What is the University of London?

Many students have asked themselves this question. The University of London is quite different to many other universities. It was established in 1836 with its two founding members University College London and King’s College London. Today, it consists of 18 independent colleges and 10 smaller specialist research institutes. Each of the colleges within the University of London is considered a university in its own right. This means they set their own entry requirements and some also award their own degree. Each of the colleges has its own campus and offers its own services to students.

The colleges of the University of London are:

• Birkbeck, University of London
• Courtauld Institute of Art
• Goldsmiths, University of London
• Heythrop College, University of London
• Institute of Cancer Research
• Institute of Education
• King’s College London
• London Business School
• London School of Economics and Political Science
• London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
• Queen Mary, University of London
• Royal Academy of Music
• Royal Central School of Speech & Drama
• Royal Holloway, University of London
• Royal Veterinary College
• SOAS, University of London
• St George’s, University of London
• UCL (University College London)

Other institutes include:

• School of Advanced Study
• University of London International Programmes
• University of London Institute in Paris

All students who are studying at the above institutions are also University of London students. This makes them part of a community of over 120,000 students and offers a number of advantages:

1. Shared accommodation – the University of London offers student accommodation in central London. Students from the different colleges can live together, making this a great experience to make new friends from across different colleges.
2. Shared student facilities – there are a number of student facilities that can be used by all University of London students, such as sports and leisure facilities in central London
3. Shared learning facilities – as a University of London student, you will have access to almost all the libraries within the University of London. This provides great flexibility and access to a large number of books, journals and other library resources.

The University of London, via its International Programmes, also runs a large number of distance learning programmes for international students who want to study from their home country. They currently have over 54,000 students studying in 180 different countries.

Six universities in London have been named in the top 100 best universities in Europe ranking released by Times Higher Education.

Imperial College London is the top placed London university and was named as the 3^rd best university in Europe. University College London took 5^th place in the rankings, the London School of Economics and Political Science was ranked in 6^th place and King’s College London came in 8^th place in the rankings.

Other London universities making the European university rankings included Queen Mary University of London in 41st place and Royal Holloway, University of London in 58^th place.

A total of 46 universities across the UK featured in the top 200.

Why Study in London?

London is home to over 106,000 international students. With 50 universities and over 10,000 courses to choose from, it’s easy to find the perfect course in the best city on earth. You can read the subject guides to help you find the best universities for your subject area.

Science talk festival in local pubs across London and the UK

Pint of Science is a three day science festival (15-17 May 2017) which will see more than 1000 scientists head to pubs across the UK to discuss their latest research. The events bring some of the most brilliant scientists to your local pub to discuss their latest research and findings with you. You don’t need any prior knowledge, and this is your chance to meet the people responsible for the future of science (and have a drink with them!).

Launched in 2013 by two London researchers from Imperial College London, Pint of Science has grown from a small festival in three cities into a global festival of public science events in 11 countries across Europe, the Americas, Australia and Asia. Festival founders Dr Praveen Paul and Dr Michael Motskin wanted to bring the personal touch back to science, giving everyone the chance to meet the real people behind the incredible research taking place in universities across the country.

“The festival gives everyone the chance to pick the brains of some of the UK’s most brilliant academics, breaking down barriers and giving unrivalled access to the people behind the science”, says festival co-founder Dr Motskin.

Over 1000 scientists are involved in the UK festival this year, with over 30 locations in London hosting a variety of events. Scientists from a number of universities in London, including University College London, Imperial College London, King’s College London, Queen Mary University of London, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and City, University of London, are excited to share their research with the public. Events fall into intriguing categories, including Beautiful Mind, Atoms to Galaxies, Our Body and Planet Earth, amongst others.

To find out more about the events and locations, and to book tickets, visit the Pint of Science website.

“Welcome to London – you’re going to have a fantastic time studying here!” That was the message from Deputy Mayor of London Rajesh Agrawal, at a special international student event at London’s City Hall.

Deputy Mayor of London Rajesh Agrawal welcomes the students at London’s City Hall

At the International Student Welcome event, eleven lucky students from around the world got a whirlwind tour of some of London’s most famous sights and landmarks. The students, who have all recently started studying in London, were representing a wide range of universities and degree subjects, but were united by their excitement at the opportunities ahead. “Studying in London has always been my dream,” said Victoria from Venezuela who is studying International Preparation for Fashion at the University of the Arts London. “I have visited London a few times and I am so excited to finally be living here!”.

