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City University of London

City, University of London, is a venerable public research university situated in the heart of London, United Kingdom. Its roots trace back to the establishment of the Northampton Institute in 1894, later achieving university status under the royal charter in 1966 as The City University. A pivotal merger occurred in 2001 with the Inns of Court School of Law, an institution dating back to 1852. The university became a member of the federal University of London in 2016, solidifying its position among eighteen colleges and ten research institutes.

Key statistics

The university holds a unique relationship with the City of London, with the Lord Mayor serving as its rector. Its primary campus is strategically located in Central London within the London Borough of Islington, complemented by additional campuses i..

City University of London
City University of London
City University of London
URBAN
Estd
1894
Institution
PUBLIC
Campus
URBAN
Cost of Living
£12,006
Intake
August/September/October/November 2024

City, University of London, is a venerable public research university situated in the heart of London, United Kingdom. Its roots trace back to the establishment of the Northampton Institute in 1894, later achieving university status under the royal charter in 1966 as The City University. A pivotal merger occurred in 2001 with the Inns of Court School of Law, an institution dating back to 1852. The university became a member of the federal University of London in 2016, solidifying its position among eighteen colleges and ten research institutes.

Key statistics

The university holds a unique relationship with the City of London, with the Lord Mayor serving as its rector. Its primary campus is strategically located in Central London within the London Borough of Islington, complemented by additional campuses in Islington, the City of London, the West End, and East End. City is organized into six schools, housing around forty academic departments and centers, including noteworthy entities such as the Department of Journalism, Bayes Business School, and City Law School.

In the fiscal year 2021-22, City reported a substantial annual income of £262.1 million. However, this included £12.9 million from research grants and contracts, juxtaposed against an expenditure of £328.2 million, reflecting the intricate financial landscape of the institution.

One of City's significant affiliations is as a founding member of the WC2 University Network, fostering collaboration among leading universities in major world cities. This network aims to address shared cultural, environmental, and political issues of interest to global cities and their academic institutions. Additionally, City is a member of esteemed organizations such as the Association of MBAs, EQUIS, and Universities UK. Noteworthy alumni encompass founding fathers, members of the UK Parliament, governors, politicians, and CEOs.

Total UG Students  Total PG Students International Student Student Faculty Ratio
12,660 8,030 30.5% 10:1

Historically, City's origins can be traced to the Northampton Institute and the City Law School, both playing pivotal roles in its development. The Northampton Institute, established in 1894, aimed to provide education and welfare to the local population. It was constituted under the City of London Parochial Charities Act of 1883, focusing on promoting industrial skill, general knowledge, health, and well-being among the less privileged. The City Law School, dating back to 1852, merged with City in 2001, making it the university's oldest constituent part.

City's involvement in aeronautics education dates back to 1909, and the School of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences celebrated the centenary of aeronautics in 2009. Over the years, the university has undergone transformative changes, receiving its royal charter in 1966 and subsequently becoming part of the federal University of London in 2016.

The 21st century witnessed significant developments, including a strategic alliance with Queen Mary, University of London, in 2001 and a merger with the Inns of Court School of Law in 2001. A new building for the Business School was established in 2001, and a £23 million building for the School of Social Sciences and the Department of Language and Communication Science was opened in 2004. The university's Grade II listed college building underwent reconstruction and redevelopment, completing in July 2006.

In 2010, City shared premises with the University of East Anglia (UEA) London and later resumed its own International Foundation Programme. The university was ranked among the top 30 higher education institutions in the UK by the Times Higher Education Table of Tables.

Further developments included the opening of CitySport in 2015, a new student halls, and sports facility. In September 2016, The City University became a member of the federal University of London and changed its name to City, University of London. A proposed merger with St George's, University of London, was put forth in 2023.

City's campus spans various locations throughout London, with the main campus at Northampton Square in the Finsbury area of Islington. Other academic sites include The City Law School, Bayes Business School, and INTO City in different London boroughs.

The university's administration is led by the rector, who is ex officio the Lord Mayor of the City of London. The day-to-day running is overseen by the president, with Sir Anthony Finkelstein currently holding the position.

City, University of London, is organized into six schools, each specializing in distinct academic domains. These are The City Law School, School of Health & Psychological Sciences, School of Communication & Creativity, School of Policy and Global Affairs, School of Science & Technology, and Bayes Business School.

Financially, in the fiscal year ending July 2011, City reported a total income of £178.6 million and total expenditure of £183.62 million. Key sources of income included funding council grants, tuition fees, research grants, and contracts. The university maintained reserves and endowments of £112.89 million, emphasizing a balanced financial portfolio.

Academically, City, University of London, offers a diverse range of programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees, as well as certificates and diplomas. Over two-thirds of its programs are recognized by professional bodies, affirming their high standards of relevance to respective professions. The City Law School, in particular, offers courses for undergraduates, postgraduates, and professionals seeking qualification as solicitors or barristers.

City has forged partnerships and collaborations with various institutions and organizations, contributing to its academic excellence. It was jointly awarded Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) status with Queen Mary, University of London. Additionally, City is part of the WC2 University Network, a consortium of universities addressing common issues faced by world cities.

The university's commitment to sustainability is evident in its high ranking on the People & Planet league table. In 2019, City ranked joint 5th out of 168 universities surveyed, showcasing its dedication to environmental responsibility. Notably, City divested its investments from fossil fuel producers in July 2023, aligning with its commitment to sustainable practices.

