Is University College London the Same as University of London?

By Robert Palmer

Are you confused about the difference between University College London (UCL) and University of London? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. While both institutions are located in London and are highly respected universities, there are some notable differences between the two.

What is University College London?

University College London is commonly known as UCL. It was founded in 1826 and is a constituent college of the federal University of London. UCL has a reputation for academic excellence and is consistently ranked among the world’s top universities.

Faculties at UCL

UCL has 11 faculties, including:

  • The Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment
  • The Faculty of Brain Sciences
  • The Faculty of Engineering Sciences
  • The Faculty of Laws
  • The Faculty of Life Sciences
  • The Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
  • The Faculty of Medical Sciences
  • The Faculty of Population Health Sciences
  • The Faculty of Social and Historical Sciences
  • The Institute of Education (IOE)
  • The School of Slavonic and East European Studies (SSEES)

What is University of London?

The University of London is a federal university that was founded in 1836. It consists of 18 colleges and institutes, one of which is UCL. The university offers over 400 undergraduate courses, as well as postgraduate programs.

Colleges in the University of London:

The colleges within the University of London include:

  • Birkbeck, University of London
  • Central School of Speech and Drama
  • The Courtauld Institute of Art
  • Goldsmiths, University of London
  • Heythrop College
  • Institute of Cancer Research
  • King’s College London
  • The London Business School
  • London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
  • London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)
  • Queen Mary, University of London
  • Royal Academy of Music
  • Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
  • Royal Holloway, University of London
  • The Royal Veterinary College (RVC)
  • School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS)
  • St George’s, University of London
  • The School of Pharmacy, University of London

Differences between UCL and the University of London:

While UCL is one college within the University of London, it is important to note that there are some differences between the two institutions. For example:

    Campus:
    UCL has its own campus in Bloomsbury in central London. In contrast, the University of London does not have a central campus. Instead, each college has its own campus.

    Degree awarding powers:
    UCL has its own degree awarding powers. This means that it can award degrees in its own name. The University of London does not have degree awarding powers but rather validates degrees that are awarded by its constituent colleges.

    Research focus:
    Although both UCL and the University of London are research-led universities, UCL has a strong focus on research and is known for its world-class research facilities.

    Admission:
    Students can apply to study at UCL or one of the other colleges within the University of London. However, each college has its own admission requirements and application process.

    Conclusion:

    In summary, while UCL is a college within the University of London, there are some notable differences between the two institutions. UCL has its own campus, degree awarding powers, and strong research focus. However, both institutions offer excellent academic programs and are globally recognized for their contributions to education and research.