University of London

Public research university in London, United Kingdom

The University of London is a federal university located in London, England. Established by Royal Charter in 1836, the university is one of the largest and most diverse in the United Kingdom, comprising 17 member institutions and several central academic bodies.

History

The University of London was founded in 1836 as a degree-awarding body for students from University College London and King's College London and other institutions. The university was established by Royal Charter on 28 November 1836, making it the third university to be established in England.

Early Years

The university was initially established to provide education to students who were excluded from the existing universities of Oxford and Cambridge. It was the first university in the United Kingdom to admit students regardless of their religion, and the first to admit women to degree courses in 1878.

Expansion

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the university expanded significantly, incorporating a number of colleges and schools in London. The University of London Act 1898 reorganized the university as a federal institution, with a central administration and a number of constituent colleges.

Modern Era

Today, the University of London is a federal university comprising 17 member institutions, including Birkbeck, Goldsmiths, LSE, and UCL. The university also offers distance learning programs through the University of London Worldwide.

Campuses and Facilities

The University of London has a number of campuses and facilities across London. The main administrative center is located at Senate House in Bloomsbury. Other notable buildings include the SOAS building, the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and the Royal Academy of Music.

Notable Alumni

The University of London has a long list of notable alumni, including:

• Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement
• Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa
• T. S. Eliot, poet and playwright
• George Soros, investor and philanthropist
• Mick Jagger, musician and lead singer of The Rolling Stones

Related Pages

• University College London
• King's College London
• London School of Economics
• Birkbeck, University of London

Gallery

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  University of London logo

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  Certificate for the General Examination for Women, 1878

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  Somerset House, 1836

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  King William IV, who granted the university's charter

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  Illustration of the University of London, 1867

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  Senate House, University of London

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  Goldsmiths, University of London

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  Royal Academy of Music

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  Founder's Building, Royal Holloway

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  University College London

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  Mahatma Gandhi

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  Nelson Mandela

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  T. S. Eliot

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  Mick Jagger

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  George Soros

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