University of London Worldwide

{{Short description|Distance-learning institution of the University of London}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2017}} {{Infobox university |name = University of London |image_name = University of London Worldwide logo.png |image_size = |caption = Logo including the coat of arms |established = {{start date and age|df=yes|1858}} |former_names = University of London External System (1900 to 2010)<br />University of London International Programmes/International Academy (2010 to 2018)<br /> |type = Public |parent = University of London<ref name="UoL New Name 2018"/><ref name="UoL Worldwide Rebrand"/> |chancellor = The Princess Royal (as Chancellor of the University of London) |vice_chancellor = Wendy Thomson {{post-nominals|CBE|country=GBR}}<ref name="UOL VC">{{cite web|url=https://london.ac.uk/about-us/our-people/vice-chancellor|title=Vice-Chancellor|publisher=University of London|access-date=1 July 2019}}</ref> | free_label = Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive | free = Mary Stiasny, OBE<ref name="UOLIP Senior Leadership Team">{{cite web|url=http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/our-global-reputation/our-people/senior-leadership-team/our-senior-leadership-team|title=University of London International Programmes – Senior Leadership Team|publisher=University of London|access-date=8 September 2017}}</ref> |students = 40,675 (2018/19)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hesa.ac.uk/data-and-analysis/students/where-from/transnational|title=Where do HE students come from?: Transnational education| publisher=HESA|access-date=15 August 2020}}</ref> |city = London |country = England |colours ={{scarf|start}}{{cell3|#010963}}{{cell|white}}{{cell3|#FF0000}}{{cell|white}}{{cell3|#010963}}{{scarf|end}} |website = [http://www.london.ac.uk/ london.ac.uk] |logo = }} The '''University of London Worldwide''' (previously called the '''University of London International Academy''') is the central academic body that manages external study programmes<ref name="UoL Structure">{{cite web|title=How the University is run|url=https://london.ac.uk/about-us/how-university-run|work=University of London|access-date=3 June 2019}}</ref> within the federal University of London. All courses are branded as simply "University of London", having previously been "'''University of London International Programmes'''" and earlier "'''University of London External Programmes'''".<ref name="UoL New Name 2018">{{cite web|title=Thank you for embracing our new name|url=https://prod.london.ac.uk/news-opinion/london-connection/news-brief/thank-you-embracing-our-new-name|work=University of London|access-date=6 March 2018|archive-date=4 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604050722/https://prod.london.ac.uk/news-opinion/london-connection/news-brief/thank-you-embracing-our-new-name|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="UoL Worldwide Rebrand">{{cite web|title=University of London Worldwide Rebrand 2018|url=https://london.ac.uk/sites/default/files/leaflets/rebrand-leaflet-2018.pdf|work=University of London|access-date=6 March 2018}}</ref> It claims to be the world's oldest distance and flexible learning body, established under the University of London's royal charter of 1858,<ref name="UoL Distance Guardian">{{cite web|title=Distance learning: the students who combine education and employment|first=Nancy|last= Groves|url=https://www.theguardian.com/careers/distance-learning-university-of-london|work=The Guardian|date=17 May 2012|access-date=18 September 2017}}</ref>{{third-party inline|date=June 2019|reason=Article is sponsored content from the University of London International Programme}}<ref name="UOL change">{{cite book|editor1=Wendy Evans|editor2=David Baker|first=Chinese|last=Nwezeh|work=Libraries and Society:Role, Responsibility and Future in an Age of Change| title=Libraries and distance education|page=179|year=2011|publisher=Elsevier Science| isbn=9781780632636|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HxdtAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA179}}</ref>{{Better source|reason=Single line in an article which is not on history of distance learning and which makes a factual error in the foundation date of the external programme|date=August 2020}} although academics have disputed whether it offered distance learning at that time.

Several member institutions of the University of London offer degrees through the programme, including Birkbeck, Goldsmiths, King's College London, London School of Economics, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Queen Mary, Royal Holloway, Royal Veterinary College, School of Oriental and African Studies and University College London.

The system offers courses of study for undergraduate and postgraduate diplomas and degrees to more than 50,000 students around the world.<ref name="About Us">"About Us", University of London International Programmes Website http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/about_us/index.shtml</ref> A designated member institution of the University of London acts as the lead institution for each course and is responsible for creating materials to allow students to study at their own pace. Examinations take place at testing centres around the world on specified dates. Hallmarks of the programme are its low cost in comparison to attendance in London, and the possibility of pursuing either full-time or part-time study. As stated in the University of London Statutes,<ref name="Statutes">[http://www.london.ac.uk/fileadmin/documents/about/governance/statutes.pdf ''University of London Statutes''], 14 December 2005. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926222022/http://www.london.ac.uk/fileadmin/documents/about/governance/statutes.pdf |date=26 September 2007 }}</ref> International Programmes students are graded on the same standard as internal students to ensure a uniform credentialing process.<ref name="Parity Standards">University of London Parity Standards, Document http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/about_us/related_docs/parity_standards.pdf</ref> A student who completes a course of study under the programme is awarded a University of London degree with a notation specifying which lead institution provided the instruction.

{{As of|2017}}, there are more than 100,000 University of London distance-learning alumni across the world, which include seven Nobel laureates, numerous presidents or prime ministers, current and former leaders of the Commonwealth of Nations, government ministers and Members of Parliament, academicians and notable judges. Currently, the global community of registered students number over 50,000 students in more than 180 countries<ref name="UOLIP History 2017">{{cite web|title=Our History|url=https://london.ac.uk/about-us/history-university-london|access-date=26 April 2018}}</ref> including Antarctica.<ref name="UoL Antarctica">{{cite web|title=Antarctica by degrees|url=https://london.ac.uk/news-opinion/london-connection/feature/antarctica-degrees|work=University of London|access-date=1 December 2019}}{{Dead link|date=December 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref><ref name="UoL Earth">{{cite web|title=Studying from the bottom of the earth|url=https://london.ac.uk/news-opinion/london-connection/profile/studying-bottom-earth|work=University of London|access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref>

