City, University of London

City, University of London is a leading UK university, with a global vision and a commitment to transforming lives through education. It is home to 20,000 students, 46% of which are studying at postgraduate level, and has an alumni of more than 140,000 graduates, from over 180 countries.

The University is divided into five different Schools:

• Cass Business School
• School of Arts & Social Sciences
• School of Health Sciences
• School of Mathematics, Computer Science & Engineering
• The City Law School

Research forms an essential part of their pursuit of academic excellence at City. The university is dedicated to creating research that is not only innovative, but has a lasting, real-world impact across the world. Each of the five schools has their own specialist research centres – there are 70 in total across the university - along with four interdisciplinary research centres.

In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014, 52.4% of City’s research was classed as ‘Internationally Excellent’ and 23.3% was classed as ‘World-leading’. 40% of City’s research staff were rated as ‘Excellent’. This performance puts City within the Top 50 of UK institutions for research.

In 2016, it became part of the University of London federation and as a result of this, students at City have access to a whole network of shared facilities and services.

Based in the heart of the UK capital, City, University of London students have a wealth of academic and career opportunities on their doorstep. London is a melting pot of people, culture and history, providing a stimulating environment in which to work, study and play.

Notable Alumni of the university include Mohandas 'Mahatma' Gandhi, British PMs Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair, EasyJet founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou and DJ Jo Whiley.

Postgraduate on-campus and online events at City

City, University of London runs regular postgraduate open evenings and online information sessions throughout the academic year. Designed to give prospective students the opportunity to explore, the events allow students to meet academic tutors and gain insight into the courses they teach.

Attendees will receive guidance on application processes, chat with current students and be able to access advice from student services including careers, funding, library and accommodation.

For those who are unable to visit in person, the university also offers prospective students access to a series of subject specific and general online information sessions. Delivered by the university’s academics, current students and student services, these sessions allow students to discover the university from the comfort of their own home. Dates of subject specific sessions can be found across the university’s website.

Chat to a City student online

For prospective students hoping to get a closer look at what it’s like to be a student at City, the university has a team of student ambassadors who are available to answer questions. The chat feature allows students to select a preferred course of interest, as well as a country of origin. This provides students with a unique and personalised insight into studying at City.

One of City’s greatest strengths is their links to business and industry, and expanding these links is central to their future strategy. They are focused on setting up new interdisciplinary research centres that will produce solutions to some of the biggest challenges that society faces.

These ties to both UK and International businesses provide networking and career opportunities for postgraduate students. City has also signed up to The Concordat, which is an agreement to improve the employment and support for research staff.

Students also have access to CityCareers and ExperienceCity – both of which offer students careers advice and guidance support and opportunities to meet employers, find paid work and develop non-academic skills.

There are over 150 taught postgraduate degrees and a range of research degree programmes offered through the 70 specialist research centres and four interdisciplinary centres at City.

Courses cover the following academic areas: Business, Arts, Social Sciences, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Health Sciences and Law. Each of City’s academic schools has a particular strength, for example the School of Health Sciences is leading research in ophthalmology.

City’s academics are leaders in their field and are often approached by the press to comment on their work. Each Postgraduate student also has the opportunity to be matched with an experienced mentor who supports them through their studies.

City Students’ Union (CULSU) works to improve the experience of City students. It provides independent advice on academic issues through the Union Support Service (USS). It also organises events and supports student clubs and societies, Raising and Giving (RAG) activity, student media and student-led environmental projects, so that you can play a full part in the City community and make the most of your time at City.

Elected student officers represent you before the University and nationally: they ensure that your voice is heard on key student issues and lobby to make sure that you have the support you need to excel. The Students’ Union supports University academic representation by training and supporting student course representatives.

Visit our website to find out more about CULSU.

Postgraduate students have the opportunity to live in three of City’s halls of residence:

• Alliance House – located in the residential area of Newington Green, approximately 30 minutes' travel on public transport from City.
• iQ City – new halls, seven minutes’ walk from campus, offering en-suite rooms and studio rooms. It is provided by third party housing provider, iQ Student Accommodation.
• Urbanest Hoxton – a new addition to the university, Urbanest Hoxton provides self-catered accommodation just north of Old Street tube station – a short walk from university.
• Willen House – self-catered halls of residence which offer 157 self-contained studio apartments, each with their own en-suite bathroom and kitchenette, 10 minutes' walk from City, University of London's main site at Northampton Square, and 10 minutes' walk from Cass Business School.

