About > University of London > About University of London About University of London Established in 1836, the University of London has the distinction of being England’s fourth oldest university. Expansive in range, it is a federal university comprising eighteen separately incorporated colleges and eleven central institutes. All colleges and institutes of the university award University of London degrees. Most degrees have a Lead College which takes responsibility for academic development. The academic development for each qualification offered to international students is undertaken by colleges of the University. Individual academic staff from the colleges are directly involved in the delivery of the international study programme. They develop the syllabi, write study materials, set examination papers and mark scripts. As a result, high academic standards are maintained. The University of London offers a wide variety of qualifications to both its internal students studying at one of the Colleges and to its international students studying in one of over 190 countries around the world. Through the international study programme, you may study for either an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification. You may also study individual modules from the selection offered as short courses. For the majority of qualifications you may choose how and where you study and for how long. Undergraduates have between three and eight years in which to complete their degree. You may take examinations every year if you wish and, if you're successful, complete your course in the minimum time. However, if for any reason you do not feel adequately prepared for the rigours of examination you may defer your entry until the following year. Recognition and ranking The University of London is recognised internationally as a centre of academic excellence. In a recent survey of employers in the U.K, the University of London degrees ranked amongst the top three. The ‘Lead College’ for most of the B.Sc. degrees, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is considered by employers to be the top choice of business schools in the U.K. In all parts of the world, University of London graduates have gone on to occupy influential positions in government, the professions, business and industry. The academic rigour exercised by the University of London ensures that its qualifications are internationally respected and sought after.