== History == {{Rquote|right|London's external system made it possible for a Colonial student to obtain some of the degrees of the University by examinations conducted entirely in his own Colony – '''A 1906 promotional pamphlet'''<ref name="Imperial External UoL">{{cite web|title=Imperial echoes|url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/features/imperial-echoes/419239.article|work=Times Higher Education|date=8 March 2012 |access-date=5 June 2017}}</ref>}} The institution that later became known as University College London was established in 1826 and opened in 1828 under the name "London University", although without official recognition of university status. The institution – following the Scottish model in curriculum and teaching – was non-denominational and, given the intense religious rivalries at the time, there was an outcry against the "godless" university. The issue soon boiled down to which institutions had degree-granting powers and which institutions did not.<ref name="Rothblatt Article">{{cite journal|jstor=368852|title=Supply and Demand: The "Two Histories" of English Education|first=Sheldon|last=Rothblatt|editor-first1=Detlef K.|editor-last1=Müller|editor-first2=Fritz|editor-last2=Ringer|editor-first3=Brian|editor-last3=Simon|editor-first4=Margaret|editor-last4=Bryant|editor-first5=John|editor-last5=Roach|editor-first6=Negley|editor-last6=Harte|editor-first7=Barbara|editor-last7=Smith|editor-first8=Richard|editor-last8=Symonds|date=1 January 1988|journal=History of Education Quarterly|volume=28|issue=4|pages=627–644|doi=10.2307/368852|s2cid=248820306 }}</ref> The compromise solution that emerged in 1836 was that the sole authority to conduct the examinations leading to degrees would be given to a new officially recognised entity called the "University of London", which would act as examining body for the University of London colleges, originally University College London and King's College London, and award their students University of London degrees. As Sheldon Rothblatt states, "thus arose in nearly archetypal form the famous English distinction between teaching and examining, here embodied in separate institutions."<ref name="Rothblatt Article" /> With the state giving examining powers to a separate entity, the groundwork was laid for the creation of a programme within the new university that would both administer examinations and award qualifications to students taking instruction at another institution or pursuing a course of self-directed study.

===People's University and larger role=== thumb|right|261px|University of London External System official logo from year 2007 to 2010 {{Rquote|right|We do further will and ordain, That persons not educated in any of the said Institutions connected with the said University shall be admitted as Candidates for Matriculation, and for any of the Degrees hereby authorized to be conferred by the said University of London other than Medical Degrees, on such conditions as the said Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and Fellows, by regulations in that behalf shall from time to time determine, such Regulations being subject to the Provisoes and Restrictions herein contained. – '''Clause 36 of the 1858 charter of the University of London'''<ref name="UOL Charter 1858">{{cite web|title=Imperial echoes|url=http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/150/history/charter.shtml|work=University of London International Programmes|access-date=7 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107061347/http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/150/history/charter.shtml|archive-date=7 November 2017|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>}}

The 1858 charter of the University of London allowed students at any college, whether affiliated or not, self-taught students, students with private tutors and students taking correspondence courses to sit University of London exams on payment of the £5 fee. On this basis, the University of London has claimed to be the first university to offer distance learning degrees,<ref name="External History">{{cite web |url=http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/about_us/history.shtml |title="History", University of London External Programme Website |publisher=Londonexternal.ac.uk |date=15 July 2009 |access-date=27 April 2010}}</ref><ref name="Facts">{{cite web |url=http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/about_us/facts.shtml |title="Key Facts", University of London External Programme Website |publisher=Londonexternal.ac.uk |date=15 July 2009 |access-date=27 April 2010}}</ref> although its role at that time was limited to that of an examining board.<ref name="Guardian Article">{{cite web |url=http://www.guardianabroad.co.uk/education/article/283 |first=Tatum|last= Anderson |title=History lessons at the people's university |date=16 May 2007 |publisher=Guardianabroad.co.uk |access-date=13 January 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070524102204/http://www.guardianabroad.co.uk/education/article/283 |archive-date=24 May 2007 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Thanapal (2015) states that "the original degree by external study of the UOL was not a form of distance education".<ref>{{cite thesis|url=https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/9023 |first= Vigneswari |last=Thanapal|title=The social mediation of multinational legal education: A case study of the University of London's undergraduate laws programme for external/international students|publisher=Queen Mary, University of London|date=January 2015|type=PhD|page=16}}</ref>

In 1858, a British weekly literary magazine named ''All the Year Round'', founded and owned by Charles Dickens, coined the term "The People's University"<ref name="UOL History">{{cite web|title=History of University of London|url=https://london.ac.uk/about-us/history-university-london|access-date=10 June 2018}}</ref> or "The English People's University",<ref name="Librarianship">{{cite book | title =Distributed Learning and Virtual Librarianship| date=12 September 2011| publisher=ABC-CLIO, 2011| isbn = 9781591589075}}</ref> to describe the University of London as it provided access to higher education to students from less affluent backgrounds.<ref name="UOL History"/>

Several current degree-awarding universities started as colleges presenting candidates for University of London degrees, such as Owens College which later became part of the Victoria University and eventually the University of Manchester.<ref>Harte, Negley (1986), ''The University of London 1836–1986'', p. 106.</ref> The external system continued to expand from its London base with examinations for non-collegiate students<ref name="Librarianship"/> held in Gibraltar (1867), Canada (1868), Tasmania and West Indies (1869), India (1880), Ceylon (1882), Hong Kong (1888), with 18 centres worldwide by 1899.<ref name="Librarianship"/>

With the reform of the University of London from an examining board to a federal university in 1900, the existing examination system became the External System, with the newly federated colleges in London forming the Internal System (with the university taking responsibility for approving courses and teachers). Both external and internal students continued to be awarded the same University of London degrees.<ref>{{cite thesis|url=https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/9023 |first= |last=Thanapal|title=The social mediation of multinational legal education|publisher=|date= 2015|type=PhD|pages=210–211}}</ref>

The University of London examination system and the External System were instrumental in the formation of British higher education.<ref name="New World Global Higher Education">{{cite book | title = Universities for a New World: Making a Global Network in International Higher Education, 1913–2013| date=3 October 2013| publisher=SAGE Publications India, 2013| isbn = 9788132117780 }}</ref> Most English and Welsh university colleges founded between 1849 and 1949 (exceptions include Newcastle, linked with Durham from its foundation in 1871, and Swansea, part of the University of Wales from its foundation in 1920) served what was a form of "apprenticeship" through offering London degrees by external study for a period (which could vary considerably in length), before receiving authorisation to award their own degrees and becoming universities in their own right.<ref name="New World Global Higher Education"/> The External System also played a significant role in establishing many Commonwealth universities under a unique scheme of "special relations".<ref name="New World Global Higher Education"/>

Enrolment increased steadily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and during the Second World War there was a further increase in enrolments from soldiers stationed abroad as well as soldiers imprisoned in German POW camps.<ref name="Guardian Article" /> Because the Geneva Convention (1929) stipulated that every prisoner of war, in addition to being entitled to adequate food and medical care, had the right to exchange correspondence and receive parcels, many British POWs took advantage of this opportunity and enrolled in the University of London External Programme. The soldiers were sent study materials by mail, and at specified intervals sat for proctored exams in the camps. Almost 11,000 exams were taken at 88 camps between 1940 and 1945.<ref name="Guardian Article" /> Though the failure rate was high, substantial numbers of soldiers earned degrees while imprisoned.

