Overview
University College London is the oldest and largest college of the University of London, and known as ‘London’s Global University’. It is currently ranked 8th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2023) and 2nd in the UK for research power (2021 Research Excellence Framework). The University was founded in 1826 and there are over 40,000 students currently enrolled at the institution, 53% of whom are international.
UCL is a member of the elite Russell Group of UK universities, and is also part of the League of European Research Universities, a consortium of European research universities that seeks to influence policy in Europe and to develop best practice through mutual exchange of experience. Staff and alumni at UCL have won a total of 30 Nobel prizes, and 840 professors and 7,000 academic staff are dedicated to research and teaching across 11 faculties. UCL students benefit from close associations with several major teaching hospitals, such as the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, the Royal Free Hospital and Moorfields Eye Hospital.
In total, there are over 650 UCL master's programmes to choose from, and almost 500 undergraduate degrees. University College London is currently promoting the idea of education for global citizenship in an attempt to make sure students are given the freedom and encouragement to explore ideas from different cultural perspectives, while working on projects of international importance.
Services for International Students
Prior to the start of term, the International Office at University College London holds an orientation programme for new overseas students, helping you settle into your new surroundings so you can hit the ground running.
All undergraduates are also allocated a personal tutor, but departments also have departmental and faculty tutors available if needed. Your personal tutor can assist with:
- Settling into life at UCL through practical guidance, support and encouragement
- Opportunities to discuss your academic progress and develop your confidence with independent learning
- Support if the going gets tough, from advice on keeping up with your studies to sources of specialist help
- Ways to enhance your academic studies and build your CV
- A reliable point of contact throughout your studies, enabling you to make the most of your time at the University
The UCL Student Union also has one of the largest selection of clubs and societies in the UK, making it desirable for those who wish to socialise away from study.
Ranking
- 7th in the Times University Guide 2023
- 9th in the Guardian University Guide 2023
- 8th in the QS World University Rankings 2023
- 22nd in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023
- 17th in the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2021
University College London was ranked the second-best university in the UK for research power, with 93 per cent of the research graded 4* ‘world leading’ and 3* ‘internationally excellent’. UCL's research received a 'grade point average' of 3.50 (out of 4) – an improvement from 3.22 in 2014.
The UCL Institute of Education has been ranked as the best university in the world for the study of Education for the last nine years (QS World University Rankings by Subject) and also received the Queen’s Anniversary Prize, a celebration of excellence, innovation and public benefit in work carried out by UK colleges and universities, in 2015.
In addition to the number one position for education, eight other subject areas from UCL are ranked in the QS World University Rankings by Subject global top 10:
- Archaeology (3rd)
- Architecture and the Built Environment (3rd),
- Anthropology (4th)
- Pharmacy and Pharmacology (4th)
- Anatomy and Physiology (6th)
- Medicine (7th)
- Psychology (7th)
- Geography (9th)
Accommodation
All full-time, first year international undergraduate and postgraduate students are guaranteed accommodation which is made up of catered Halls of Residence, self-catered student housing, catered inter-collegiate halls and privately rented accommodation organised by partner organisations.
Location
University College London is based in the heart of London, primarily in Bloomsbury, close to a wealth of academic resources that includes museums and libraries, academic and professional bodies, theatres, hospitals and medical institutes.
A new state-of-the-art UCL East campus is also currently being constructed adjacent to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park that will eventually bring together eight UCL faculties, and become home to 4,000 students and around 260 academic staff.
Alumni
- Alexander Graham Bell (Inventor of the telephone)
- Christopher Nolan (Director)
- Mahatma Gandhi
- Junichiro Koizumi (Japanese Prime Minister, 2001-2006)
- Chris Martin (Coldplay singer)
- Ricky Gervais (Comedian)
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