Disclaimer

All aspects of the University of London degrees and diplomas described in this website, including examinations, assessment, and progression, are governed by the Regulations of the University and its Colleges and Schools. Nothing in any prospectus or other communication supersedes the Regulations.

Course content and availability: Every care has been taken to ensure that the information contained in this website and other communication is accurate at the time of publication. Errors and omissions have no force. Applicants should note that the content of the programmes is subject to continuing development. Changing circumstances may necessitate the cancellation of courses or alteration to the programme content. The University reserves the right to make changes at any time, before or after a student's admission. Where possible, notice will be given about such changes, but the University and its Colleges and Schools cannot accept any liability arising out of or in connection with them.

Reputation

The University of London is recognised nationally and internationally as a centre of academic excellence. In all parts of the world, graduates have gone on to occupy influential positions in government, the professions, business and industry. Wherever you live, it is likely that you will find that you can network informally with London alumni.

University of London programmes have been available through the International Programmes (formerly known as the External System) since 1858. Studying with the University allows a high measure of flexibility for those with financial constraints, work and family commitments, or lack of local access to higher education. The International Programmes currently have over 50,000 students in over 180 countries studying for more than 100 awards.

External System dateline
1836	The University of London founded following the merger of King’s College London and University College London.
1858	Entrance criteria extended allowing candidates to sit their exams outside London. This was to make a unique contribution to the development of university education, both in this country and abroad.
1859	First examinations taken at approved centres in Britain.
1865	First examinations taken at approved overseas centres, in Mauritius
1878	UoL became the first University in the UK to admit women to degree courses. By 1900, 30% of graduates were women and three women-only colleges had been established (London School of Medicine for Women, which opened in 1874; Westfield College in 1882; and Royal Holloway College, in 1886).
Circa 1900	By the end of the 19th century, the University of London had become a global as well as a national university, serving the higher education needs of British Isles and beyond.
1908	With over 4,000 students registered, the University of London was the largest University in the UK and the fifth largest in the world.
1947	The External System played a major role in helping higher education institutions in Africa and the West Indies achieve full University status. Special Partnerships were created and only disbanded in 1970, when the last university college attained independence.
2001	Online Library launched.
2002	eCampus portal launched. Phase I: a new 1,800-page website with integrated access to the Online Library.
2007	Professor Jonathan Kydd appointed as first Dean of the University of London International Programmes
2008	The University of London International Programmes Celebrates its 150th anniversary
2010	The University of London External System changes name to University of London International Programmes

Reasons

Students give many reasons why they choose to study for their degree or short courses through the University of London International Programmes. Of primary importance is the world-wide reputation of the University of London degree.

As the majority of students are in the twenty five to forty five age range, flexibility and affordability are also important. Students can plan to fit their studies around family and professional commitments.  

For students outside the UK there is the advantage of normally not needing to come to London, as examinations are held world-wide at local examination centres.

Quality

The University of London is recognised nationally and internationally as a centre of academic excellence. The quality of its awards is assured through the assessment and examination process.

Examination standards

The quality of the degree or Certificate of achievement you receive as a successful external student is assured in the following way:

Your work is assessed to exactly the same standard as that for on-campus students studying at a College of the University. No concession in quality or academic rigour is given for the more difficult study circumstances of external students. You need to be reasonably confident that you have the ability to succeed in an examination before making your entry.

Colleges of the University and individual academic staff of the University are directly involved in the International Programmes. They develop the syllabuses, write study materials, set examination papers and mark scripts. As a result, high academic standards are maintained.

Each programme has a Lead College which takes responsibility for academic development and assessment.

Upon successful completion, you are awarded a University of London Degree, Diploma or Certificate of Achievement. The University makes no distinction in the quality of a degree gained by students attending in London and those achieved by external students studying in their home country. Statute 66(2) of the University of London states, ‘Candidates granted degrees and other awards shall have attained the same academic standard irrespective of mode or place of study or examination.’  

Choice

The University of London offers a wide variety of qualifications to both on-campus students studying at one of the Colleges in London, and to external students studying through the International Programmes in one of over 180 countries around the world. Through the International Programmes you may study for either an Undergraduate or Postgraduate qualification (see: Undergraduate programmes [New Window] and/or Postgraduate programmes [New Window] for further information [These links will open new windows].  You may also study individual course modules from the selection of course units offered.

 

For the majority of qualifications you may choose how and where you study and within University Regulations, for how long. Undergraduate students normally have between three and eight years in which to complete their degree; postgraduate students normally have between two and five years. The Postgraduate Laws programme is slightly shorter. The flexible time allowed puts you in the driving seat. You may take examinations every year if you wish and, if you're successful, complete in the minimum time. However, if for any reason you do not feel adequately prepared for the rigours of examination you may defer your entry until the next exam sitting.

Affordability

Undergraduate Programmes
Fees vary slightly according to the qualification you study and your location. You are required to pay an application handling fee and then if accepted by the University, an initial registration fee and (annual) continuing registration fees together with examination entry fees, as appropriate.
Study guides are included in the registration fees but text books are costed separately and examination administration fees are also charged separately and are paid directly to examination centres.

Postgraduate Programmes

Fees for postgraduate programmes vary according to the particular degree or postgraduate diploma. They depend on the amount and type of material and study support provided by the University.
For most Postgraduate programmes you will be required to pay a registration fee and a fee for each course unit which includes the exam entry fee. The opportunity to pay-as-you-go helps you to spread out the cost of your studies. Examination administration fees are charged separately and are paid directly to examination centres.

Individual Courses

Individual course units are priced separately, depending on the programme from which they have been selected.

Academic input

The same academic staff who teach on-campus students at the varios colleges of the University of London, plan the degree syllabuses, set examination papers, mark scripts and develop study materials for external students. The examination questions are prepared in London and despatched to over 650 examination centres in may countries world wide. Once the scripts have been completed they are returned to London marked and moderated by academics of the University.

No concession in quality or academic rigor is made for the more difficult study circumstances of external students.

It is written into the Statutes of the University that 'Candidates granted degrees and other awards shall have attained the same academic standard irrespective of mode or place of study or examination.'