However, as more universities were established in Britain and the Commonwealth in the decades following the second world war, the demand for the external system dropped. In 1972 it was announced that the external system would stop registering students at public institutions from 1977, and in 1977 overseas registrations were also stopped, although these were reopened in 1982.<ref>Harte (1986), ''The University of London 1836–1986'', p. 271.</ref><ref>{{cite thesis|url=https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/9023|first= |last=Thanapal|title=The social mediation of multinational legal education|publisher=|date= 2015|type=PhD|pages=211–213}}</ref>

In 1985–6, there were 24,500 students<ref name="UOL Learning">{{cite book|last=Thompson|first=F. M. L.|title =University of London and the World of Learning, 1836–1986|date=July 1990| publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing, 1990| isbn=9780826438270}}</ref> registered for external degrees in six main subject areas.<ref name="UOL Learning"/> Law was by far the biggest subject, with 75 percent of all enrollments.<ref name="UOL Learning"/> In 1985, there were 358 LLBs awarded to internal students; in the same year, 298 graduated with external LLBs.<ref name="UOL Learning"/> Reform of the external system in 1987 saw colleges contracted (either individually or, as in the case of Law, as a consortium) by the university to provide academic support for external students. This established the concept of the "lead college" on a course, and led to programme directors in the lead colleges taking on not just examinations but also the delivery of the courses and, in collaboration with academics in the colleges, the development of teaching materials <ref>{{cite thesis|url=https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/9023|first= |last=Thanapal|title=The social mediation of multinational legal education|publisher=|date= 2015|type=PhD|pages=215}}</ref>

thumb|right|261px|University of London International Programmes official logo from year 2010 to 2018. The University of London International Programmes commemorated its 150th anniversary in 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/150/index.shtml |title=150th Anniversary – microsite |publisher=Londonexternal.ac.uk |access-date=27 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090416051140/http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/150/index.shtml |archive-date=16 April 2009 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> A specially commissioned anniversary book was produced to mark the occasion.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/150/book/index.shtml |title=150th Anniversary – microsite |publisher=Londonexternal.ac.uk |access-date=27 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090727115514/http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/150/book/index.shtml |archive-date=27 July 2009 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

===Research programmes and degrees=== With the advent of inexpensive airmail services after the war, the number of external students taking University of London courses increased dramatically.<ref name="Guardian Article" /> According to relevant Regulations, until 2000 University of London external students could pursue research leading to the award of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) albeit the completion rate had been rather low.

==Organisation and administration== University of London Worldwide is led by an executive director.<ref name="UOL SL">{{cite web|url=https://www.london.ac.uk/about/senior-leadership-university-london|title=Senior Leadership at the University of London|publisher=University of London|access-date=23 April 2026}}</ref>

== Current system == [[File:Princess Anne presiding over the External Programme Presentation Ceremony (University of London, 2006).jpg|The University of London chancellor, The Princess Royal, presiding over the External Programme Presentation Ceremony, 2006|thumb|right|261px]]

The system offers courses of study for undergraduate and postgraduate diplomas and degrees to more than 50,000 students around the world.<ref name="About Us" /> A designated constituent institution of the University of London, called the "lead college", creates materials to allow students to study at their own pace. Unlike many modern distance learning degrees that are based on coursework alone, assessment was primarily based on examinations that take place at testing centres around the world on specified dates. Since 2019, coursework and forum participation can make up a percentage of the overall assessment in addition to in-person or online examinations, depending on the degree and modules studied. Hallmarks of the programme are its low cost in comparison to attendance in London, and the possibility of pursuing either full-time or part-time study. As stated in the University of London Statutes,<ref name="Statutes" /> International Programmes students are graded on the same standard as internal students to ensure a uniform credentialing process.<ref name="Parity Standards" /> A student who completes a course of study under the program is awarded a University of London degree with a notation specifying which lead college provided the instruction.

Students enrolled in the University of London International Programmes are members of the University of London. International Programmes Students however, have very limited student representation within the university. There are also differences over the status International Programmes Students have with respect to their lead college. Some institutions co-register their International Programmes Students as college members (e.g. SOAS, LSHTM), in addition to their status as University of London member. However, other colleges deny International Programmes Students membership status and privileges when they are present in London (e.g. LSE). Academics at the University of London are responsible for the academic direction of the International Programmes. When the International Programmes was audited in 2005 by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), the auditors concluded that 'broad confidence' could be placed in the university's management and the awards made through the External System ('broad confidence' is "the best verdict any institution can be given by the auditors").<ref name="Press Release">[http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/news_events/archive/docs/ext_prog_press_06.pdf "Vote of confidence in delivering world-wide education for the University of London"], University of London Press Release, 10 April 2006. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070206182152/http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/news_events/archive/docs/ext_prog_press_06.pdf |date=6 February 2007 }}</ref> The 'confidence' was once again reiterated in the QAA's 2011 Institutional Audit, attesting to the quality of the program provision.<ref name="QAA Institutional Audit">[http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/ReviewsAndReports/Documents/University%20of%20London%20International%20Programmes/University-of-London-International-Programmes-annex-IA-11.pdf "University of London International Programs, Institutional Audit"], May 2011. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924105754/http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/ReviewsAndReports/Documents/University%20of%20London%20International%20Programmes/University-of-London-International-Programmes-annex-IA-11.pdf |date=24 September 2015 }}</ref>

Most International Programmes Students are in former territories of the British Empire. There are more than 9,000 students enrolled in the programme in Singapore notably the SIM Global Education,<ref name="Study in Singapore">"Study in Singapore for a University of London Degree", Website http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/sg/</ref> 5,000 in Hong Kong,<ref name="Study in Hong Kong">"Study in Hong Kong for a University of London Degree", Website http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/hk/</ref> 3,000 in Trinidad and Tobago,<ref name="Study in Trinidad and Tobago">"Study in Trinidad and Tobago for a University of London Degree", Website http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/trinidad/</ref> 2,000 in Malaysia,<ref name="Study in Malaysia">"Study in Malaysia for a University of London Degree", Website http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/mly/</ref> 1,900 in Pakistan,<ref name="Study in Pakistan">"Study in Pakistan for a University of London Degree", Website http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/pak/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110318014002/http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/pak/ |date=18 March 2011 }}</ref> 1,200 in Bangladesh,<ref name="Study in Bangladesh">"Study in Bangladesh for a University of London Degree", Website http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/bn/</ref> 800 in Sri Lanka,<ref name="Study in Sri Lanka">"Study in Sri Lanka for a University of London Degree", Website http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/sri/</ref> 1,000 in Canada,<ref name="Study in Canada">"Study in Canada for a University of London Degree", Website http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/canada/</ref> between 1,000 and 1,999 in the United States,<ref name="Study in USA">"Study in the United States for a University of London Degree", Website http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/usa/</ref> 300 in Malta,<ref name="Study in Malta">[http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/mt/ "Study in Malta for a University of London Degree"], University of London | International Programmes. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606041829/http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/mt/ |date=6 June 2011 }}</ref> more than 200 in Australia, more than 200 in South Africa, more than 30 in New Zealand and many hundreds in India,<ref name="Study in India">[http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/ind/ "Study in India for a University of London Degree"], University of London | International Programmes. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723173625/http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/ind/ |date=23 July 2011 }}</ref> among other countries. Furthermore, there are around 1,000 students in Russia participating in this programme.

