About UCL | About UCL

About UCL | About UCL
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About UCL
Who we are
UCL200
Excellence and impact
Leadership and governance
Our people
Campuses and facilities
Sustainability
Social responsibility
About UCL
Founded in 1826 in the heart of London, UCL is London’s leading multidisciplinary university, with more than 18,000 staff and 51,000 students from over 150 different countries.
We are a diverse community with the freedom and courage to challenge, to question, and to think differently.
Through a progressive approach to teaching and research, our world-leading academics, curious students and outstanding staff continually pursue excellence, break boundaries, and make an impact on real-world problems.
UCL200
UCL’s Bicentenary
In 1826, UCL was founded as London’s very first university. On 11th February – on the same date the deeds for UCL were signed two centuries ago – we marked our 200th anniversary and the beginning of a year of celebration!
Find out more
Navigate to Who we are
Who we are
Find out about UCL, our values and beliefs, our history and key facts and figures.
Navigate to Excellence and impact
Excellence and impact
UCL is one of the world’s top universities, with broad disciplinary excellence in research, innovation, education and impact.
Navigate to Leadership and governance
Leadership and governance
Find out about our strategy and how UCL's leadership, organisational structure and governance empower its delivery.
Navigate to Our people
Our people
At UCL we are proud of our diverse community of staff and students – a community enriched by the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings.
Navigate to Campuses and facilities
Campuses and facilities
UCL sits at the heart of one of the most dynamic cities in the world. Find out about our central and east London locations, how to find and visit us, and spaces for hire.
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Sustainability
UCL has been a leader in sustainability for over a decade, making bold commitments to carbon reduction, promoting a circular economy and embedding sustainability into our education and research.
Navigate to Social and civic responsibility
Social and civic responsibility
UCL is committed to social and civic responsibility through its teaching, research, recruitment, engagement activities and campaigns.
#9 in the World
QS World University Rankings 2026
#2 for Research Power
Research Excellence Framework 2021 (REF)
UCL news
Major progress made in cell and gene therapies at UCL
Major progress made in cell and gene therapies at UCL
UCL is making significant progress in developing cell and gene therapies which are transforming treatment for patients, according to a new report from the UCL Translational Research Office and UCL Business.
23 Apr 2026
Atlantic island narrowly escaped ‘stealthy’ eruption
Atlantic island narrowly escaped ‘stealthy’ eruption
Thousands of earthquakes affecting Portugal’s São Jorge Island in the Azores in March 2022 were triggered by a vast sheet of magma (molten rock) rising from more than 20km below Earth’s surface and stalling just 1.6km beneath the island, finds a new study led by UCL researchers.
23 Apr 2026
Girl’s sight restored after ‘life-changing’ gene therapy
Girl’s sight restored after ‘life-changing’ gene therapy
A six-year-old girl has had her sight restored thanks to life-changing eye gene therapy for rare blindness involving a team at UCL and Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH).
23 Apr 2026
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UCL public events
What's on
More UCL public events
07 Feb to 07 Nov
Saturday Studios in the Culture Lab
07 Feb 2026 - 07 Nov 2026
12 Mar to 16 Jul
Economic Geography Network Seminar Series
12 Mar 2026 - 16 Jul 2026
18 Mar to 02 Dec
UCL200 Walking Tour
18 Mar 2026 - 02 Dec 2026
Highlights
Top 10 in the World
Highlight
Top 10 in the World
UCL is 9th best university in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, and 7th best in the 2025-2026 Best Global Universities.
1st in UK QS Sustainability
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1st in UK QS Sustainability
UCL is 1st in the UK, 2nd in Europe, and 3rd globally in the 2026 QS Sustainability Rankings.
UCL in 2025
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UCL in 2025
Browse some of the highlights of 2025 and how UCL is addressing real-world problems on a global scale.