose from Computer Science degrees in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science or Software Engineering at Leicester. Students on the programme also have the option to pursue a one-year master’s degree in their chosen computing discipline.
A raft of support measures are put in place to help the students transition smoothly to studying in the UK, including a Spring Week event. The event, which was held in April, sees students meet with Leicester staff, develop their global networks, become familiar with the Leicester curriculum and teaching, and start to think about their global careers and employability skills.
Spring Week was led by Roy Crole, Associate Professor of the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, with colleagues Professor Reiko Heckel (Computing and Mathematical Sciences), Maxine Bodicoat-Brooks, (Careers and Employability Service) and Associate Professor Francis Donbesuur (School of Business).
Highlights of the week included some taster lectures; employability workshops about the fundamentals of the UK labour market, job application processes and career options; plus a day devoted to highlighting UK culture to ready the students for life in Leicester. Overall, the event was a great success gaining a student overall rating of 4.8/5.0.
Dr Crole said: “I am so pleased we delivered a really successful Spring Week. I created the initial strategic ideas in 2024 when leading the design of the Computer Science degrees and facilitating 2+1 degrees in other subjects, so it was great to see Spring Week come to fruition. The final success was down to the brilliant Spring Week team effort, along with the supporting staff at TAU and the University of Leicester, who enabled my vision to be realised, and of course the fantastic TAU students without whom Spring Week would not have been possible. The students said that Spring Week was amazing, with great energy and fun events, and one of the best experiences they’d had on campus."