Study in University of London: Admission, Tuition, Courses, Scholarships, Ranking

The United Kingdom, a beacon of academic brilliance, beckons students from across the globe. Dive into this comprehensive guide that unveils the secrets to studying at the prestigious University of London. Discover the pathway to admission, delve into the rankings, explore bountiful scholarships, navigate through course offerings, and unravel the tuition fees.

A Glimpse into History

Nestled in the heart of London, the University of London is a venerable institution with roots dating back to 1836. It proudly claims its place as one of England’s top three oldest universities, initially established by royal charter. In 1863, a new royal charter solidified its existence, and today, the University operates under the governance of the University of London Act 1994.

This academic powerhouse is an amalgamation of eighteen constituent colleges, nine research institutes, and several central bodies. It boasts the honor of housing England’s oldest teaching hospital and holds the distinction of being the first institution in the United Kingdom to admit women as degree candidates and appoint a female Vice-Chancellor.

The Remarkable Diversity

The University of London casts a wide net, drawing students from over 190 countries. With a staggering 52,000 distance learning students and an impressive 161,270 campus-based internal students, it reigns as the largest university in the UK by the number of full-time candidates.

Initially designed as a degree-awarding examination board for students from University College London and King’s College London, it evolved into a federal structure in 1900. Today, its constituent colleges consistently secure spots among the top 50 universities in the UK. These colleges function with a degree of autonomy, with some even possessing the authority to confer degrees independently while remaining part of the federal university.

The Illustrious Colleges

Ten of the University’s most prominent colleges include King’s College London, University College London, Queen Mary, City, Birkbeck, the London School of Economics and Political Science, Royal Holloway, Goldsmiths, SOAS, and St George’s. Specialized institutions such as the London Business School, the Royal Veterinary College, and Heythrop College, known for philosophy and theology, add to the rich tapestry of this academic powerhouse.

Imperial College London, a former member, left the fold in 2007, while the city’s newest constituent college, City, joined the ranks on September 1st, 2016.

The University boasts an impressive alumni network of approximately two million individuals worldwide, including twelve monarchs, fifty-two presidents or prime ministers, eighty-four Nobel laureates, six Grammy winners, two Oscar winners, and three Olympic gold medalists. It’s not just a university; it’s a breeding ground for leaders, innovators, and changemakers.

A Stroll Through History

The University of London’s history is an epic tale of resilience and transformation. It began in 1826 when University College London emerged as a secular alternative to the religiously affiliated universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Theological disputes spurred the establishment of King’s College London, which secured the first royal charter in 1829.

In 1834, University College London renewed its plea for a royal charter, seeking the power to grant degrees. This move encountered opposition from London’s medical schools, eventually prompting discussions on creating a degree-awarding body for these institutions. The Select Committee on Medical Education took note of this initiative.

Obstacles arose when a bill aiming to open Oxford and Cambridge degrees to dissenters was blocked. This added pressure on the government to empower an institution that did not impose religious tests, especially considering that the new University of Durham planned to restrict degrees to Anglicans only.

The year 1836 witnessed the birth of the University of London through royal charters. Although it was initially limited to awarding degrees in medicine, law, and arts, it played a pivotal role in setting standards for medical training and examining students from affiliated institutions.

In the realm of arts and law, the University examined students from various schools and colleges, granting the government control over partnerships with the university. Despite these affiliations, the colleges operated independently with limited ties to the university.

In 1849, the University conducted its first graduation ceremony at Somerset House, a momentous occasion where around 250 students received their degrees. Notably, academic robes at the time were distinguished by their opulent velvet facings.

Campuses that Inspire

The University of London commands a sprawling 12-hectare estate in Bloomsbury, a prime location near Russell Square tube station. Many of its constituent colleges call this estate home, with Senate House, a historic building, housing Senate House Library, the chancellor’s official residence, and the former School of Slavonic and East European Studies, which is now part of University College London and occupies its own new building.

The Bloomsbury Campus is also dotted with eight Halls of Residence, providing a vibrant campus life. Beyond Bloomsbury, the University owns additional squares from the Bedford Estate, including Gordon Square, Tavistock Square, Torrington Square, and Woburn Square.

The University’s presence extends far beyond Bloomsbury, with campuses and institutes spread across London, including Clare Market, Somerset House, the Aldwych, St Bartholomew’s Hospital, Royal Holloway and Bedford New College, and the University of London Boat Club in Chiswick.

Furthermore, the University has a global footprint, with properties outside London, catering to various academic and residential needs. Notably, the University of London Institute in Paris offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in French and historical studies.