=== Name changes === In November 2007, the University of London External Programme became known as the University of London External System.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/news_events/archive/index.shtml |title=University of London External System – News & Events » News archive |publisher=londonexternal.ac.uk |date=15 March 2010 |access-date=27 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100822043512/http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/news_events/archive/index.shtml |archive-date=22 August 2010 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> In August 2010, the name was once again changed to University of London International Programmes in response to feedback that the programme needed a clear, simpler and more inclusive name that described what the University of London offered to almost 50,000 students in 180 countries.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/renaming/faqs.shtml |title=University of London International Programmes – External System renamed – FAQs |publisher=londonexternal.ac.uk |date=30 July 2010 |access-date=2 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100806190437/http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/renaming/faqs.shtml |archive-date=6 August 2010 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

As from February 2018, University of London International Programmes changed its name to just University of London.<ref name="UoL New Name 2018"/> The logo has been also changed to University of London, instead having its own logo.<ref name="UoL New Name 2018"/>

=== Participating colleges and institutes of the University of London === [[File:Senate House, University of London.jpg|Senate House, University of London|thumb|right]]

*Birkbeck *Goldsmiths *UCL Institute of Education *King's College London *London School of Economics *London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine *Queen Mary *Royal Holloway *Royal Veterinary College *School of Oriental and African Studies *University College London

After Imperial College London left the university in July 2007, the School of Oriental and African Studies became the lead college for the external degrees previously led by Imperial.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}. Following the closure of Heythrop College in January 2019, academic direction on distance learning courses in divinity is provided by the University of London rather than by one of the colleges.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://london.ac.uk/ways-study/campus-london/member-institutions/heythrop-college|title=Heythrop College|access-date=9 August 2020|work=University of London|archive-date=17 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217133807/https://london.ac.uk/ways-study/campus-london/member-institutions/heythrop-college|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://london.ac.uk/courses/divinity|title=Divinity|access-date=9 August 2020|work=University of London}}</ref>

=== Independent teaching institutions === In Europe, North America, the Middle East, South Asia and East Asia many students participating in University of London International Programmes seek out tuition at one of the more than 150 private or non-profit institutions<ref>[http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/about_us/institutions/index.shtml Our global reputation | University of London International Programmes]. Londoninternational.ac.uk. Retrieved 17 July 2013.</ref> that prepare students for University of London examinations.<ref name="Directory of Institutions">{{cite web |url=http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/onlinesearch/institutions/index.jsp |title=University of London International Programmes Directory of Institutions, Website |publisher=Londoninternational.ac.uk |access-date=27 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100805072741/http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/onlinesearch/institutions/index.jsp |archive-date=5 August 2010 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Such institutions may be audited and, if found to meet quality standards, may become "recognised" by the university for the support offered.

Starting August 2010, the External System programmes were renamed University of London International Programmes. The central academic body of the university, collaborating with the colleges of the University of London, is renamed University of London International Academy, term mainly used internally.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.london.ac.uk/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110223103844/http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/renaming/index.shtml|url-status=dead|title=Study with the University of London, anywhere in the world|archivedate=23 February 2011|website=www.london.ac.uk}}</ref>

In parallel to this change, the teaching institutions are now categorized into Registered and Affiliate centers (collectively known as recognised centres). Students can either decide to study entirely by themselves, or to enjoy the administrative and academic support of the institutions that are recognised by the University of London for the International Programmes. Registered Centres have demonstrated commitment to developing high standards in respect of teaching, support to students and administrative processes. Affiliate Centres have demonstrated a sustained commitment to developing excellence in respect of quality of teaching, support to students and administrative processes. Affiliate Centre status is the highest level of recognition awarded by the University of London. Recognition applies to specific programmes on named campuses.<ref>[http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/onlinesearch/institutions/index.jsp Information for students | University of London International Programmes] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100805072741/http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/onlinesearch/institutions/index.jsp |date=5 August 2010 }}. Londoninternational.ac.uk. Retrieved 17 July 2013.</ref> New College of the Humanities, a private college founded in London in 2011, though not affiliated with the University of London, also plans to register its students for degrees through the programme.<ref>Rai, Binda. [http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/media/press_releases/new_college_humanities.shtml "New College of the Humanities"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610040538/http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/media/press_releases/new_college_humanities.shtml |date=10 June 2011 }}, University of London press release, 6 June 2011.</ref>

==Academic profile== ===Programmes and degrees=== University of London currently offers 31 undergraduate degrees and 38 postgraduate degrees and also several diplomas. All degrees are created, monitored and examined by the colleges of the University of London.

In 2019, the University of London Worldwide and the LSE announced a partnership with 2U to deliver a fully online bachelor's degree in data science and business analytics through 2U's online platform.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2u-inc-announces-its-first-online-undergraduate-degree-program-in-partnership-with-the-university-of-london-300896232.html|title=2U, Inc. Announces its First Online Undergraduate Degree Program in Partnership with the University of London|date=5 August 2019|work=PR Newswire}}</ref>

===Scholarships and financial support=== In 2020, József Váradi donated £1 million to the university for support of external scholarship and aid.<ref name="UOL Varadi">{{cite web|title=Wizz Air CEO and co-founder donates over 1 million pounds for scholarship programme at the University of London|url=https://london.ac.uk/news-and-opinion/wizz-air-ceo-and-co-founder-donates-over-1-million-pounds|work=University of London|access-date=24 April 2020}}</ref> Organisations such as Commonwealth Scholarships, Sir John Cass's Foundation scholarship and individual scholarship like Guy Goodwin-Gill scholarship, Sadako Ogata scholarships are available for external students.

== Influence == International Programmes Administrative Building, Stewart House, University of London|thumb|right|261px The University of London external system has played an important role in the development of higher education institutions in Britain. Many leading research universities in England started out as "university colleges" that prepared students for external degrees of the University of London. Some technical colleges in England and Scotland also entered students for University of London degrees and certificates prior to becoming polytechnics or central institutions and then universities. Examples include the University of Exeter, the University of Leicester, the University of Nottingham and Portsmouth University in England, Bangor University and Cardiff University in Wales (prior to the establishment of the University of Wales) and Robert Gordon University in Scotland.

