The University of London in London

From its beginning, the University of London has been a unique institution. Its Colleges and Institutes have their own illustrious and distinctive history. The University of London is a federal university of 19 self-governing colleges along with a number of acclaimed central academic institutes and activities. The University offers almost every subject covered in any university, delivering flexibility and choice to its students. The University of London is one of the oldest, largest and most multifarious universities in the country. It was established by Royal Charter in 1836.

The University of London is the third oldest university in England. The two founding Colleges of the University: UCL (established1827) and King’s College London (established 1829), are both predecessors of the University of London. The University was initially established to act as an examining body for its Colleges. Towards the end of the 19th Century, the University became more than just an examining body. It was established as a federal ‘Teaching University’. By 1908, the University had over 4000 registered students, becoming the largest university in the country and the fifth largest in the world. As the University expanded the architect Charles Holden began the construstion of the Senate House in 1932. The Senate House (the administrative centre of the University) is today acknowledged to be a building of architectural significance. The building consists of 19 floors and is 64 m high. Each College of the University is responsible for its own admissions and enquiries about any of the courses made to them. The University publishes a Guide to the Colleges and Institutes providing a description of the Colleges, the External System and the School of Advanced Study. The Guide gives information about other services and activities offered by the University of London.