De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) has been made a member of the University Alliance, reinforcing the collective voice of the UK’s professional and technical universities. 

University Alliance represents 19 universities across the UK, bringing together institutions known for their applied teaching, close links with industry and focus on delivering career-ready graduates.  

Its members are at the forefront of innovation in sectors including healthcare, technology, creative industries and green energy, and collectively educate a significant proportion of the country’s nurses and healthcare professionals. 

The Alliance also provides a platform for collaboration between member institutions, offering professional networks, joint programmes such as the Doctoral Training Alliance, and research and policy development to inform government decision-making.  

Through these activities, it aims to strengthen the role of professional and technical universities in supporting economic growth and addressing regional and national challenges. 

Membership of University Alliance is awarded through a rigorous process, with prospective institutions assessed against criteria including excellence in research and teaching, graduate outcomes, knowledge exchange impact, institutional scale and breadth of subject provision. 

Professor Katie Normington, Vice-Chancellor of DMU, said: “Universities have profound, positive impacts in their local regions but can achieve so much more working in collaboration. 

“Joining with the University Alliance, DMU can lend its voice and expertise to a diverse and powerful group of institutions, working with employers to secure new opportunities for students and influencing policy decisions to better help our communities thrive.” 

Vanessa Wilson, chief executive of University Alliance, said: “We are delighted that one of our founding members, De Montfort University, has rejoined University Alliance. 

“DMU’s addition reinforces our central mission to connect and champion the UK’s professional and technical universities – the institutions that play an essential role in driving high-level skills, high-level innovation and regional economic growth for students, employers and communities across the UK. DMU’s history, values and strategic direction align perfectly with this mission, and their return will strengthen our collective ability to shape the national conversation on the future of higher education.” 

Posted on Tuesday 31 March 2026