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University College London (UCL)

UCL (University College London) is one of the world’s leading multidisciplinary universities and is and is now ranked fourth in the world by the Times Higher-QS World University Rankings. It is located in the centre of London, with 8,000 staff and 22,000 students from over 140 countries.

Based in the heart of London, UCL was the first university in England to welcome students of any class, race or religion, and the first to welcome women on equal terms with men. The founding principles, of accessibility and liberalism, have encouraged the university to champion innovation, diversity and relevance to society, positioning UCL at the forefront of education and research. Today, UCL is one of the most dynamic and impactful universities in the UK.

The university’s excellence extends across all academic disciplines; from one of Europe’s largest and most productive centers for biomedical science to world-renowned centres for architecture (UCL Bartlett) and fine art (UCL Slade School). 

UCL students are given opportunities to excel and to find their place in the world. The university continuously reviews the curriculum for each undergraduate degree to ensure that it includes the latest discoveries and developments in the field – much of this is drawn from leading research undertaken by the staff who are teaching the undergraduate students. Training in study and personal skills is embedded in UCL degrees, and the teaching embraces the most up-to-date approaches in e-learning as well as vital personal interaction in small-group or one-to-one tutorials.

With over a third of UCL students coming from outside the UK each student is given the opportunity to interact on a daily basis with people from across the world. Known for pioneering new approaches in education, a UCL degree will provide a global perspective aimed at helping each student to identify and potentially contribute to solutions for problems and issues affecting the local community. 

Focused on the translation of research into solutions to the world’s major problems, UCL works across the disciplines and with partners all over the world. Current activities include leading the search for an HIV vaccine to developing the clinical use of stem cells in heart disease, blindness and spinal cord repair. There are currently 21 Nobel prizewinners amongst UCL’s alumni and former staff, including, most recently, Professor Sir Martin Evans, for his embryonic stem cell research.

Close to London’s West End, UCL has all of London’s amenities on its doorstep. With its own theatre and great fitness and social facilities there is plenty to do when taking a break from academic studies. All UCL students have Wednesday afternoons free from lectures and seminars to pursue their sporting and leisure interests.

UCL offers a unique and richly rewarding experience including academic challenge, personal development and acquisition of life skills that allows students to fulfil aspirations for their future.

Fast Facts

• Founded in 1826, UCL was the first university in London.
• UCL is ranked first in the UK for its staff/student ratio in The Times Good University Guide, The Sunday Times University Guide and The Guardian University Guide
• More than 4,000 academic and research staff are dedicated to research and teaching of the highest standards. UCL has the highest number of professors of any university in the UK, with more than 600 established and personal chairs, as well as the highest number of female professors.
• UCL has hundreds of collaborative research and teaching partners, including almost 150 research links and 129 student-exchange partnerships with European universities
• Students from more than 150 countries outside the UK study at UCL, making up almost a third of the student body. This gives UCL students a chance to interact daily with people from across the globe.
• Nobel Prizes have been awarded to 21 former UCL academics and graduates.
• Innovative partnerships with commerce and industry are of great importance to UCL, including a research and graduate training centre at BT’s Adastral Park, as well as a £4.6-million programme to equip UCL’s scientists and engineers with enterprise and business skills.
• An outstanding range of UCL expertise is engaged with international networks of students and researchers, former staff and students, visionary companies, research organisations, local and national governments, and international policymaking and regulatory bodies.

Life in London

London is one of the most exciting cities in Europe, with over 2,000 years of tradition and history. It is also one of the culture capitals of the world. UCL is located in central London in the heart of the historic Bloomsbury district and it enjoys close proximity to some of the world’s greatest museums and galleries, including the British Museum and the British Library. UCL’s own museums and collections are a highlight on London’s ‘Museum Mile’, with the UCL Petrie Museum of Archaeology being described by Timeout magazine as ‘Like the British Museum without the crowds’.

Also within walking distance of UCL are Regents Park, Soho, Covent Garden, St Pancras International Station, Oxford Street, Covent Garden, Leicester Square and London’s ‘Theatre Land’ all of which include literally hundreds of restaurants, bars, cafes, galleries and shops.

 

London is extremely well served by transport links both from within the UK and Europe, and also from the wider world. Most importantly with its many libraries, archives, cultural spaces and professional bodies, London is the perfect place to find context and support for your studies.