City, University of London

Overview

Founded over 125 years ago, City is located in the heart of London. It has all the benefits students expect of a London University – strong links with business and industry for career development, an inclusive and diverse community from across the world, and unbeatable opportunities for sport, culture and entertainment.

City, University of London is a leading UK university, with a global vision and a commitment to transforming lives through education. City is the university of business, practice and the profession. It is home to over 20,000 students, 45% of which are studying at postgraduate level and has over 150,000 alumni from over 170 countries.

City is divided into six different academic Schools:

• Bayes Business School (formerly Cass)
• School of Communication & Creativity
• School of Health & Psychological Sciences
• The City Law School
• School of Science and Technology
• School of Policy and Global Affairs

Why choose City, University of London?

• Founded in 1894, City is over 125 years old and has been part of the University of London since 2016
• 86% of City's research submissions are rated of world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*) quality (REF 2021)
• The greenest university in London (People and Planet University League 2019)
• Located in the heart of London, one of Europe’s most vibrant cities
• City attracts close to 20,000 students from over 165 countries and academic staff from over 75 countries

City, University of London has one of the highest proportions of postgraduate students of any UK university. Most of the courses at the undergraduate level include a work placement, offering a fantastic opportunity for students to gain work experience while they study. Since 1976 City has been home to a centre for the education of journalists, the highly regarded Department of Journalism. It is regarded as one of the best universities in the UK for the study of journalism as well as the nation's largest centre for journalism education.

Services for International Students

The University has dedicated International Student Advisors, based within the Student Centre, who are available to offer advice and assistance to all international students who are studying, or thinking of studying, at City, University of London. There are special welcome events for international students at the beginning of the term as well as induction and orientation events organised by Schools and Departments. The Students’ Union has a range of international student societies which hold social events throughout the year.

Ranking

• 49th in the Times University Guide 2025
• 38th in the Guardian University Guide 2025
• 352nd in the QS World University Rankings 2025

The University is now an established top 400 world university and seven City subjects also made it into the top 200 world subject ranking, with Communications and Media performing the best. In partnership with Guildhall School of Music and Drama, City also has an impressive reputation in music. Nursing and midwifery also impress in subject rankings, with social work and social policy also producing good results.

City, University of London is 39th in the UK out of 129 universities with an improvement of 12 places since REF 2014 (excluding specialist institutions) in the 2021 REF. The proportion of its research rated world–leading (4*) has almost doubled to 40% in REF 2021 (from 23% in 2014).

Accommodation

All six City, University of London halls of residence are within walking distance of the University, with computer and telephone points in each bedroom. Accommodation is guaranteed for first year undergraduate students, while private rented accommodation is easily found near the University and around London. The Accommodation Team also maintain an online facility to search for privately rented accommodation in London.

Location

City, University of London's campus is located in Islington. It is less than 2km away from many famous London landmarks, like St. Paul’s Cathedral, The British Museum and the River Thames.

Connections to Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted can also be accessed via the main train stations of Liverpool Street, King’s Cross and London Bridge, all within close distance of the City campuses and halls.

Alumni

• Margaret Thatcher (British Prime Minister, 1979-1990)
• Tony Blair (British Prime Minister, 1997-2007)
• Muhtar Kent (CEO of The Coca-Cola Company)
• Dick Olver (Chairman of BAE Systems)
• Mahatma Gandhi (Father of the Nation - India)