What is University of London? Complete Guide to This Prestigious Institution

The University of London (UoL) is a unique federation of world-class colleges — including UCL, LSE, King’s College London, Queen Mary, and SOAS — that share resources while operating independently. For international students, it offers flexibility: you can study on campus at a member institution or earn a UoL degree fully online from your home country.

Key facts at a glance

• Founded: 1836, now one of the world’s largest university federations.
• Members: 17 independent institutions plus academic centres such as the School of Advanced Study.
• Famous strengths: Law, economics, finance, politics, public health, arts, and distance learning.
• Alumni: Over 2 million worldwide, including Nobel laureates and global leaders.

Member institutions and what they’re known for

• University College London (UCL): Research powerhouse with strengths in engineering, life sciences, and architecture.
• London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE): Economics, finance, politics, and international relations.
• King’s College London (KCL): Health sciences, war studies, law, and digital humanities.
• Queen Mary University of London (QMUL): Dentistry, medicine, law, and humanities with a strong community focus.
• SOAS University of London: Asia, Africa, and Middle East studies; languages; development.
• City, University of London: Business (Bayes), journalism, engineering, and health sciences.
• Goldsmiths: Creative arts, media, design, and social sciences.
• Royal Holloway: Performing arts, computer science, and earth sciences in a leafy campus west of London.
• Birkbeck: Evening and flexible study options for working professionals.
• University of London Worldwide (distance learning): Global MBA, LLB, data science, and more with exam centres worldwide.

How admissions work

• Applications go directly to the specific member institution via UCAS (for undergraduate) or the institution’s portal (for postgraduate).
• Entry requirements, scholarships, and tuition fees differ by college; your offer will come from the college, not the federation.
• Distance-learning students apply through University of London Worldwide and can sit exams locally.

Costs, funding, and visas

• Tuition: Varies by college and programme. LSE and UCL are among the highest; Birkbeck evening courses and distance learning can be more affordable.
• Living costs: Budget at least £1,334 per month in London for Student Route visa purposes.
• Scholarships: Each college offers its own awards; check LSE’s Graduate Support Scheme, UCL Global Masters, QMUL Chevening partner awards, and SOAS scholarships for regional students.
• Visa: Your CAS will come from the admitting college, not the federation. Ensure accommodation and finance evidence match London cost-of-living requirements.

Study experience in London

• Libraries and facilities: Access to Senate House Library plus your college’s specialist libraries and labs.
• Careers support: Each college runs careers fairs and employer events; many have dedicated teams for international students.
• Accommodation: Options include university halls, intercollegiate halls, and private-sector rentals; apply early for central locations.
• Student life: Societies and sports are run by individual colleges, but you can attend federation-wide events at Senate House.

Benefits of a University of London degree

• A degree from a globally recognised college plus the University of London federation on your transcript.
• Strong employer recognition, especially in law, economics, finance, and public policy.
• Graduate Route eligibility for on-campus programmes that meet visa requirements.
• Worldwide alumni network for mentoring and career connections.

Tips to choose the right UoL college

• Match your subject strength to the college’s reputation (e.g., politics at LSE, languages at SOAS, computer science at UCL or Royal Holloway).
• Compare contact hours and teaching style (research-led vs. practical/project-based).
• Review location and budget: Central London vs. suburban campuses.
• Check career outcomes: Look at graduate employment rates, placement schemes, and employer partnerships.

Bottom line

The University of London offers prestige with flexibility: study in the heart of London at a specialist college or access the same academic standards via distance learning. Whichever route you choose, plan early for living costs, visas, and accommodation so you can make the most of this historic institution.