City, University of London

Overview

City University of London (CUL) is a public research university located in the heart of London, United Kingdom. It was established in 1894 as the Northampton Institute. CUL distinguishes itself from other universities with its focus on business and the professions. Its mission-vision is to be a leading global university that strives for academic excellence in these areas.

CUL offers over 60 undergraduate degree courses and more than 150 postgraduate degree courses. These programs are divided across five schools: the Business School, the City Law School, School of Arts and Social Sciences, School of Health Sciences, and School of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Engineering. They also offer foundation courses, postgraduate research programs, professional development courses, and online short courses.

During its foundation in 1894, the Northampton Institute was focused on developing students’ industrial skills. Thus, it had departments in fields like mechanical engineering, metal trades, applied physics, and electrical engineering. In 1909, it offered courses in aeronautical engineering, a first in the United Kingdom. In the 1920s, it opened up its Department of Optometry and Visual Sciences and was one of the pioneers in the world in optometrist training.

A series of expansions would pave the way for the university’s transition to becoming the City University of London. In 1966, it became a university by virtue of a Royal Charter. In 1982, it changed its focus to postgraduate education. In 2001, it incorporated the Inns of Court School of Law, turning it into the City Law School. Finally, CUL became a member institution of the federal University of London in 2016.

Notable alumni who have walked the halls of CUL include BBC broadcaster Sophie Raworth and motivational speaker Simon Sinek. Famous leaders like Herbert Henry Asquith, Mohandas “Mahatma” Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Margaret Thatcher, and Tony Blair were also educated in the former Inns of Court School of Law.

UCL has received a top-tier ranking for its full-time MBA programs as well as its nursing and electrical and electronic engineering courses. The university has also earned the top 40 to 100 positions in global university rankings.

Recently, UCL received millions in national funding for the Centre for Food Policy. Together with other universities and partners from business and civil society, UCL will lead doctoral training for building a resilient and inclusive food system in the U.K.

UCL is preparing for a new chapter by embarking on three strategic priorities. These involve maintaining the quality of its research, growing its subject and joint degree offerings, and leveraging local and international partnerships.