This was a common way of establishing new universities in Britain and around the British Empire during the first half of the twentieth century. Many universities in the Commonwealth began as extension institutions or a provider of the programme. Notable examples include Ceylon University College in Ceylon, University College Ibadan (now the University of Ibadan) in Nigeria, the former University of East Africa's three constituent institutions and the University of the West Indies in the Caribbean.

==Online MOOCs== In 2012, University of London International Programmes became the first British higher education institution to join Coursera and offer mass open online courses through their platform.<ref name="UoL Coursera">{{cite web|title=University of London – First English university to launch on Coursera|url=http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/community/londonconnection/articles/features/university-london-first-english-university-launch-coursera|work=University of London|access-date=14 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623052531/http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/community/londonconnection/articles/features/university-london-first-english-university-launch-coursera|archive-date=23 June 2017|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> By 2016, total enrollments had crossed 1 million.<ref name="UoL Coursera2">{{cite web|title=Hitting the million mark with MOOC enrolments|url=http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/media/press-releases/hitting-million-mark-mooc-enrolments|work=University of London|access-date=14 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616182037/http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/media/press-releases/hitting-million-mark-mooc-enrolments|archive-date=16 June 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In 2018 the University of London, its member institution Goldsmiths, University of London, and Coursera announced they were collaborating to offer the first undergraduate Computer Science degree on the platform.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://london.ac.uk/innovative-computer-science-learning-all-launch-world-first-undergraduate-degree-coursera|title=Innovative computer science learning for all with launch of world-first undergraduate degree on Coursera|publisher=University of London|access-date=3 June 2019}}</ref>

==Notable alumni== {{See also|Category:Alumni of University of London Worldwide}} The degree graduates from the International Programmes are member of the University of London International Programmes Alumni Association and formal alumni of the University of London. {{multiple image | width = 150 | image1 = LouiseCreightonA.jpg | alt1 = Louise Creighton | image2 = Helena Arsène Darmesteter - Portrait of Hertha Ayrton.jpg | alt2 = Hertha Ayrton | image3 = Sophie Bryant.jpg | alt3 = Sophie Bryant | footer = Louise Creighton, Hertha Ayrton and Sophie Bryant were among the first women to graduate as external degree candidate students after being permitted to sit "special examinations" at the University of London. }}

===Nobel laureates=== At least seven Nobel Prizes have been awarded to alumni of the University of London distance learning students in external mode: *Ronald H. Coase (Economic Sciences, 1991)<ref name="Coase Autobiography">{{cite web|url=http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/economics/laureates/1991/coase-autobio.html |title=Ronald Coase. "Nobel Prize Autobiography", 1991 |publisher=Nobelprize.org |date=29 December 1910 |access-date=27 April 2010}}</ref> *Frederick Gowland Hopkins (Physiology or Medicine, 1929)<ref name="Hopkins Obit">{{cite journal|jstor=531218|title=Sir Frederick Gowland Hopkins, O.M., F.R.S. (1861–1947)|first=Joseph|last=Needham|date=1 January 1962|journal=Notes and Records of the Royal Society of London|volume=17|issue=2|pages=117–162|doi=10.1098/rsnr.1962.0014|s2cid=145795016|doi-access=free}}</ref> *Charles K. Kao (Physics, 2009)<ref name="London Connection 8">{{cite web |url=https://london.ac.uk/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011128083432/http://www.london.ac.uk/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 November 2001 |title=London Connection, Issue 8, November 2009 |format=PDF |access-date=27 April 2010 }}</ref> *Nelson Mandela (Peace, 1993)<ref name="External History" /><ref name="Guardian Article" /><ref name="Mandela Autobiography">{{cite web|url=http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1993/mandela-article.html |author=Anders Hallengren |title=Nelson Mandela and the Rainbow of Culture| date=11 September 2001 |work=Nobelprize.org |publisher=Nobel Foundation|access-date=20 November 2010}}</ref> * Rolph Payet, Lead author of IPCC (Peace, 2007);<ref name="Payet UoL">{{cite web|title=Dr Rolph Payet – graduated 2006|url=http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/people/dr-rolph-payet-graduated-2006|work=University of London International Programmes|access-date=14 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811184016/http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/people/dr-rolph-payet-graduated-2006|archive-date=11 August 2017|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> HonDSc (2016)<ref name="Payet Seychelles">{{cite web|title=Seychelles Nobel prize winner receives honorary doctorate|url=http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/4753/Seychelles+Nobel+prize+winner+receives+honorary+doctorate|work=Seychelles News Agency|access-date=14 June 2017}}</ref><ref name="Payet Seychelles2">{{cite web|title=Nobel Laureate awarded honorary degree by HRH The Princess Royal|url=http://www.london.ac.uk/fileadmin/documents/Press/Rolph_Payet_receives_highest_honours_from_University_of_London_International_Programmes.pdf|work=University of London International Programmes|access-date=14 June 2017}}</ref> *Wole Soyinka (Literature, 1986)<ref name=autogenerated1 /> *Derek Walcott (Literature, 1992)<ref name=autogenerated1 />

