University of London

Collegiate research university in London, England

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University of London logo

The University of London is a federal university located in London, England. Established by Royal Charter in 1836, the university is a federation of 17 member institutions and three central academic bodies. It is one of the largest, most diverse universities in the United Kingdom, with over 120,000 students.

History

King William IV, who granted the university's charter

The University of London was established by Royal Charter on 28 November 1836, making it the third university to be established in England. The university was founded as a secular alternative to the religious universities of Oxford and Cambridge.

The university's first two colleges were University College London (UCL) and King's College London. The university was initially an examining body for affiliated colleges and a central degree-awarding authority.

Expansion and Development

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Somerset House, 1836

In 1858, the University of London became the first university to offer degrees to students regardless of their gender, religion, or social background. This was a significant step in the democratization of higher education.

In 1878, the university became the first in the UK to admit women to its degrees, a landmark event in the history of women's education.

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Certificate for the General Examination for Women, 1878

20th Century

The university expanded significantly in the 20th century, incorporating many new colleges and institutions. In 1900, the university was reconstituted as a federal university with a new charter, allowing it to award degrees in its own name.

Illustration of the University of London, 1867

Structure

The University of London is a federal university, meaning it is composed of a number of constituent colleges and institutions, each of which is largely self-governing. The university's central administration is based at Senate House.

Senate House, University of London

Member Institutions

The university's member institutions include some of the most prestigious colleges in the UK, such as University College London, King's College London, and the London School of Economics.

Other notable member institutions include Goldsmiths, University of London, the Royal Academy of Music, and the School of Oriental and African Studies.

Goldsmiths, University of London

Royal Academy of Music

Academic Profile

The University of London offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across its member institutions. It is known for its research excellence and has a strong international reputation.

The university also offers distance learning programs through the University of London Worldwide, allowing students from around the world to study for a University of London degree.

Related Pages

• University College London
• King's College London
• London School of Economics
• Senate House, University of London