The University of London

The University of London is one of the oldest, largest and most diverse universities in the UK. It is a federation of 18 distinct, separate and, in many cases, multi-faculty Colleges, together with 11 smaller specialist Institutes and the External Programme (the University's main distance learning provider).

The following are a few of the University of London federal Colleges which you may have heard of:

All of the federal Colleges and Institutes differ considerably in size, age and tradition and in the courses of study they offer, but all Award University of London degrees. Collectively they ensure the standards of those degrees, and are research-based higher education institutions committed to undergraduate and/or postgraduate teaching of the highest quality in a research environment. The range and breadth of activity within the University provides it with a unique character and high level of distinction.

The University has a total student population of 100,000 plus an additional 30,000 on the External Programme. Students who study at a College or Institute belong both to that College or Institute and to the University. Students enrolled on the External Programme are students of the University only.

Brief History

The University has its origins in the 1820s and 1830s with the creation of University College and King’s College. It received a Royal Charter in 1836, at which time the only other English universities in existence - Oxford and Cambridge - had limited entrance. Historically, the University of London has an unrivalled record in setting precedents - in awarding degrees without religious tests, in promoting teaching and research in laboratory science, engineering and modern languages, in admitting women to degrees and in appointing women professors.

The University has of course expanded and changed considerably since it was founded. However, it has always maintained the principles of its founders: to provide an institution open to all, irrespective of race, creed, or political belief.

Study Options

Virtually every subject covered in any university curriculum can be studied at the University of London. These subjects can be studied at various levels and lead to the award of undergraduate or postgraduate degrees, or to diplomas or certificates. There is also the opportunity to study specific short courses or units from degree programmes for individual or career development. Most courses are offered on a full-time basis, but there are also many opportunities to study part-time for a degree, diploma or certificate, or to study at home from any geographical location by distance learning.

The University has of course expanded and changed over the last 166 years, but it has always maintained the principles of its founders: to provide an institution open to all, irrespective of race, creed or political belief.

• The University of London is recognised nationally and internationally as a centre of academic excellence.

• In all parts of the world, graduates of the University have gone on to occupy influential positions in government, the professions, business and industry.

• The University offers a wide variety of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications.

• For a range of degrees, the University offers you a choice of where and how you study:
  either you may apply to come to London to study at one of the Colleges and benefit from the contact with staff and other students
  or, if your personal circumstances are such that you must stay at home, you may apply to register with the External Programme and study at a distance.