The group started their tour at City Hall, with its view of Tower Bridge and the City of London’s skyscrapers, before enjoying a delicious afternoon tea at Shakespeare’s Globe. The Theatre, a replica of Shakespeare’s favourite playhouse, is an amazing place to experience drama just as the Elizabethans would have done.

The students are enjoying traditional Afternoon Tea at Shakespeare’s Globe

Then it was off for a ride in a private capsule at the Coca Cola London Eye, a breath-taking way to see London’s landmarks from a unique perspective.

The group enjoying their private ride on the London Eye

The students then got to experience a thrilling speedboat tour down the Thames with Thames Jet. Everyone hung on tightly as the boat took them for a high-speed journey past the Tower of London and down to Canary Wharf and the O2 – a thousand years of London history flashed by in an exhilarating 45 minutes.

Getting ready for the speedboat tour with Thames Jet

The afternoon finished at Urbanest Westminster Bridge. This private student accommodation enjoys a wonderful position overlooking the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben – a final view of London for the students to admire as they enjoyed drinks and snacks on its rooftop terrace.

A beautiful sunset witnessed from Urbanest Westminster Bridge

“I love London,” said Ayesha from India who is studying a Masters in Business Analytics in Computer Science at UCL. “It’s been exciting to see so much of it, so quickly – every moment was amazing.”

“Being welcomed by the Deputy Mayor was amazing and inspirational,” added Shashank from India who is studying for an MBA at the University of East London. “My university has done so much to help me settle in, and now I feel really at home in London.”

Students who took part in the international student welcome event are studying at Goldsmiths, University of London, Imperial College London, King’s College London, London Metropolitan University, LSE (London School of Economics and Political Science), Middlesex University, Queen Mary University of London, Royal College of Art, UCL (University College London), University of East London and University of the Arts London.

International students are among a group of interns promoting the Mayor of London’s 2018 Entrepreneur competition at their universities.

The competition, which has been running for six years, asks students and recent graduates from London’s universities to put forward ideas that could make London a better place to live and work. The winners receive £20,000 to bring their idea to life, with mentoring and business development support from the expert judges as well.

This year, with the support of the competition’s sponsor Citi Foundation, twenty interns have been recruited to spread the word about the contest within their universities. The paid positions allow the interns to run events, distribute leaflets, create a social media presence – and anything else they believe will encourage students to enter their ideas.

Several international students are among the interns, from China, Italy, India, Nigeria and Poland among others. At their recent induction day at London’s City Hall, they talked about their excitement at taking part in such a dynamic event. Claudia, who is from Italy, and studying at Goldsmiths, University of London, said, “It’s a chance to focus outside my college and engage more widely with London – which is such a welcoming city.” Adna, from the Netherlands, is at Queen Mary University of London, and plans to make the most of the opportunity to gain work experience and improve her networking skills: “It’s cool to meet so many people from other universities – I want to bring all the campuses together to find the best ideas for the competition.”

Xinyi, from China, is studying Biochemistry at UCL. “Being in London is a great experience – I love the culture, history and architecture. This internship will help me develop my management and organisational abilities – important as I pursue my studies and when I start my future career.”

“It’s great to see the students so passionate about their internships,” says Sally Dagli, Programme Manager at the GLA, who organises the competition on behalf of the Mayor. “We know they will come up with creative and imaginative ideas to promote the competition, and their energy and enthusiasm are infectious. In return, they get to see a different side of London, and put City Hall on their CVs. It’s fantastic for both sides!”

Read about previous winners here, and find out how to enter this year’s competition here.

Pakistani student Arooj moved to London to study MSc Sustainable Energy Systems at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL). Arooj was one of 11 lucky students to be welcomed to London as part of the International Student Welcome event.

Arooj, left, enjoying traditional Afternoon Tea at Shakespeare’s Globe

Arooj and the other students were welcomed to the city by Deputy Mayor of London Rajesh Agrawal at London’s City Hall, before being taken on a tour of some of London’s most famous sights. The day included afternoon tea at Shakespeare’s Globe, a private ride on the London Eye, an exhilarating speed boat tour with Thames Jet and a drinks reception at the rooftop terrace at Urbanest student accommodation.