===Presidents, prime ministers, politicians=== *Emeka Anyaoku, 3rd Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations *Luisa Diogo, 3rd Prime Minister of Mozambique<ref name="External History" /> *Sir Oliver Goonetilleke, 3rd Governor-General of Ceylon *Sir Senerat Gunewardene, cabinet minister and diplomat *Varun Gandhi, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha from India<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/my-degrees-owned-entirely-by-lse-soas-varun-gandhi/445280/0|title=My degrees 'owned entirely' by LSE, SOAS: Varun Gandhi|publisher=The Indian Express|date=10 April 2009 |access-date=13 September 2010}}</ref> *Alvan Ikoku, Nigerian politician{{citation needed|date=December 2019}} *J. R. Jayewardene, 2nd President of Sri Lanka and 7th Prime Minister of Sri Lanka *Charles Muguta Kajege, Member of Parliament, Tanzania<ref name="London Connection Spring 2007">[http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/alumni/newsletter/spring_07.pdf ''London Connection'' Alumni Newsletter], Spring 2007. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928080825/http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/alumni/newsletter/spring_07.pdf |date=28 September 2007 }}</ref> *David Knox, former Member of Parliament for Leek, Staffordshire<ref name=autogenerated2>{{cite web|title=Notable Alumni – University of London International Programmes|url=http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/alumni/notable_alumni.shtml|access-date=12 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100610102420/http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/alumni/notable_alumni.shtml|archive-date=10 June 2010|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> *W. J. M. Lokubandara, Member of Parliament in Sri Lanka United National Party<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.sundaytimes.lk/210221/news/scholar-politician-spent-a-contented-life-433318.html|title= Scholar-politician spent a contented life|author=Nadia Fazlulhaq|date=21 February 2021|work=Sunday Times}}</ref> *Eleni Mavrou, Minister of Interior of the Republic of Cyprus<ref name=autogenerated2 /> *Thabo Mbeki, 2nd President of South Africa<ref name="Biography of Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki">Biography of Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki, Website http://www.info.gov.za/gol/gcis_profile.jsp?id=509 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080502173844/http://www.info.gov.za/gol/gcis_profile.jsp?id=509 |date=2 May 2008 }}</ref> *Dipu Moni, 1st woman to become Foreign Minister of Bangladesh *Fred Mulley, UK Secretary of State for Defence<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/people/lord-frederick-william-mulley-graduated-1946|title=Lord Frederick William Mulley – graduated 1946|publisher=University of London|access-date=21 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810014016/http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/people/lord-frederick-william-mulley-graduated-1946|archive-date=10 August 2017|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> *Robert Mugabe, 2nd President of Zimbabwe and 1st Prime Minister of Zimbabwe<ref>Christine Kenyon Jones, ''The People's University: 150 years of the University of London and its External students'' (University of London External System, 2008) pages 148–149 {{ISBN|0-9557689-1-8}}</ref> *Paul Pearce, Member of Parliament, Australia<ref name="London Connection Autumn 2005">[http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/alumni/newsletter/autumn_05.pdf''London Connection'' Alumni Newsletter], Autumn 2005. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928080914/http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/alumni/newsletter/autumn_05.pdf |date=28 September 2007 }}</ref> *A. N. R. Robinson, 3rd President of Trinidad and Tobago and 3rd Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago *Patricia Scotland, 6th Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations *Gisela Stuart, Member of Parliament for Birmingham Edgbaston<ref>{{cite web|publisher=British Council|url=https://www.britishcouncil.org/education-uk-awards/winners|title=2015 Famous alumni}}</ref><ref name="britishcouncil.org">{{cite web|publisher=British Council|url=https://www.britishcouncil.org/education-uk-awards|title=2017 Alumni Awards 2017 – get ready to apply or nominate!|access-date=9 August 2016|archive-date=12 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312230254/https://www.britishcouncil.org/education-uk-awards|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="A Masters plan">{{cite news|author=Sarah Richardson|title=A Masters plan for ambitious women|work=Evening Standard|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/A+Masters+plan+for+ambitious+women-a0153259690|date=24 October 2006|access-date=20 November 2010|archive-date=7 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707090421/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/A+Masters+plan+for+ambitious+women-a0153259690|url-status=dead}}</ref> *Maria Tam, Deputy of Hong Kong to National People's Congress

===Military, civil servants and diplomats=== *Hamilton Amerasinghe, 31st President of the United Nations General Assembly (1976) *Teresa Cheng, 4th Secretary for Justice of Hong Kong *Leung Chin-man, Permanent Secretary in the Government of Hong Kong *Thomas Kelly-Kenny, General of the British Army *Stephen Lam, Chief Secretary for Administration of Hong Kong *Gunapala Malalasekera, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations and Ambassador<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archives.dailynews.lk/2003/05/05/fea02.html|title= Remembering G. P. Malalasekera – an outstanding Lankan|work=Daily News|author=Stanley E. Abeynayake|date=5 May 2003 |access-date=13 September 2010}}</ref> *Bernard Peiris, Cabinet Secretary of Sri Lanka *Ediriweera Sarachchandra, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to France *Li Tieh-tseng, Ambassador of Republic of China to Iran and Thailand *T. K. Whitaker, Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland and Senator of Seanad Éireann

===Judges and lawyers=== * Bola Ajibola, Judge of the International Court of Justice<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/regions-and-countries/nigeria|title=Nigeria – University of London International Programmes|publisher=University of London|access-date=28 June 2017}}</ref> *Oswald Leslie De Kretser III, judge of the Supreme Court of Ceylon *Helena Normanton, First female barrister in the United Kingdom.<ref name="HN UOL">{{cite book|last=Bourne|first=Judith|title=Helena Normanton and the Opening of the Bar to Women|year=2016|publisher=Waterside Press, 2016|isbn=9781909976320}}</ref> *Agha Rafiq Ahmed Khan, Former Chief Justice of the Federal Shariat Court of Pakistan *Babatunji Olowofoyeku, Attorney General of Western Region, Nigeria * Meir Shamgar, former President/Chief Justice of the Israeli Supreme Court<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bQEAmjk4Wh0C|title=Israel's Holocaust and the Politics of Nationhood|first=Idith|last=Zertal|date=11 July 2005|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-1-139-44662-4}}</ref> * Choor Singh, Judge of the Supreme Court of Singapore *Frederic N. Smalkin, former Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Maryland,<ref>Maryland & the Federal Government|url=http://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/39fed/02usd/former/html/msa12038.html|</ref> *Victor Tennekoon, 35th Chief Justice of Sri Lanka *Henry Thambiah, Judge of the Supreme Court of Ceylon * Christopher Weeramantry, Judge and Vice-President of the International Court of Justice<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/people/judge-christopher-weeramantry-graduated-1949|title=Judge Christopher Weeramantry – graduated 1949|publisher=University of London|access-date=21 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916053752/http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/people/judge-christopher-weeramantry-graduated-1949|archive-date=16 September 2017|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> *Edward Williams, Judge of the Supreme Court of Queensland, Australia<ref name="Edward Williams Site">[http://www.courts.qld.gov.au/library/exhibition/williams/uni_london.htm "Commemorating the Life of Edward Williams"], Supreme Court of Queensland Library, 2004. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829203923/http://www.courts.qld.gov.au/library/exhibition/williams/uni_london.htm |date=29 August 2007 }}</ref>

===Business=== * Joseph Hotung, 1st Chairman of Hong Kong Arts Development Council and Recipient of Knight Bachelor<ref name="Sir Joseph Hotung">{{cite web|title=Sir Joseph Hotung – Honorary Fellows and Honorary Graduates of SOAS, University of London|url=https://www.soas.ac.uk/about/fellows/sir-joseph-hotung/|work=SOAS, University of London|access-date=9 October 2017|archive-date=17 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617042848/https://www.soas.ac.uk/about/fellows/sir-joseph-hotung/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Sir Joseph Hotung HKU">{{cite web|title=Sir Joseph HOTUNG, Doctor of Letters honoris causa – The University of Hong Kong|url=http://www4.hku.hk/hongrads/index.php/archive/graduate_detail/169|work=The University of Hong Kong|access-date=9 October 2017}}</ref> * Khadija Mushtaq, executive director of Roots School System, Pakistan * Sherin Naiken, CEO of Seychelles Tourism Board

