The History of University College London

The History of University College London 

University College London (UCL), founded in the heart of London in 1826, has a rich history of innovation and inclusivity. Today it stands as a global leader in education and research, ranking for the 13^th year in the top 10 universities worldwide (2025 QS World University Rankings) thus attracting students and scholars from across the world. 

The founders of UCL, including the likes of intellectuals such as James Mill and Henry Brougham, aimed to set UCL admissions apart from traditional institutions such as Oxford and Cambridge by disbanding any religious requirements for applicants to the university. This forward thinking underlies the ethos of the university itself which can be seen in the workings of the university today. 

Through this guide, discover how UCL was founded, its changing influences over time as well as reforms to its workings / curricula that have occurred since its founding. 

Our experts are here to provide you with help through a  free consultation to determine if UCL is the right university for you.  

The Founding of University College London

In 1826 prominent intellectuals, such as James Mill, looked to establish an entirely secular university, admitting students regardless of religion. At the time the universities of Oxford and Cambridge were both affiliated with the Church of England, thus religion of applicants was taken into consideration upon application.  

This founding vision was very forward thinking. Founders aimed to provide education to students irrespective of their background, religion, or social status. UCL was founded in 1826 under the name ‘London University’ which then became known as UCL ten years later.

It was the radical ideas of philosopher Jeremy Bentham who inspired the founders of UCL to set up the first entirely secular university. Jeremy Bentham is now kept as an auto-icon. His body can be seen sitting on a wooden cabinet at the end of the South Cloisters, so look out for Jeremy if you are coming to visit UCL!

Key Figures in the Establishment of University College London

There were several key figures that played significant roles in the establishment of UCL, sharing a vision of creating a university that would break away from the traditional constraints to applicants and thus providing education to all those who sought it. These figures included: 

• Jeremy Bentham: An influential philosopher whose ideas heavily influenced the founding principles of UCL. He envisioned a university that would offer education to all, regardless of their background or beliefs. 
• Thomas Campbell: Campbell was the first Principal of UCL, playing a crucial role in its early development. 
• Henry Brougham: A prominent politician and social reformer who championed the cause of education reform in Britain. Brougham was the first President of UCL. 
• George Grote: One of the founders of UCL. Grote advocated for secularism and academic freedom. Two principles that then went on to define the establishment of UCL. 
• James Mill: A philosopher, economist and political theorist. Mill supported Bentham’s philosophy and championed for education reform. 
• Henry Crabb Robinson: Robinson organised the initial meetings that eventually led to the establishment of UCL. He also played a crucial role in building support for the university at the time. 

Although many individuals played a role in the establishment of UCL, the most prominent figures were the four main founders; Jeremy Bentham, Lord Brougham, Thomas Campbell and Henry Crabb Robinson. 

Early Vision and Missions

 In its early years, UCL was guided by several key visions and missions. These predominantly included: 

Secularism and academic freedom: The founders aimed to provide education to students irrespective of their background and religious beliefs. It was the first entirely secular university in the UK, challenging the religious exclusivity of other universities at the time. 

Accessibility and Inclusivity: UCL was established with the vision of providing accessible education to individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of their social status or wealth. 

Interdisciplinary approach: UCL promoted an interdisciplinary approach to education and research, encouraging collaboration and exchange of ideas across various fields of study so as to recognise the interconnectedness of knowledge. 

Gender equality: UCL was at the forefront of promoting gender equality in higher education where it was the first British university to admit women on equal terms with men. 

Academic and Political Influences 

UCL has been influenced by a variety of academic and political factors throughout its history. Firstly, its establishment was heavily influenced by the philosophy of utilitarianism, particularly the ideas of Jeremy Bentham, who advocated for maximising happiness and minimising suffering. These principles shaped the university’s commitment to providing accessible education and promoting social reform. 

In more recent years, UCL has been influenced by trends towards globalisation and internationalisation in higher education. UCL has expanded its global presence through partnerships, collaborations, and initiatives aimed at attracting students from all across the world. This international outlook has helped to breed the international environment underpinning life at UCL and has also contributed towards its global reputation. 

