London Universities

London has one of the largest concentrations of universities in the world. It has 40 Higher Education institutions (not counting foreign Universities with London branches) and has a student population of more than 400,000. Among the institutions in London are some of the old and world-famous colleges that today make up the federal University of London, modern universities, as well as a number of smaller and often highly specialised universities and colleges. Additionally, over 34 000 students in over 180 countries follow the University of London External System, established in 1858. The System offers undergraduate and postgraduate diplomas and degrees to students worldwide. A designated constituent institution of the University of London called the “lead college” (e.g. Royal Holloway) creates materials to allow students to study at their own pace. Examinations take place at testing centers around the world on specified dates.

In the heart of London is University College London (UCL). Just 180 years ago, the benefits of a university education in England were restricted to men who were members of the Church of England; UCL was founded to challenge that discrimination. UCL was the first university to be established in England after Oxford and Cambridge, providing a progressive alternative to those institutions’ social exclusivity, religious restrictions and academic constraints.

UCL was the first university in England to admit students of any race, class or religion, and the first to welcome women on equal terms with men. A teaching programme was established in which religious beliefs would not constrain the dissemination of knowledge and exploration of ideas. It was the first English university to offer the systematic teaching of law, architecture and medicine.

Date: 2014-12-29; view: 1123