University of London International Programmes (Distance Learning)

The University of London International Academy collaborates with 12 Colleges of the University of London to offer flexible and distance learning programmes worldwide.

The University of London is a federal university comprising 19 Colleges and a number of smaller, specialist Institutes. The list below represents its Colleges which offer distance learning qualifications through the University of London International Programmes:

• Birkbeck
• Goldsmiths
• Heythrop College
• Institute of Education
• King’s College London
• London School of Economics and Political Science
• London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
• Queen Mary
• Royal Holloway
• Royal Veterinary College
• School of Oriental and African Studies
• UCL

Since its formation in 1858 the University of London International Programmes has become a global leader in distance and flexible study, with over 50,000 students in over 190 countries.

• 1836 University of London founded following the merger of King’s College London and University College London.
• 1858 Queen Victoria signs a charter that ushers in the University of London International Programmes. 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 The University of London became the first university in the UK to admit women to degree courses.
• 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.
• 1914-1918 Allied prisoners of war studied for University of London qualifications in Prisoner of War camps.
• 1939-1945 Again allied prisoners of war studied for University of London qualifications in Prisoner of War camps.
• 1947 onwards We played a major role in helping higher education institutions in Africa and the West Indies achieve full University status.
• 1970s Nelson Mandela studies for a University of London LLB whilst incarcerated on Robben Island, South Africa.
• 1992 Luisa Diogo, Prime Minister of Mozambique, graduates with an MSc in Financial Economics.
• 2002 eCampus portal launched providing an Online Library and the facilities for students to study online.
• 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

All of the courses offered through the University of London International Academy are developed by the Colleges of the University of London: for example, the suite of undergraduate courses in the fields of economics, management, finance and the social sciences are developed by the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), whilst the veterinary-related postgraduate courses are developed by the Royal Veterinary College. You can therefore benefit from their commitment to rigorous research which informs our degrees.

A University of London degree awarded to a student who studied with the University of London International Programmes is of the same standard as a University of London degree awarded to students who study on campus of a University of London College. Although the study experience is different, the University of London makes no distinction in the standard of the award that students gain who study with the University of London International Programmes. Our students are examined to the same standard as students enrolled at a College of the University.

We maintain robust and effective quality assurance mechanisms. Academics who teach and assess College-based students develop syllabuses, prepare study materials, and are responsible for the assessment of International Programmes students, so you can be confident with the standard of your degree. As a student you register with the University of London for a University of London award. The academic direction of your programme – including the syllabus, assessment, learning resources and, where given, academic support – is the responsibility of a particular College, or consortium of Colleges, of the University of London, known as the ‘Lead College’ (see: Our Colleges).

When you graduate with a degree, diploma or certificate from the University of London you will be sent two documents - a final diploma (i.e. the parchment you receive following graduation) and a Diploma Supplement. The final diploma will indicate that you were registered with the University of London and awarded a University of London degree, diploma or certificate, and give the name of the Lead College which conducted the examinations. The University of London logo and signature of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of London are incorporated. The Diploma Supplement will describe the nature, level and content of the programme you successfully completed and include a transcript of courses taken and marks achieved, as well as the overall classification. It also provides further information about the role of the Lead College and method of study.

Many of the staff work within the Colleges of the University of London; about 200 others are located within the University of London International Academy, which has offices in Stewart House, Russell Square, central London. Our staff are dedicated to providing an outstanding service for our students and the institutions with which we work.