What is the University of London? 

If you are considering university in the UK, you may have heard of the University of London. However, the University of London is not one single institution but rather a network of several universities, colleges and research institutes, which students can apply to.

What is the University of London?

The University of London is a federal university. This means that although it is described as a university, the teaching and research is performed by individual member universities. Currently, the University of London is made up of 17 self-governing universities and 10 research institutes.

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The first version of the system was established by a royal charter in 1836 as a “degree-awarding examination board” for students who attended University College London and King’s College London at the time.

What is the difference between the University of London and UCL?

UCL (previously known as University College London) is a university in its own right and was one of the two founding members of the University of London network, along with King’s College London.

It was founded in 1826 to provide a secular alternative to the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, which were the only other two universities in the UK at the time.

Which higher education institutes are in the University of London?

There are several individual universities, colleges and research institutes that are part of the University of London:

• Birkbeck, University of London
• Courtauld Institute of Art
• Goldsmiths, University of London
• Heythrop College
• Institute of Cancer Research
• King’s College London
• London Business School
• London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
• London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
• Queen Mary University of London
• Royal Academy of Music
• Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London
• Royal Holloway, University of London
• Royal Veterinary College
• St George’s, University of London
• SOAS University of London
• UCL
• School of Advanced Study 
• University of London Institute in Paris
• University of London International Programmes (distance learning)

Each of these universities exists in its own right and has individual admission criteria. As part of the University of London network, however, they also have shared services for their students, such as access to libraries across the network, careers services and several halls of residence or other accommodation options.

It is important to note that there are several other universities in London, such as Imperial College London and the University of Westminster, that are not part of the University of London system.

How much is tuition to the University of London?

Each individual school that is a member of the University of London will charge different tuition fees depending on the course you choose to study.

The course fee directory allows prospective students to access all the available courses offered at one of the member schools. Once you choose the subject you want to study, you will be able to see which member offers that subject and how the fees are broken down.

Where is central office?

The central offices are in Senate House in central London. Students can contact the main offices for help on several points of interest:

• General enquiries
• Distance learning programmes
• Transcripts and certificates
• Alumni information
• Donations
• Conferences

Is the University of London part of the Russell Group?

The Russell Group is an association that represents 24 public universities in the UK with a focus on research. Some of the member universities within the University of London are included in the Russell Group individually, such as King’s College London and the London School of Politics and Economic Science.

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Where is the accommodation for the University of London?

Each member provides accommodation options for their students, and you can find this information on their individual websites.

However, the University of London also offers the University of London Housing Services to “assist and support students and staff looking for and living in private accommodation in London”.

The service is not limited to students who attend the member universities of the University of London. There are several other external colleges that subscribe to this service, and any student from these universities can also use this platform to find accommodation.

There are many ways that the housing service can help including:

• Contract advice
• Deposit disputes
• Housing repairs
• Private housing guidance

What is the benefit of studying at a university that is part of the University of London?

There are several positive aspects to studying at a University of London member university, among them a globally recognised degree that increases graduate employability, a wide range of facilities across London and the wider area and a global network of alumni.