You will be able to apply for one of City’s affiliated halls once you have firmly accepted your offer at City. Please note that rooms are allocated on a first come first served basis, but priority is given to students with a disability or severe medical condition.

City realizes that in order to produce world-leading research, students need world-class equipment and facilities. The university has invested £150 million in responsive learning environments, new technologies, library and study spaces and its staff over the past 10 years.

Highlights for students include:

• Airbus cockpit simulator, micro turbines and formula car simulator in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics.
• State -of-the-art 3D OCT camera used in City’s own opticians, City Sight, which is open to the public.
• A fully equipped recording studio, composition studio, performance space and rehearsal rooms in the Department of Music.

As part of the University of London, students also get access to a wide network of library, social and sports facilities.

London is one of the most culturally diverse and vibrant cities in the world. Hundreds of thousands of students come to the capital from across the world to study here.

And City is right at the heart of it all in Islington, a bohemian area of London known for its many independent shops, bars and restaurants. It’s just a short tube or bus ride into central London, with its diverse range of theatres, world leading galleries and museums and famous attractions.

If all that hustle and bustle gets a little too much, London is home to over 3,000 parks and open areas for you to relax in. Or you can hop on a train and visit any number of the UK’s fantastic cities and towns.

City offers a number of sports clubs, including: American Football; Fencing; Squash, and Volleyball. Whether you are playing for fun or want to represent the University competitively as part of the ‘City Wolfpack’ at Varsity, there is something for everyone.

If sports is not your thing, there are 127 societies to choose from, catering to a wide range of faith, cultural and hobby-based interests. If you can’t find a society that’s right for you, the university will fully support you in creating your own.

It’s not just your academic development that’s important to City. They offer a wide range of services to support students from day one, to help you settle in and cope with the pressures that come with student life, including:

• Student Counselling & Mental Health Services: confidential mental health support, workshops and self-help material. Free counselling is also offered, including a daily drop-in service.
• Wellbeing services: Including a health service, where you can get advice from a registered nurse and get immunization jabs; a disability service for those with physical and mental disabilities; and a chaplaincy service, with support and spaces to pray and reflect.
• Dedicated support for care leavers and estranged students: offering advice and support on a range of financial and personal issues.

UK students per year: Variable by course.

International students per year: Variable by course.

For information on scholarships and bursaries given by the university, please visit.

At City, 40% of all academics are producing research that is world-leading or internationally excellent (2014 Research Excellence Framework).

Applicants for all postgraduate degrees are usually required to hold a university honours degree, or equivalent qualification in an appropriate subject. If you have relevant experience or other types of qualifications, you may also be considered at the discretion of the individual department. In addition, we recognise several pre-master’s courses in particular those provided by the INTO Centre at City, University of London and Kaplan Internal College London.

Doctoral study, which usually results in a PhD or a professional doctorate usually takes three or four years of study. Original research on a specific topic under expert academic supervision culminates in a long-length thesis or dissertation. City has a “City Graduate School” which is designed to support those studying for a research degree. 

City offers over 150 taught postgraduate courses. A taught postgraduate degree usually involves the study of one or more compulsory modules, combined with several elective modules and a substantial piece of individual work, which may take the form of a dissertation or other research project. Taught postgraduate degrees at City allow you to study a subject in depth and tailor your module choices to your area of interest and future plans. You will learn alongside a cohort of peers who share your interests and you will benefit from lectures, seminars and research supervision from academics who are leaders in their fields.

Most taught postgraduate degrees are designed to be studied and completed over the course of one academic year for full-time students, or two years for part-time students. 

There are a small number of courses available to study via distance learning. You don’t need to attend lectures in person, and you can usually choose from a number of options when to start. It’s also useful if you are an overseas student and have issues obtaining a UK Visa. 

City offers a wide-range of postgraduate courses across a number of different subjects. There are postgraduate open days, evenings and online fairs, along with specific prospectuses. There are also halls of residences specifically for postgraduate students, and a variety of funding available too.