At the University of East London (UEL), 92% of research is recognised as world-leading, internationally excellent, or internationally recognised (REF 2021). Plus, £250,000 is awarded each year for postgraduate scholarships, providing a 50% discount on taught postgraduate tuition fees.
The university is based across three campuses in the thriving area of East London. Stratford has the Olympic Park on its doorstep while Docklands campus has its own train station.
Together, they offer over £450 million of facilities including studios, labs, libraries, and the £21 million SportsDock sports centre. Central London is less than half an hour away on the tube.
UEL students can choose from over 140 practical, career-focused postgraduate courses in the areas of:
· Allied and Public Health
· Architecture and Design
· Bioscience
· Business and Finance
· Computer Science and AI
· Counselling, Communities and Social Work
· Education Studies and Teacher Training
· Engineering and Built Environment
· Fashion
· Global Sustainable Development
· Hospitality, Tourism and Events
· Law, Justice and Policing
· Media
· Performing Arts
· Psychology
· Sport Science
· Visual Arts
Many of these are also accredited by professional bodies, making UEL qualifications globally recognised.
University of East London students on Postgraduate Search say:
''I like the university very much and the supporting system of staff, lecturers and student uni and student hub. There are very great facilities for students. Very good college.''
''One of the best aspects of my university experience has been the quality of education. The professors are highly knowledgeable, approachable, and passionate about their subjects. The curriculum is challenging but rewarding, and I've been exposed to cutting-edge research and practical applications in my field.''
''The best aspects of university life are the diverse learning opportunities, access to advanced resources, and the chance to connect with people from different backgrounds. The interactive environment fosters personal and professional growth, making it an exciting place to learn.''
An impressive 82% of postgraduate students at UEL felt that research skills had developed during their course, while 89% felt they were encouraged to ask questions and contribute to class discussions.
The university has invested £170 million into buildings and facilities in recent years, benefitting all UEL students.
Postgraduates at UEL remain part of the university community long after graduating as they become part of a 70,000 strong alumni association. This alumni team organises networking events and guest speaker sessions all throughout the year, providing graduates with lifelong career support.
The Docklands campus sits in the picturesque setting of the Royal Albert Dock, overlooking the water. It features modern lecture theatres and seminar rooms, a 24/7 library, learning centre and a multimedia production centre complete with audio and visual studios.
Plus, there is the £21 million SportsDock offering a fitness centre, courts, dance studios and live exercise classes. In fact, it is so well equipped that it has been used as the training headquarters for Team USA.
Facilities at the Stratford Campus include a library and learning centre, laboratories, restaurant, bookshop and student union cafe and bar.
University of East London students on Postgraduate Search say:
''The Campus is very nice and big.''
''It was fun in the halls with so many students''
''I love the space and the campus has all the facilities and maintained well.''
The student village is based on the Docklands campus, and is well connected with transport links to the Stratford campus and London's city centre.
A standard single occupancy room in the west halls cost £6,675 for the full academic year, housing four to five students in total. Standard east halls cost £7,743 per year, with flats housing between five and seven students. Premium rooms and studio flats are also available.
Wheelchair accessible accommodation is also available, with the potential to further adapt the rooms according to individual needs.
UEL offers generous scholarships and bursaries to support students with university costs, including:
UEL Postgraduate Scholarship
Students on a taught postgraduate course can receive up to 50% off on their tuition fees. Open to full-time and part-time UK students.
Alumni Scholarship
Recent UEL graduates could be eligible to receive a 25% discount on postgraduate tuition fees. All eligible students are guaranteed a 10% discount. Students must progress directly from their studies without taking a gap year. Students will be automatically considered so no application is necessary.
Postgraduate Scholarship for Asylum Seekers
100% tuition fee support for asylum seekers in the UK until they are awarded an immigration status, giving them access to Student Finance.
Sports Scholarship
Up to £6,000 is available for exceptional applicants.
For more information on scholarships and funding offered by the university, head to the website.
Postgraduate students generally hold a 1st or 2:1 bachelor's or master's degree from a UK university before making an application.
For students with other qualifications or relevant work experience, two academic references will be required.
Some postgraduate courses may require students to attend an interview, present a portfolio or perform an audition. Other courses may require students to pass a test depending on the programme.
For students whose first language is not English, they must provide proof of proficiency.
Popular postgraduate courses at UEL include:
Prospective students can head to the university website for more information on postgraduate entry requirements, as well as key dates and deadlines.
UK student fees per year
Postgraduate fees depend on the course and its duration.
International student fees per year
The university offers a range of full-time, part-time and distance learning postgraduate programmes, taught through a combination of lectures and seminars.
Many of these are accredited by professional bodies and taught by experts who are industry leaders in the UK, and in some cases, internationally. Teaching staff are superb communicators, and are enthusiastic about the success of their postgraduate students.
Taught postgraduate qualifications at UEL include:
Two research-based courses offered by the university:
Students also have the option of completing a distance learning postgraduate course, allowing for more flexibility to manage studying with personal commitments. And several postgraduate study options include internships or other work placement options, allowing students to combine learning with practical, ‘on-the-job' experience that also serves as a networking opportunity that can be used upon graduation.
