History
UCL was founded in 1826 to open up higher education in England to those who had been excluded from it. We were the first university in England to welcome students of any religion or social background, and the first in England to welcome women to university education. This challenge to the norm and commitment to a fairer society was considered deeply unconventional by contemporary commentators.
Education
Studying a Master’s at UCL not only deepens your expertise but also helps equip you with the critical thinking, practical skills, and global outlook that are prized in today’s job market.
UCL has an impressive portfolio of more than 650 graduate taught, research and teacher training programmes, spanning a wide variety of subject areas.
We home to an extraordinary community of achievers, reflecting the exceptional value of a UCL education, and its ability to prepare graduates to lead and influence across diverse industries.
There are 32 Nobel Prize laureates among our alumni and staff, and in 2025, twelve alumni and students were featured in nine out of 10 categories of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Europe list.
Research
At the very heart of UCL’s mission is our research. We were rated second in the UK for research power in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).
There are more than 700 postgraduate research and taught degree options available, as well as teacher training courses in a wide range of academic areas.
UCL's research-based teaching methodology means that research is integrated into many of our degrees and students have the opportunity to make an original contribution to their field of study.
Career
UCL graduates are in demand. According to The Graduate Market in 2024, UCL is the top choice in London for companies looking to hire university leavers.
UCL Careers provides comprehensive support to help you prepare for life after university, offering CV workshops, mock interviews, employer-led skills sessions, career fairs, and one-to-one coaching.
With access to over 4,000 employers and organisations across the UK and globally, our networking events and industry talks connect you with potential employers and valuable professional contacts, helping you discover your ideal career and develop the skills to succeed.
Top reasons to study here
- UCL is 9th in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2026
- UCL was voted The Times and The Sunday Times University of the Year 2024
- Rated second in the UK for research power in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).
UCL Key Statistics & Highlights
- #9 Ranking
- 544 Masters
- 106 Scholarships
UCL Overview
UCL Scholarships
UCL Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to UCL. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
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UCL Student Reviews & Awards
Based on 100 reviews
- 5 Star 38 Reviews
- 4 Star 44 Reviews
- 3 Star 13 Reviews
- 2 Star 2 Reviews
- 1 Star 3 Reviews
How Students Rated This University
- Overall Satisfaction 4.2
- Student Teacher Interaction 4.1
- Student Diversity 4.4
- Admission Process 4.3
- Quality of Student Life 4.3
- Career Development 4.2
A Scholarship That Changed My Life
Receiving this scholarship has been a truly life-changing opportunity. It not only lifted the weight of financial pressure off my shoulders but opened doors for personal and academic growth I once only dreamed of. I was especially impressed by how the program recognized both my academic efforts and my passion for community impact — making me feel both seen and supported every step of the way. The clear, friendly communication from the scholarship team, along with timely guidance, made the entire process feel seamless and empowering. If there’s one area for improvement, I would love to see the addition of structured mentorship and peer-networking events — connecting scholars with each other and alumni could enhance the overall experience even further. In summary, this scholarship has boosted my confidence, sharpened my goals, and reinforced my commitment to giving back. It has been more than financial aid — it’s been a catalyst for my ambition, enabling me to pursue my studies with purpose and a renewed sense of responsibility.
Great mentors
I really enjoy this place. It has a wonderful atmosphere - super modern and supportive. The professors are amazing. The study spaces are great and if you live close by you'll probably find it worth the journey to study there instead of at home. Mentors super supportive.
Academic Details of Feyisa
Studying under self funded has challenges and it tests the strength throughout trying to cover the costs of school. It has effects on academics due to I have to go to work after school and it is taking me the time I should have to give for my research work. The challenge makes strong. But, it is not easy to do a research after coming back from work. Generally, I like I am trying to balance both my academics and work even is it is not easy. I have higher grade in my batch and selected for internship to another University too!
Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2025
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
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Overall SatisfactionHow would you rate your overall study experience?
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Student Teacher InteractionHow helpful were your teachers?
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Student DiversityHow diverse was the atmosphere at your university?
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Admission ProcessHow simple was it to apply to your programme?
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Quality of Student LifeHow was your everyday life?
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Career DevelopmentDid the university provide support for your career development?
UCL Rankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
QS World University Rankings
By TopUniversities
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend QS World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Academic Ranking of World Universities
By Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Climbed 2 places compared to 2024
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend Academic Ranking of World Universities
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| 17 | 16 | 14 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
World University Rankings
By Times Higher Education
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | 22 | 22 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Best Global Universities Rankings
By U.S. News & World Report
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2026 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | - | - |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Student services
UCL is proudly committed to ensuring that all of its students have access to the bestsupport and welfare services they need for academic success, personal growth anddevelopment. The Student Enquiries Centre offers free walk-in guidance across anumber of issues, from health and wellbeing to finance and funding. Tutors andresearch supervisors are also able to provide academic support as well as friendlyadvice and encouragement.
Housing services
UCL Accommodation offers a range of room types, with halls conveniently located in central London. We offer postgraduate halls and have limited family accommodation for students that would like to live with partner, family or children. We also work with private providers and partners to signpost alternative accommodation options for students that choose to live outside of halls.
The fees you pay vary depending on location and facilities. However, all accommodation fees include a furnished room rental and:
- Use of communal areas
- Maintenance within your Hall
- Cleaning of shared bathrooms, kitchens and communal areas
- Utility charges, including Wi-Fi
- Basic contents insurance; and 24/7 support
Library services
There are 15 specialist libraries with more than two million books, 12,000 journal subscriptions, archives, rare materials, significant manuscripts and many other resources. The university also holds globally important museum collections, artworks, objects, specimens and images.
Medical services
Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW) offer personalservices including:
- Drop-in sessions and counselling for mental health and wellbeing
- Specialist information for international students
- Disability or long-term health condition support
- NHS health centre
Campus life
UCL is located in one of the world’s most dynamic cities, with one campus in the heart of Bloomsbury, and a second campus in vibrant east London, meaning you are perfectly placed to take advantage of everything London has to offer.
It’s not just London that brings a global outlook to your experience – it’s also the people you’ll meet in the UCL community. We have 18,000 students from outside the UK, with more than 150 countries represented. This rich mix of cultures, backgrounds and experiences is part of what makes the UCL community so vibrant, inclusive and inspiring.
Sports facilities
UCL offers plenty of opportunities to take part in team sports or just to keep fit and have fun.
Students' Union UCL runs around 60 sports and dance clubs, ranging from boxing and badminton to karate and capoeira!
The Union also runs Bloomsbury Fitness, a well-equipped health and fitness club located just next door to the main campus in Bloomsbury.
The UCL Sports Grounds in Shenley, Hertfordshire, include full-size football pitches, all-weather netball and tennis courts, plus a pavilion. A free bus service runs to the sports grounds on match days and for training.
Other nearby facilities include Student Central, open to all University of London students including UCL students.
Student clubs
Students' Union UCL will help you make the most of your time at university. You’ll find more than 360 clubs and societies to get involved in, along with several bars, shops, and cafés to enjoy on campus.
The Students’ union strives to improve the lives of all UCL students by representing and advising them, offering support, fostering connections and organising activities and events. It is managed by elected officers who act as the student's voice.
The Postgraduate Students’ Association is dedicated to graduate students, providing them with many services such as social amenities and sports facilities.
Accreditation
- 9th in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2025
- University of the Year 2024 by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide.
- 2nd in the UK for research power (Research Excellence Framework 2021)
- Student Outcomes: Gold (Teaching Excellence Framework 2023)
- Student Experience: Silver (Teaching Excellence Framework 2023)