University College London in the 19^th Century

UCL was established in the 19^th century. Initially its founders encountered strong opposition from both the Church of England and other existing universities who remained strongly affiliated with the Church of England. It took 10 years after its establishment for it to be legally recognised as a college under the name University College, London.

At the very end of the 19^th Century UCL became one of the founding colleges of the University of London (after it was reconstructed as a federal university.)

In the 19^th century UCL pioneered numerous changes in the education sector. Firstly, it saw the admittance of women on equal terms with men and secondly the establishment of its own students’ union. Today, the Union runs over 200 clubs and societies for students at UCL ranging from sporting societies to film and drama societies. 

Curriculum Reform and Expansion

Since its establishment UCL has continuously been working to reform and expand its curriculum. Reform to the curriculum comes mainly from the aim to challenge the traditional Eurocentric and male dominated curricula and to ensure that work from underrepresented groups is fairly represented in the curricula. 

Some more recent reform projects included the liberating the curriculum projects in 2016 where staff and students at UCL were funded to explore ways of diversifying and reforming the curricula to make it more inclusive. Find out more about current curriculum reforms here.

Pioneering Research and Technological Advancements

Since its establishment UCL has been at the forefront of pioneering research and technological advancements across various fields. Some notable examples include: 

Medical Innovations

UCL has a long history of medical advancements, with numerous alumni awarded for their discoveries. For example, Sir William Ramsay discovered noble gases in 1904, whilst Francis Crick contributed towards the discovery of the structure of DNA. 

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

UCL is a leading institution in artificial intelligence and machine learning. In recent years, the UCL artificial intelligence centre was established where researchers have contributed to cutting-edge breakthroughs. 

Urban Planning and Smart Cities

UCL’s Bartlett School of Architecture is renowned for its research in urban planning and smart cities, where researches investigate sustainable urban development, transportation systems, and the integration of technology into urban environments. 

These are just three examples of UCL’s contribution to pioneering research, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and addressing global challenges through innovative research and technological advancements. 

University College London’s Influence in the 21^st Century 

The impressive role that UCL plays, particularly in addressing global challenges through innovative research, has been recognised by numerous awards. Notably, in 2024 UCL earned the title of ‘University of the Year’ according to The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide. 

The success of alumni serves to showcase the world-class education offered by UCL, with an outstanding 30 Nobel Prize laureates amongst its alumni and staff. Since its founding, UCL has maintained its legacy of ground-breaking reform and research and will continue to do so through empowering individuals to achieve their full potential. 

Current Challenges Facing University College London

There do exist some challenges facing UCL however, including financial pressures where, like many universities, balancing budgets whilst maintaining academic excellence (particularly following global uncertainties such as Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic) are sure to have taken their toll on the governance of UCL. 

Additionally, UCL, like most institutions, strives to create a more inclusive and diverse environment for its student and staff. Due to its location in the heart of the multicultural capital city London, UCL boasts one of the most diverse student populations in the country, however, there is still much scope for improved diversification and promotion of equality of opportunity across all levels of the university. 

One of the main challenges faced by all universities, including UCL, is student mental health and wellbeing. Particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic we saw a rise in student mental health issues. UCL aims to tackle this through the promotion of mental health services (such as student counselling) as well as promoting mental health awareness. 

The Future of University College London and Forward-thinking Initiatives

UCL is actively pursuing several forward-thinking initiatives to address current challenges and shape its future. Some key initiatives include: 

UCL Climate Action Plan: UCL has committed to becoming a net zero carbon institution by 2030. 

Digital Education Strategy: UCL is enhancing its digital infrastructure to support online and blended learning models. Medical students are now all given iPad for example in order to facilitate the integration of digital technology into learning. 

Student Support Services: UCL is expanding its mental health and wellbeing services to better support students. The aim is to increase access to counselling, mental health resources and promote initiatives for a healthy campus environment. 

Looking to Study at University College London?

At Duke’s, we provide support for applications to various universities across the world, including University College London. Our programs offer personalised guidance, and strategic advice to strengthen your UCL application. 

We can support you to identify and showcase UCL’s values, and effectively communicate your accomplishments and potential contributions to the admissions committee. 

Check out our comprehensive guide How Hard is it to get into UCL?

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