University of London

The University of London is a federal University and is among the oldest, largest and most diverse universities in the UK. Established by Royal Charter in 1836, the University is recognised globally as a world leader in Higher Education. It consists of 20 self-governing Colleges of outstanding reputation, together with the prestigious School of Advanced Study and a number of other central academic activities.

Student population
The University of London has a student population of 125,000 with a further 34,000 students studying by distance learning on the University's External Programme.

The Colleges of the University
The Colleges of the University differ in size, age and tradition as well as in the courses of study they offer. Some are multi-faculty institutions with large student populations, whilst others are specialist and smaller in size. All award University of London degrees.

The central University
At its centre, the University of London has the Institutes of the School of Advanced Study together with various student support and administrative services. These, and a number of other academic activities, are known collectively as the central University.

The School of Advanced Study brings together the specialised scholarship and resources of ten acclaimed postgraduate research institutes; it offers opportunities and facilitation for research across and between a wide range of subject fields in the humanities and social sciences.
Beyond the School, the academic activities of the central University include the University of London Research Library Services, the University of London Institute in Paris , the University Marine Biological Station, Millport , and the External Programme for distance learners.
The central University also manages various student services, including The Careers Group, the Intercollegiate Halls of Residence, University of London Housing Services and the University of London Union.

The central University administration supports the central activities covering academic matters, finance, human resources, governance, and the estate administration.

Choice and reputation
Virtually every subject covered in any university curriculum can be studied at the Colleges and Institutes of the University of London. Subjects can be studied at various levels and lead to the award of foundation, undergraduate, taught postgraduate and research degrees, or to diplomas or certificates.

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 by distance learning.

Through the quality of the teaching and research at the Colleges and Institutes, the University of London has an outstanding international reputation