Here Arooj tells us more about herself, why she chose to study in London and what her impressions are so far.

Arooj, start by telling us why you chose to study in London.

Studying in London has always been a personal goal for me. I wanted to get the full British experience and I think London is the best place to do that which is what prompted me to come and study here.

And why did you decide to study MSc Sustainable Energy Systems at QMUL and what do you like most about it?

I wanted to specialise in a field related to sustainability and energy systems caught my attention. I researched about what the course entails and I liked it. I selected the university based on a few factors – its reputation in the field of engineering and sustainability, the international ranking of the institute itself and the fact that it was located in a big city like London.

QMUL is a place filled with people from very diverse backgrounds. Something is always happening on campus and that is what excites me the most about my university. I also enjoy the diversity of students on my course. People from very different educational backgrounds are studying this course with me and it is very interesting to hear why they chose this course. The course itself is challenging but that makes it even more exciting.

What is your experience of living in London so far?

London is beautiful, refreshing and dreamy. The thing that I love the most about London is the amount of things you can do here and not get bored. You can explore all you want and you still won’t run out of places to go visit. And that is the beauty of London.

My favourite place in London is the Natural History Museum because it houses dinosaurs and that is something that I’ve wanted to see ever since I was 7.

What did you enjoy most about the International Student Welcome Event you took part in?

It’s too hard to pick one thing, I was just really happy to be part of the event. I loved every single moment of it; the afternoon tea at Shakespeare’s Globe, the private ride on the London Eye, the Thames Jet speed boating – everything was perfect!

Do you have any advice for other students thinking about studying in London?

Don’t think too much about it, just do it!

Watch the video from the International Student Welcome Event

Find out more

For more information about studying in London, use the course search, read university profiles and find out how to apply to a London university.

Come and study with us in one of the world’s most exciting cities, for the experience of a lifetime! Apply now!

Summer time is the best time of year to explore London. Studying at Queen Mary University of London, you will have the opportunity to experience one of the greatest cities in the world. London is not just a capital city – the centre of British politics and governments – it is an international centre of excellence for business, culture and the arts. With more students than any other city in Europe, London is an extraordinary place to visit and study.

Taking a summer course at Queen Mary enables you to experience London at the best time of year whilst gaining an enriching academic experience. Our Summer School puts you in charge of what you study and we want to give you the broadest possible intellectual experience possible. You can specialise according to your own interests, knowing that each session will be thought-provoking, challenging and exciting in equal measure. If you’d like to combine an interest in particle physics with your love of horror films, you can. With courses on art, culture, law, politics, physics and film there really is something for everyone – check them out!

We have 2 sessions of study on offer, so you really can build your own summer programme and combine your interests. Our session dates are:

Session 1: 25 June – 13 July 2018

Session 2: 16 July – 3 August 2018

During the summer months there’s a wide variety of events that take place in London’s wonderful green spaces or alongside the ionic River Thames. Queen Mary is situated in the heart of east London, an area with a rich history which is now one of the City’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan areas. The East offers contrasts unlike any other area of London, from the bustle of street markets to peaceful walks along Regent’s Canal and through Victoria Park, traditional pubs, museums and art galleries. Read more about our top London tips here.

During the Queen Mary Summer School you will have the opportunity to stay in our self-contained on campus accommodation. Our modern campus is a peaceful oasis in a busy city, set beside the Regent’s Canal, looking on to Mile End Park. It has a friendly, relaxed atmosphere: with plenty of greenery and attractive outdoor spaces here, so it’s easy to forget that you’re in the middle of a busy capital city.

Make 2018 your London experience at Queen Mary – apply now or ask a question!

The QS World University Rankings by Subject 2018 confirmed London as the world’s leading city for top ranked universities. London’s universities feature amongst the best universities in the world in many of the subject categories, including in the Arts & Humanities, Life Sciences and Medicine, Accounting & Finance and Business & Management Studies, amongst others.

