University College London (UCL) is the most prestigious school in the British capital. The UK itself is a treasure trove of prominent academic institutions. They're the pinnacle of global education, having produced Nobel Laureates, state leaders, and even monarchs. University College London is no different. Located in the Bloomsbury area of central London, it's a research and teaching institution worth studying for. It has a great campus in the bustling metropolis and boasts countless prestigious programs. Scholars couldn't have asked for a better higher educational institution, especially those who want to live and work in London.
Source: UCL Facebook Page
History of The University College London
As one of the
top universities in London today, you couldn't have guessed that University College London also operated as a joint stock company during its early days. Though the university was founded on February 11, 1826, mostly as an alternative institution to the more famous Oxford and Cambridge universities, which are both Anglican too, the college also sold stock shares to proprietors for £100.00. However, because of this, the school couldn't get any recognition from government entities and the noble elites. It was only in the 1900s that, after providing countless classes in English, Medicine, and the like, University College London finally got its much-deserved prestige.
What Does The University College London Look Like?
University College London is located on Gower St. in Bloomsbury, one of the
central neighborhoods in London. Since it's literally in Central London, it's right at the heart of the city's hustle and bustle. The campus itself is grand, especially the neoclassical main building. Looking more like a government building than a school, it's become a popular tourist attraction in its own right. However, in truth, the university has various college campuses throughout the city. From Oxford Street to near the River Thames, it's easy to stumble upon the university without even knowing you have.
Source: UCL Facebook Page
The University College London Student Body
University College London boasts a big student body. While it's a prestigious university, the school welcomes about 46,000 to 47,000 students per year. Its acceptance rate is 30%, after all, which is still low and conveys how hard it is to get accepted here, but it's also considerably lower compared to both Oxford and Cambridge. Breaking it down even further, UCL has about 23,000 undergraduates and often close to 24,000 postgraduates. This makes the school a unique case since most universities have a lot more undergraduates than postgraduates. UCL is one of the very few that maintains a good balance between the two.
University College London's Best Programs and Courses
University College London has such a diverse range of academic programs that it's fairly hard to pinpoint the best ones. However, the school has gained a prominent reputation in two fields. Firstly, it's one of the leading educational institutions and research facilities in biomedical sciences. Secondly, the architectural industry considers Bartlett School, one of UCL's constituent colleges, among the best architecture schools in the world. Thus, its undergraduate and postgraduate courses in medical sciences and architecture stand out amongst the rest.
Source: UCL Facebook Page
University College London’s Prerequisites
UCL's prerequisites differ from program to program. Generally speaking, you need A-level grades if you want to apply here. Its academic standards are close to those of Oxford and Cambridge. As far as academic achievements go, the minimum for undergraduates is a high school diploma and a Bachelor's Degree in any related field for postgraduates. Further prerequisites will depend on the course you're applying to. For example, Undergraduate law applicants need to take the National Admissions Test for Law to get into the UCL Faculty of Laws. Those applying for the school's undergraduate medical courses, on the other hand, have to take the BioMedical Admissions Test.
How Much Does It Cost to Study at The University College London?
Is it expensive to study at University College London? Yes, it is. In the grand scheme of things, UCL's tuition fees are fairly high. With that said, it's far from the most expensive
international school in London, let alone in the rest of the world. In a nutshell, the university's tuition fee costs £9,250.00 for UK and EU students and £17,710.00 for international students. You'll also have to pay application fees, enrollment fees, and the like on top of these pricey tuitions. Not to mention the high
living costs in London too.
Source: UCL Facebook Page
Where is The University College London in London?
As already mentioned, University College London is in Bloomsbury, a popular neighborhood in Central London. Located in the West End, it's a fairly upscale district that's largely residential too. Far from the British capital's livelier and trendier areas, Bloomsbury is more peaceful and elegant. This bodes well for you if you're looking for a place to stay during your studies. The neighborhood also has some of the finest
luxury apartments to rent in London. A home here is pretty expensive though, so you might want to share it with roommates to cut costs.
University College London's Famous Graduates
UCL boasts countless notable alumni who have gone on to gain prominence in various fields. For one thing, there are world leaders like former President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades, the first President of Kenya Jomo Kenyatta, and the first-ever Prime Minister of Imperial Japan Hirobumi Itō. Since the university is also known for its architecture programs, it's no surprise that the likes of Corinne Bennett, Ethel Charles, Bessie Charles, and Patricio Pouchulu have all graduated here.
Source: UCL Facebook Page
The University College London is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious universities in London. It's a historic educational institution that has produced some of the most prominent figures in various fields.