In conclusion, City, University of London, stands as a distinguished institution with a rich history, strong academic offerings, and a commitment to collaboration and sustainability. Its evolution over the years reflects adaptability to changing educational landscapes and a dedication to providing high-quality education to a diverse student body.

Postgraduate

Mathematical Trading and Finance MSc
Tution Fees
Duration
 1 Year 

Postgraduate

Diplomacy and Foreign Policy MA
Tution Fees
Duration
 1 Year 

Postgraduate

Data Science MSc
Tution Fees
Duration
 1 Year 

Postgraduate

Criminology and Criminal Justice MSc
Tution Fees
Duration
 1 Year 

Postgraduate

International Journalism MA
Tution Fees
Duration
 1 Year 

Postgraduate

International Publishing MA
Tution Fees
Duration
 1 Year 

Postgraduate

Global Financial Journalism MA
Tution Fees
Duration
 10 Month 

Undergraduate

Business with Marketing BSc (Hons)
Tution Fees
Duration
 3 Years 

Postgraduate

Psychology (Conversion) MSc
Tution Fees
Duration
 1 Year 

Postgraduate

Construction Management MSc
Tution Fees
Duration
 1 Year 

Undergraduate

Finance BSc (Hons) (with placement)
Tution Fees
Duration
 3 Years (4 years placement available) 
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English Language Requirements:

English language proficiency is a crucial criterion, with exemptions for certain nationalities and those holding relevant degrees. Accepted tests include IELTS, PTE Academic, Trinity College, Cambridge English, TOEFL, LanguageCert International ESOL, and others. Various qualifications, such as INTO City Pre-sessional English, Kaplan English language programs, and specific secondary education certificates, are also recognized. 

If you're a national of a majority English-speaking country, or have previously completed a university degree (or equivalent) in one, you will not need to prove your knowledge of English to apply for a course at City. The government provides a list of recognised majority English-speaking countries.

Otherwise, City accepts the following as minimum English requirements for entry.

  • 1) IELTS Academic and SELT (UKVI): Minimum 5.5 in each of the test areas.
  • 2) Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: 59 in each area (writing, speaking listening and reading)
  • 3) TOEFL iBT and TOEFL at-home solution: 72 overall with no less than 17 in Writing and Listening, 18 in Reading and 20 in Speaking

Some courses have higher English language requirements for entry than these minimums. You should check course pages to confirm requirements. City cannot accept any other tests or qualifications in addition to those below.

Academic Requirements:

City, University of London, sets forth comprehensive entry requirements across its diverse range of programs. General principles apply to all courses, while specifics may vary based on the selected program. For undergraduate degrees, a minimum of UK GCE A-level passes or equivalent is mandatory, with acceptance of a broad spectrum of qualifications beyond A-levels. However, meeting the City's general minimum is not a guarantee of admission, as specific course requirements and the approval of the course admissions tutor are integral.

International applicants need to adhere to equivalent standards, with detailed equivalences provided for UK GCE A-level grades. City, University of London accepts a range of international qualifications for entry from all over the world. You can check your country-specific requirements on 'Your Country' Page. Postgraduate master's courses necessitate a prior university Honors degree or equivalent while recognizing professional qualifications and experience in some cases. Research degrees require a thorough exploration of academic interests, potential supervisors, and detailed entry requirements.

Prospective students are advised to check individual course pages for specific requirements, as competition for placement is intense, and application deadlines vary by department. The School of Health & Psychological Sciences may impose additional criteria, outlined on respective course pages. City, University of London, upholds these standards to ensure a diverse, qualified, and engaged student body.

Accommodation for International Students

  • City, University of London works with several third party housing providers offering safe and modern accommodation within easy travelling distance of the main City buildings.

  • International students attending the university for the full academic year are eligible to apply for accommodation in City's nominated halls. For undergraduate students, the terms and conditions of City's accommodation Guarantee Scheme for undergraduate students will apply, please refer to the university website.

  • Exchange and Erasmus students who are only studying at City for one semester can also apply for accommodation through the university's Study Abroad Office for a limited number of rooms with shorter contracts of September–December and January–June. Priority for rooms is given to students from organisations that have an official agreement with the Study Abroad Office. 

  • Prices and room availability are available on request through the Study Abroad Office.

Conditional Offer Unconditional Offer CAS
4-6 Weeks 2 Weeks 4 Days

City, University of London scholarships

City, University of London Global Leaders Scholarship

City is offering a minimum of 50 scholarships of £1000 to International and EU students starting an undergraduate course at City .

Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and applicants' personal statements.

The Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship

The scholarship is aimed at students who achieve exceptional grades at ‘A’ Level or International Baccalaureate. Students are referred to the full terms and conditions for the Scholarship for the grade requirements.

City has a wide range of scholarship opportunities available for students in all five of its Schools.

There are numerous other scholarships.Please refer university website for detail qualifications required.

Other scholarships

You can also apply for the British Government's Chevening Scholarships, and a variety of private agencies and charities for scholarships, bursaries and grants to study in the UK. For more information visit the British Council website or the UK Council for International Student Affairs website.

Some key facts of  City University of London

  • Total number of students 18,997

  • Total number of Undergraduate students 9,828

  • Total number of International students 7,505

  • Total number of Postgraduate students 9,169

  • QS World University Rankings 330

  • QS WUR Ranking By Subject  201-250

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University
Contact Details

University Contact Details

City, University of London Northampton Square London EC1V 0HB

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