A History of the University of London

Foundation of the University of London

Oct 23, 1836

link linkFounded in 1836, the University of London at first comprised just two colleges: University College London and King's College London.

Fourth Charter signed

May 4, 1854

linkThe University's fourth Charter, signed by Queen Victoria.The University's fourth Charter, signed by Queen Victoria on 9th April, opens the London degree to those who have not attended a college affiliated to University, and so founds what is later known as the External System.

Acquisition of the two foundation collections of the University of London

Mar 30, 1871

linkThe De Morgan Library and the Grote Collection.

The first mixed classes for men and women

Sep 16, 1871

linkThe first mixed classes for men and women were held at UCL.

Royal Holloway College was officially opened by Queen Victoria

Oct 1, 1886

linkRoyal Holloway College was officially opened by Queen Victoria
Thomas Holloway and his wife Jane founded the college in 1879.

MK Gandhi passes the Matriculation

Sep 10, 1890

linkMahatma Ghandi passes the Matriculation examination as a non-collegiate student.

Presentation of the Goldsmiths' Library of Economic Literature

Feb 5, 1903

linkPresentation of the Goldsmiths' Library of Economic Literature to the University of London.

Professor Ambrose Fleming invented the thermionic valve.

Apr 12, 1904

linkAt UCL, Professor Ambrose Fleming invented the thermionic valve.

LSHTM joins the University

Jul 2, 1905

linkThe London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine joins the University.

Imperial College integrated

Nov 22, 1907

linkThe newly founded Imperial College is integrated into the University of London.

Birkbeck College joined the University of London

Nov 17, 1920

linkBirkbeck College joined the University of London.

The first Foundation Day

Oct 28, 1930

linkThe first Foundation Day was held.

First University employees occupy Senate House

May 27, 1936

linkFirst University employees occupy Senate House.

Heythrop College joins the University of London

Sep 3, 1971

linkHeythrop College joins the University of London

London Business School joined the University

Aug 11, 1996

linkLondon Business School joined the University.

Professor Geoffrey Crossick appointed as 50th Vice-Chancellor

Sep 1, 2010

linkProfessor Geoffrey Crossick became Vice-Chancellor of the University in September 2010, moving to the post after five years as Warden of Goldsmiths, University of London.

New name for the External System

Oct 8, 2010

linkThese programmes are developed through a unique collaboration between the Colleges of the University and the University of London International Academy (the new name for the central academic body of the University).
All of us at the University of London are very proud of what the External System stands for and has achieved, but we also know that the name has become dated for the student body, now 50,000 worldwide. That's why it's changing.
In the future all the materials will carry the name Uni

Professor Sir Adrian Smith, FRS appointed new Vice-Chancellor

Sep 1, 2012

linkProfessor Sir Adrian Smith, FRS appointed new Vice-Chancellor