===Scientists and academics=== * Donald Harris, Professor emeritus at Stanford University and father of Kamala Harris *Chinua Achebe, David and Marianna Fisher University Professor at Brown University.<ref name="Achebe Brown">{{cite web|title=Famed Nigerian writer Achebe joins faculty at Brown University|url=http://www.browndailyherald.com/2009/09/15/famed-nigerian-writer-achebe-joins-faculty/|work=The Brown Daily Herald|first=Nicole|last= Friedman|date=14 September 2009|access-date=9 October 2017}}</ref><ref name=autogenerated1 /> *Grace Alele-Williams, Chancellor of University of Benin *Asa Briggs, Chancellor of Open University (1978 to 1994)<ref name="The Papers of Asa Briggs">{{cite web|title=The Papers of Asa Briggs|url=http://janus.lib.cam.ac.uk/db/node.xsp?id=EAD%2FGBR%2F0014%2FBRIG|work=Janus|publisher=University of Cambridge|access-date=20 November 2010|archive-date=22 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422123210/https://janus.lib.cam.ac.uk/db/node.xsp?id=EAD/GBR/0014/BRIG|url-status=dead}}</ref> *Brian Laurence Burtt, English botanist<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/b-l-burtt-plant-taxonomist-846272.html|title=B. L. Burtt: Plant taxonomist|date=12 June 2008|newspaper=The Independent}}</ref> *Bob Coats – former professor at University of York *Glyn Davies, economist<ref name="Davies Bio">{{cite news|title=Obituary: Professor Glyn Davies| work= The Daily Telegraph| date= 24 January 2003 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1419830/Professor-Glyn-Davies.html|access-date=20 November 2010}}</ref> *Patrick du Val, inventor of the concept of Du Val singularity in algebraic surface<ref name="Biography of Patrick du Val">{{cite web|title=Du Val biography|url=http://www-history.mcs.st-andrews.ac.uk/Biographies/Du_Val.html|work=MacTutor History of Mathematics archive|access-date=20 November 2010}}</ref> *Geoffrey Elton, Regius Professor of History at University of Cambridge *Sir Roy Goode, Founder of Centre for Commercial Law Studies at Queen Mary, University of London.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bUSgN-2R8VMC&dq=essays+roy+goode+a+biographical+sketch&pg=PR13|title=Making Commercial Law: Essays in Honour of Roy Goode|author=Ross Cranston|isbn=0-19-826081-4|page=xiv|year=1997|publisher=Clarendon Press }}</ref> *A.C. Grayling, Master of the New College of the Humanities<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ft.com/content/738df0c8-9177-11e0-b1ea-00144feab49a|title=The Inventory: Anthony Grayling|work=The Financial Times|date= 10 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615155024/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/738df0c8-9177-11e0-b1ea-00144feab49a.html|archive-date=15 June 2011|author= Hester Lacey}}</ref> *Alec Issigonis, engineer and designer of the British Motor Corporation (BMC) Mini<ref name="External History" /> *Harold Jeffreys, mathematician, statistician, geophysicist and astronomer<ref name="The Papers of Harold Jeffreys">{{cite web|title=Papers and correspondence of Sir Harold Jeffreys|url=http://janus.lib.cam.ac.uk/db/node.xsp?id=EAD%2FGBR%2F0275%2FJeffreys%2FA118-A127|work=Janus|publisher=University of Cambridge|access-date=20 November 2010}}</ref> *Israel Kirzner, former professor of economics at New York University<ref name="Israel Kirzner's Curriculum Vitae">Israel Kirzner's Curriculum Vitae http://www.econ.nyu.edu/dept/vitae/kirzner.htm</ref> *Kelvin Lancaster, former professor of economics at Columbia University<ref name="Columbia Lancaster Obit">Kelvin Lancaster Obituary, Columbia University, 1999 http://www.columbia.edu/cu/economics/faculty/memoriam/memoriam_klancaster.html</ref> *D H Lawrence, British author and critic<ref name=book /> *Ronald Piper, Professor and Vice-Principal at the University of St Andrews<ref>University of St Andrews Administration webpage http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/~www_sd/piper1.html {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080624024413/http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/~www_sd/piper1.html |date=24 June 2008 }}</ref> *Charlotte Scott, former professor of mathematics at Bryn Mawr College<ref>{{cite book |first1=Bettye Anne|last1=Case|author1-link=Bettye Anne Case |first2=Anne M. |last2=Leggett|author2-link=Anne M. Leggett |year=2005 |title=Complexities: Women in Mathematics|title-link= Complexities: Women in Mathematics |publisher=Princeton University Press |isbn=9780691114620}}</ref> *Charles P. Snow, Rector of the University of St Andrews (1961 to 1964)<ref name="CP Snow">{{cite book|last=Tredell|first=N|title=C.P. Snow: The Dynamics of Hope|year=2012|publisher=Springer|isbn=9781137271877|access-date=}}</ref> *L. Dudley Stamp, Professor at the London School of Economics and Political Science<ref name="D Stamp Obit">{{Cite journal | last1 = Wise | first1 = M. J. | title = Obituary: Professor Sir Dudley Stamp | jstor = 1792625 | journal = The Geographical Journal | volume = 132 | issue = 4 | pages = 591–594 | year = 1966 | doi = 10.2307/1792623}}</ref> *Barnes Wallis, Inventor of the Bouncing Bomb<ref name="Guardian Article" /> *Alan Walters, former Chief Economic Adviser to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/conservative/4125406/Alan-Walters-Margaret-Thatchers-economic-adviser-dies.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100603051455/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/conservative/4125406/Alan-Walters-Margaret-Thatchers-economic-adviser-dies.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 June 2010|title=Alan Walters, Margaret Thatcher's economic adviser, dies |author=Andrew Pierce |work=Daily Telegraph |date=5 January 2009|access-date= 20 November 2010}}</ref>

===Religion=== *Louis Charles Casartelli, fourth Bishop of Salford<ref name="churches-online.org.uk">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050418024409/http://www.churches-online.org.uk/salfordarchives/clergy/clergy_c.html|archive-date=18 April 2005|url=http://www.churches-online.org.uk/salfordarchives/clergy/clergy_c.html|title=Salford Diocesan Clergy|work=Churches On-Line|access-date=20 November 2010|url-status=usurped|df=dmy-all}}</ref> *Thomas Cooray, Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church<ref>{{cite news|url=https://archives.dailynews.lk/2007/12/07/fea04.asp|work=Daily News|date=7 December 2007|title=Much loved Chief Shepherd of the Archdiocese|author= Shemal Fernando}}</ref> *Walpola Rahula Thero, Sri Lankan Buddhist monk, scholar and writer<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.walpolarahula.institute/rahula-thero/|title=Biography|website=Walpola Rahula Institute|access-date=14 August 2024|quote=he studied at the affiliated college of the University of London, in Colombo. In 1941 he graduated with an Honours Degree in Eastern Languages}}</ref>