A Spectrum of Courses

The University of London offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including:

Undergraduate Programs:

• Business Administration
• Combined Degree Scheme
• Computer Science (including specializations)
• Computing
• Divinity, Theology, Philosophy, Religion, and Ethics
• Economics, Management, Finance, and the Social Sciences [EMFSS]
• English
• History
• International Foundation Programme
• Laws
• Philosophy
• Teacher Development

Postgraduate Programs:

• Applied Educational Leadership and Management
• Centre for Financial and Management Studies (CeFiMS)
• Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy (CISD)
• Climate Change and Development (CeDEP)
• Clinical Trials, Demography and Health, Epidemiology, Global Health Policy, Infectious Diseases, Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacovigilance, Public Health
• Education
• Educational and Social Research
• Global MBA
• Human Resource Management (New Regulations)
• Human Rights
• Information Security
• International Business
• International Management
• Learning and Teaching in Higher Education
• Livestock Health and Production, Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health
• Organizational Psychology (New Regulations)
• Petroleum Geoscience
• Postgraduate Laws
• Professional Accountancy
• Refugee Protection and Forced Migration Studies
• Sustainable Development (new) (CeDEP)

Seamless Admissions Process

The University Admissions Office (UAO), a key component of Student and Academic Services, serves as a central hub for prospective students, both from the UK and around the world. It manages and processes undergraduate and postgraduate applications in accordance with the University’s guidelines.

Admissions decisions are made by the Schools and Admissions Tutors, who have full control over entry criteria. The UAO provides invaluable support in implementing approved criteria and overseeing the entire admissions process. Additionally, it handles various administrative tasks, including fee assessments, qualifications guidance, and Confirmation and Clearing operations.

Prospective students can apply online for their preferred course. Once the application is submitted, applicants should provide the necessary documents and pay any relevant application fees. The University typically responds to applications within 24 hours, providing a student reference number for future inquiries. Accepted students can then register online and fulfill course fee requirements.

Affordable Tuition Fees

For UK and EU undergraduate students commencing their studies in 2022, the annual tuition fee is £9,250, with fees for the year 2022 remaining at £11,250. Notably, EU students beginning their studies in 2022 will benefit from the same fees as UK residents throughout their course duration, regardless of any government policy changes.

Tuition fees for international students may vary, and annual increases are aligned with the Retail Prices Index. The University reserves the right to adjust tuition fees annually to cover the rising costs of educational services. In such cases, students will be promptly notified.

Students seeking a UK Student Visa must provide evidence of their ability to pay tuition fees as part of the application process.

A Wealth of Scholarships

The University of London extends a generous hand to students in the form of scholarships and educational awards. Competition for these opportunities is fierce, underscoring the need for early course applications. While some scholarships require an offer of admission, others view such offers favorably. Explore the following scholarships:

• Guy S. Goodwin-Gill Scholarship: Offered for the October intake of the MA Refugee Protection and Forced Migration Studies.
• Sadako Ogata Scholarship: Available for the March intake of the MA Refugee Protection and Forced Migration Studies.
• School of Advanced Study Activist Scholar Bursary: Open to students of all nationalities pursuing the MA in Understanding and Securing Human Rights.
• Sir John Cass’s Foundation Scholarship: A Distance Learning Scholarship for residents of London under 25 years of age.
• Scholarships for Refugees and Displaced Persons: Fee-waiver awards for the LLM, Global MBA, or MA Refugee Protection and Forced Migration programs.
• DCMS Scholarships: Sponsored by the UK Government for UK residents looking to change careers through an MSc in Information Security.
• MBA UK/EU Bursary: A 20% bursary for MBA applicants from the UK or EU member states until September.
• Postgraduate Laws Scholarship: Awards for high-performing existing students in various countries across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
• MBA Scholarships for Women: Scholarships for women of diverse nationalities pursuing the Global MBA, marking 150 years since the admission of women to higher education.
• Malaysian Bar Council Members Bursary: Malaysian Bar Council members can now receive a fee bursary for the Postgraduate Laws program.
• Canon Collins Scholarships: For nationals of Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe pursuing Postgraduate Law (LLM).

Conclusion: Embark on Your Academic Journey

As you prepare to embark on your academic journey, let the University of London be your guide to excellence. With a legacy dating back to 1836, a multitude of courses, and a plethora of scholarships, this institution offers a world-class education in the vibrant heart of London. Your academic odyssey begins here – apply, learn, and flourish at the University of London. Welcome to a world of limitless possibilities.