University of East London students on Postgraduate Search say:
''Very supportive and understanding tutors.''
''Great university with good teachers and staff and having a great student life.''
''Lectures and lecturers were very engaging''
UEL's more than 140 postgraduate courses are taught by award-winning UK and international experts. This includes famous artists, Turner Prize winners, recognised filmmakers and authors, leaders of industry and award-winning researchers.
UEL postgraduate programmes are mainly delivered through lectures and seminars, but many courses are also available on podcasts and offered as part-time with teaching in the evening and at weekends for flexible learning.
A range of research study opportunities are available at University of East London, with comprehensive support offered to students as they undertake their academic research journey. Doctorates, MPhil and PhD programmes are available.
In the 2021 Postgraduate Research Experience Survey, UEL achieved 81% for overall satisfaction. UEL has also been voted the top modern university in London for research, much of which has been recognised as world-leading.
The university offers a number of postgraduate distance learning programmes to allow for more flexibility.
Distance learning students will have access to personal tutors and online forums to stay connected and up to date. Study materials may also be sent online or by post, and students don't have to attend face-to-face lectures. This allows students the flexibility to organise their postgraduate education round existing work or personal commitments.
UEL is a career-oriented institution with a drive to ensure graduates are ready for the professional world. Courses are taught by world-leading academics, reflecting industry standards. Notable lecturers include a Turner Prize winner, an Olympic gold medallist and business leaders. The university has also performed very well in the lasted Research Excellence Framework assessment.
Law
Lectures are recorded, available as podcasts, and many classes are taught in the evenings for flexible learning. Plus, 96% of law research at UEL is considered to be of ‘international quality' (REF 2021). Optional placement years are also available to gain real work experience.
Architecture
The department is award-winning and internationally recognised. Lecturers at UEL were part of a group who won the 2015 Turner Prize. Three graduates have also won the prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize - Britain's biggest architecture accolade. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) 82% of architecture research at UEL was considered to be of ‘international quality'.
Psychology
UEL is one of just a handful universities in the UK whose psychology research had an impact of 100% (REF 2021).
East London is a dynamic hub of cultural activity famous for its independent clothing stores in Shoreditch, 24/7 bagels on Brick Lane and Columbia Road, and Broadway markets selling flowers and street food.
Many businesses and start-ups choose East London as their base, adding to the already thriving innovation and creativity, creating local employment opportunities for enterprising UEL students.
If venturing further afield, UEL's campus is ideally located just 30 minutes from central London by tube.
University of East London students on Postgraduate Search say:
''The university has wide range of facilities. The university is located on the Bank of Thames River just beside the London city airport that we have a beautiful view of airport and river''
''It's environment friendly, has a good atmosphere, big campus, facilities are good''
''The campus is very beautiful and the facilities provided by the university for the students is good.''
UEL offers more than 15 sports clubs and lots of societies for students to choose from, ranging from hockey and American football to musical theatre and cheerleading. With such a wide range of options, there is something for everyone at UEL.
Many clubs meet on a weekly basis to train, socialise and take a break from studying. Students can go one step further by starting their own society by registering on the SU website.
Elected each year by students and working independently from the university, the students' union ensures campus life has plenty of social activities throughout the academic year and provides personal, financial and academic advice to all students.
All campuses have purpose-built student support hubs where friendly and approachable advisors provide a range of advice and support in areas like disability, health, well-being and finance. This is the ‘one stop shop' for any issue students may be experiencing, whether it's personal or academic.
Current and former students also provide mentorship including academic or career related support, and can also make referrals to more specialised services where required.
If students need mental health support, they can seek help from the student wellbeing team, composed of trained counsellors and advisors. Confidential counselling services are available, as well as daily drop in advice sessions and an online mental health and wellbeing service.
UEL also has a disability and dyslexia service, providing support to students with disabilities and learning difficulties.
GP services are available through the Royal Docks Medical Practice, making it easy to access the appropriate care for every student's needs.
University of East London students on Postgraduate Search say:
''Student experience and support is amazing at UEL''
''Friendly and cosy environment. Teaching staff is so nice and easily accessible.''
''Many students appreciate the approachable and helpful nature of the staff, especially in the MSc Pharmaceutical Science program.''
The university is keen to emphasise its commitment to civic engagement and encourages students to volunteer on community projects to build transferable skills and make valuable contacts for the future.
In addition to a degree, UEL students will also complete a professional development certificate in global citizenship, mentoring, volunteering or social media and communications.
UEL graduates are highly employable, with 91% of students in work or further study within six months of graduating, with rates at 90% or more across 17 subject areas. The university also trains over 600 teachers per year.
The university's dedicated careers zone is an excellent department which offers a raft of resources and guidance to students, helping them to prepare for employment and build a professional profile while studying.
Students can also take advantage of mentoring and training opportunities alongside their studies to gain in-demand skills. Companies involved in these mentoring schemes include BT Sport, Barclays, Accenture, London City Airport and HSBC.
