The University of London is one of the world's leading academic institutions, internationally recognised as a centre of excellence.

Founded in 1826, UCL was the first university institution in England to admit students of any race, class or religion, and the first to admit women on equal terms with men. UCL was also the first to offer degrees in English literature, modern European languages and geography, and pioneered the university-based teaching of law, architecture and medicine. Described by The Times newspaper as “an intellectual heavyweight by any standard”, UCL has built an outstanding reputation for the quality of its teaching and research. Nobel Prizes have been awarded to 18 academics and graduates.