The Performing Arts category stands out in particular, with eight of London’s universities in the top 40:

Royal College of Music (2^nd)

Royal Academy of Music (3^rd)

Royal Holloway, University of London (14^th)

Queen Mary University of London (23^rd)

Goldsmiths, University of London (26^th)

Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (32^nd)

Guildhall School of Music and Drama (36^th)

King’s College of London (40^th)

London is home to numerous theatres, musicals, shows, exhibitions and music venues and events. As a performing arts student in London, you can really use London as your classroom. From established West End productions to experimental theatres, there are endless opportunities for you to enjoy, experience and get involved in London’s performing arts scene.

Ranking Methodology

The QS World University Rankings by Subject cover 48 subjects with each of these scored based on four areas: academic reputation, employer reputation, research citations per paper and H-index (which relates to research impact). These four components are combined to produce the results for each of the subject ranking, with weighting adapted for each discipline.

Become a student in London

To find out more about studying in London, use the course search and take a look at our comprehensive application advice section.

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© Times Higher Education

Times Higher Education have today released a new ranking of cities with the highest concentration of elite universities, based on the THE World University Rankings.  

London has the largest number of top 500 universities within a city and comes joint first when looking at the top 200 universities. There are 15 London universities in the top 500 and six universities in the top 200. These six are Imperial College London, King’s College London, London School of Economics and Political Science, Queen Mary University of London, Royal Holloway, University of London and University College London. 

London is world-renowned as a popular destination for British and international students looking to benefit from a high-quality university education. Additionally, the close proximity of institutions, and the University of London system, means that students attending these universities are able to utilise facilities across the city. 

London is only matched by the Boston-Cambridge area in the USA. Other cities that boast several top 200 universities are Paris, Hong Kong, Berlin and New York. 

“London is definitely retaining its status as the global power player for quality higher education,” said Seeta Bhardwa, student editor at the THE. “It’s become something of a standalone destination for higher education, with students here benefiting from the resources of multiple universities. While that’s not unique, it is especially appealing in a city with such a high concentration of elite institutions.”

London actually has one of the highest concentrations of higher education institutions in the world, with over 40 universities in total. Take a look at the list of universities in London for more information.  

Summer is the best time of year to explore London. Studying at Queen Mary University of London, you will have the opportunity to experience one of the greatest cities in the world. London is not just a capital city – the centre of British politics and governments – it is an international centre of excellence for business, culture and the arts. With more students than any other city in Europe, London is an extraordinary place to visit and study.

At Queen Mary, you’ll be just a stone’s throw away from what the city has to offer. If you hop on the Underground, you’re just minutes away from the centre of the city, making it the perfect location to make the most of what London has on offer while you study. Our position in the East End of London, the most diverse part of the UK, means that you are also able to soak up a melting pot of cultures! This diversity is also reflected on our campus with our students representing 162 nationalities, so wherever you’re from, you’ll feel at home!

Living on a campus is a unique luxury for a London university. Queen Mary is set in a peaceful oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, abundant in greenery with Regent’s Canal snaking its way past our onsite accommodation. The vibrant atmosphere on campus make it a great place to relax, study and socialise, with our study abroad student Natalia describing it as ‘one of the most exciting aspects about studying at Queen Mary: I couldn’t wait to be a short walk from my classes, live with roommates and feel a sense of community’. Queen Mary was even voted the safest Russell Group University in London by The Complete University Guide! If you study with us this summer, you’ll have access to all of our campus facilities, such as our library, our cafés and the Student Union Hub.

Our Summer School courses are three weeks long, with session one running from 25 June to 13 July and session two running from 16 June to 3 August. Choose from a selection of new and invigorating courses convened by internationally-respected academics, with subjects ranging from Modern British Cinema to International Business, and from Migration Law to Particle Physics! Queen Mary was ranked 121^st in the world and 14th in the UK! (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2018), so you will be gaining a truly world-class education! And the best part? All of our courses could earn you credit towards your degree at your home institution! When you study at the Queen Mary Summer School, you’ll not only be setting yourself up for a great summer experience, you’ll be gaining lifelong skills which will benefit you and help you on your next venture.

Check out what we’re offering this year to find your perfect course!

Make this summer your #QueenMarySummer!

Find out what our previous study abroad students have thought about studying at Queen Mary by watching the video below!