University College London

Founded in 1826 in the heart of London, University College London (UCL) is London's leading multidisciplinary university, with more than 16,000 staff and 50,000 students from over 150 different countries.

We are a diverse community with the freedom and courage to challenge, to question and to think differently.

UCL is a diverse global community of world-class academics, students, industry links, external partners, and alumni. Our powerful collective of individuals and institutions work together to explore new possibilities.

Academic excellence:

• 2nd in UK for research power (REF 2021)
• 11 academic faculties
• 30 Nobel laureates
• 150+ nationalities represented by student body
• 430 undergraduate programmes
• 720 postgraduate programmes
• 16,000 staff (in 2023)
• 51,000 students (in 2023)

Across the globe:

Our network of connections span across the globe:

• 34% international staff
• 55% international students
• 350,000 alumni in 190 countries
• Partnerships with institutions worldwide

What UCL does?

UCL is taking on some of the biggest challenges of our time, and making vital contributions to the public good. Discover more about our strategic goals, key statistics and history.

As set out in UCL 2034, UCL's strategy is based on the following principal themes:

• Academic leadership grounded in intellectual excellence
• A global leader in the integration of research and education, underpinning an inspirational student experience
• Addressing global challenges through our disciplinary excellence and distinctive cross-disciplinary approach
• An accessible, publicly engaged organisation that fosters a lifelong community
• London’s Global University: in London, of London and for London
• Delivering global impact through a network of innovative international activities, collaborations and partnerships.

In addition to UCL 2034, UCL Strategic Plan 2022-27 sets out our whole-university priorities for the next 5 years, focusing effort and investment on a small number of shared priorities. The plan aims to build on the trajectory established by UCL 2034 and our ambition to be London’s global university.  

Why UCL?

UCL is amongst the best universities in the world. Academic excellence and disruptive thinking have been the status quo since 1826.

UCL students are directly involved in research, equipping them for the future and inspiring a lifelong curiosity. We teach our students how to think, not what to think.

Amongst the very best in the world:

• 1st in England to have a fully open access university press.
• 1st in England to welcome students of any religion or social background.
• 1st in England to welcome women to university education.
• 1st in England to teach English, German, Chemistry, Engineering.
• 2nd in UK for research power (REF 2021)
• 9th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024)
• A brave and progressive approach that has continued to this day.
• University of the Year 2024 (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)

At the heart of one of the most dynamic cities in the world:

• Historic campus in the London’s Bloomsbury district – traditionally a place for rebels and innovators.
• At the heart of the Knowledge Quarter, a consortium of over 90 academic, cultural, research, scientific and media organisations.
• Close to a wealth of academic resources – museums and libraries, academic and professional bodies, theatres, hospitals and medical institutes.
• Close collaboration and partnerships with leading organizations and iconic institutes – such as the British Library, British Museum, RIBA, Zoological Society of London, Institute of Physics, the BBC, the Wellcome Trust, etc.
• Also perfectly placed to foster enterprise and business partnerships (including through UCL Innovation & Enterprise)

Through a progressive approach to teaching and research, our world leading academics, curious students and outstanding staff continually pursue excellence, break boundaries and make an impact on real world problems.

For information on admission requirements, kindly contact our admissions counsellor!