===Others=== *Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, actor<ref name=autogenerated2 /> *Ulli Beier, writer<ref name="Ulli Beier Article">Wole Ogundele, "Rereading Beier", ''African Quarterly on the Arts'', vol. 2, no. 3, (date?) http://archive.lib.msu.edu/DMC/African%20Journals/pdfs/glendora%20review/vol2no4/graa002004012.pdf</ref> *Malcolm Bradbury, British author and academic<ref name=autogenerated1 /> *Jim Crace, English novelist<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.theparisreview.org/interviews/122/jim-crace-the-art-of-fiction-no-179-jim-crace|title=Jim Crace, The Art of Fiction No. 179|first=Interviewed by Adam|last=Begley|date=2 November 2018|volume=Fall 2003|issue=167|via=www.theparisreview.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://literature.britishcouncil.org/writer/jim-crace|title=Jim Crace – Literature|website=literature.britishcouncil.org}}</ref> *Louise Creighton, British author and activist<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/150/history/first_graduates.shtml|title=The First New Graduates – 150th Anniversary – University of London External System|publisher=Londonexternal.ac.uk|access-date=10 September 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170503150355/http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/150/history/first_graduates.shtml|archive-date=3 May 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> *Nigel de Gruchy, former trade union official<ref name="garner">"[https://web.archive.org/web/20100227085105/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/nigel-de-gruchy-the-teachers-leader-who-spoke-in-sound-bites-655741.html Nigel de Gruchy: The teachers' leader who spoke in sound bites]", ''The Independent'', 28 March 2002</ref> *Jack Higgins, English novelist<ref name=book>{{cite web|url=http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/150/book/index.shtml|title=The People's University 1858–2008 – Anniversary Book – 150th Anniversary – University of London External System|publisher=Londonexternal.ac.uk|access-date=10 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100816030023/http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/150/book/index.shtml|archive-date=16 August 2010|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> *Ramita Mahapreukpong, Thai actress *David Forbes Martyn, physicist<ref name="Biography of David Forbes Martyn">Biography of David Forbes Martyn, Website https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/martyn-david-forbes-11076</ref> *C. P. Snow, English physicist and novelist<ref name=book /> *Josiah Stamp, 1st Baron Stamp, economist and former Director of the Bank of England<ref name="J Stamp Bio">Biography of Josiah Stamp, Website http://economia.unipv.it/harrod/edition/editionstuff/rfh.528.htm {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304022816/http://economia.unipv.it/harrod/edition/editionstuff/rfh.528.htm |date=4 March 2016 }}</ref> *Gordon Taylor, former professional footballer and current chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association<ref name=autogenerated1>A unique network – former students and alumni, University of London External System http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/150/history/students_alumni.shtml {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080316221622/http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/150/history/students_alumni.shtml |date=16 March 2008 }}</ref> *Barbara Thiering, Australian writer and historian *H. G. Wells, writer<ref name="Biography of H. G. Wells">[http://www.slais.ubc.ca/courses/libr500/03-04-wt1/assignments/www/D_Berry/Wellsbio.htm "Biography of H. G. Wells"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080210182824/http://www.slais.ubc.ca/COURSES/libr500/03-04-wt1/assignments/www/D_Berry/Wellsbio.htm |date=10 February 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | last=Ruddick | first=Nicholas | year=2001 | title=The Time Machine (Broadview Literary Texts)| location= Peterborough, Ontario| publisher=Broadview Press | isbn=978-1-55111-305-0 }}</ref> *Kwasi Wiredu, philosopher<ref name=autogenerated1 /> * Frances Yates, historian

==Notable faculty== {{See also|Category:People associated with University of London Worldwide}} * T. S. Eliot<ref name="TS Eliot UoL">{{cite web|title=How T. S. Eliot's time as a university lecturer shaped his writing|url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/blog/how-t-s-eliots-time-university-lecturer-shaped-his-writing|date=15 May 2017|first=Ronald|last= Schuchard|website=Times Higher Education|access-date=8 June 2017}}</ref>

== References == {{Reflist|30em}}

== Further reading == *{{cite book | last=Kenyon Jones | first=Christine | year=2008 | title=The People's University: 150 years of the University of London and its External students | location=London | publisher=University of London External System | isbn=978-0-9557689-1-0}} *{{cite book | editor-last=Thompson | editor-first=F. M. L.| editor-link = Francis Michael Longstreth Thompson| year=1990| title=The University of London and the world of learning, 1836–1986| location= London| publisher=Hambledon Press| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UKjkgdHh8tsC | isbn=978-1-85285-032-6}} *{{cite book | last=Evans | first=Wendy | year=2011 | title=Libraries and Society | publisher=Elsevier Science | isbn=9781780632636}} *{{cite book | last1=Wiseman| first1=Alexander W.| last2=Wolhuter| first2=C. C.| year=2013 | title=Development of Higher Education in Africa: Prospects and Challenges | publisher=Emerald Group Publishing | isbn=9781781906996}} *{{cite book | last=Mazrui | first=Ali AlʼAmin | year=1978 | title=Political Values and the Educated Class in Africa | publisher=University of California Press | isbn=9780520032927}} *{{cite book | last=McKibbin | first=Ross | year=1998 | title=Classes and Cultures: England 1918-1951 | publisher=Oxford University Press | isbn=9780198206729}} *{{cite book | last=Vernon | first=Keith | year=2004 | title=Universities and the State in England, 1850-1939 | publisher=RoutledgeFalmer | isbn=9780713002355}} *{{cite book | last=Schreuder | first=Deryck M. | year=2013 | title=Universities for a New World | publisher=SAGE Publications | isbn=9788132117780}}

== External links == * [http://www.london.ac.uk Official website] University of London * [https://web.archive.org/web/20170515033043/http://www.londoninternational.ac.uk/150/index.shtml 150 Years - Anniversary Celebrations] ''University of London, Archived'' * [https://web.archive.org/web/20170604193521/https://www.timeshighereducation.com/features/imperial-echoes/419239.article Imperial echoes] ''Times Higher Education, Archived''

{{DEFAULTSORT:London External System, University Of}} Category:University of London Worldwide External System Category:1858 establishments in the United Kingdom Category:1858 establishments in England Category:1858 establishments in the British Empire Category:1858 in London Category:Distance education institutions based in the United Kingdom