University of East London

Overview

The University of East London (UEL) dates back to 1898 and was founded as a university in 1992. It currently has 13,500 students from 135 countries enrolled, and the campuses at Docklands and Stratford are located in East London, close to the major financial centre of Canary Wharf and the region chosen to host the 2012 Olympics. The Docklands Campus was London's first new university campus in 50 years.

UEL was ranked 2nd in the UK for teaching quality (Times Higher Education Young University Rankings), as well as featuring in the world’s top 200 young universities (Times Higher Education Young University Rankings). In addition, the University has been voted the most improved university over the last decade in the UK (Times Higher Education).

Academic strengths include Architecture and the Visual Arts, Civil Engineering, Cultural and Media Studies, Education, Psychology, and Sports Science. The University is well known for sports and has had Olympic and Paralympic projects including research, student involvement and sporting partnerships underway since 2005.

Services for International Students

The University of East London International Office gives guidance from the initial stages of the application process through to arriving in London. There is a free orientation programme before the beginning of the term for international students, while academic preparation courses for some undergraduate programmes (as well as pre-sessional English) are also available.

Ranking

• 126th in the Times University Guide 2025
• 56th in the Guardian University Guide 2025

• Computer science: 73% rated world-leading or internationally excellent overall (80.6% of all research outputs and 100% of all impact cases).
• Allied health: 72% rated world-leading or internationally excellent overall (71% of all research outputs and 67% of all impact cases).
• Social work & social policy: 76% rated world-leading or internationally excellent overall (83.3% research outputs and 50% impact). 

Accommodation

UEL has safe, waterfront, on-campus accommodation with 24-hour security. There are around 1200 rooms available in UEL’s student village. All rooms have en-suite facilities and internet access points.

There are several privately run halls of residence nearby. The Accommodation Service can offer advice about house sharing and homestay arrangements.

Location

Since the 2012 Olympic Games, East London has undergone intensive regeneration and investment. It features many modern shopping centres and cultural facilities in the heart of the capital, with easy transport links to the rest of the country.

Alumni

• Gemma Gibbons (Judo Olympian)
• Edison James (Former Prime Minister of Dominica)
• Adam Gemili (Team GB Sprinter, 2012 Olympics)
• Aimee Willmott (Double Commonwealth and European medallist)