Such is the breadth and quality of provision at University College London (UCL) that, even without being a university in its own right, it can fairly describe itself as one of the top multifaculty institutions in England.

Its position in The Times rankings has regularly confirmed this and, in 2007, it broke into the top ten universities in the world in the global rankings published by The Times Higher Education and QS.

UCL’s excellence is built on a history of pioneering subjects that have become commonplace in higher education: modern languages, geography and fine arts among them.

Already comfortably the largest of London University’s colleges, UCL took in a number of specialist schools and institutes at the end of the 1990s.

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Most were medical or dental, and UCL’s medical school is now a large and formidable unit.

Development

Its credentials have been strengthened still further with the announcement that UCL will be the main university partner in the new national medical research centre to be constructed adjacent to St Pancras Station. The centre will undertake cutting-edge research to advance understanding of health and disease. The various acquisitions mean that there are now outposts in several parts of central and north London, but the main activity remains centred on the original impressive Bloomsbury site.

There have been discussions with Camden Council on the creation of a university quarter, linking UCL’s buildings and the neighbouring University College Hospital buildings, together with neighbouring parts of the University of London. Chemical engineering, several languages, pharmacology, psychology, anthropology, economics and chemistry are among 13 areas rated internationally outstanding for research.

Teaching

One academic in three was in a top-rated department in the last assessments but, although almost nine out of ten were in the top two categories, the results did not quite match the high benchmark set in 1996. Economics, health-related subjects, history of art and organismal biosciences all recorded maximum points for teaching, but most subjects scored well.

UCL has done better than most London universities in the first three National Student Surveys, although the 2007 results did not quite match the previous year’s. A growing number of degrees take four years, and most are organised on a modular basis.

International

About 6,000 of UCL’s students are from overseas, more than half of them postgraduates and a third of them from other EU countries, reflecting the college’s high international standing. The proportion is likely to rise further in the coming years. Most departments interview suitably qualified British applicants and, once accepted, many first-year students are helped to make the academic and social adjustment to university life through UCL’s Transition Programme, which includes a variety of activities such as peer mentoring and workshops.

Access

UCL stresses its commitment to teaching in small groups, especially in the second and subsequent years of degree courses. The approach seems to work: almost three quarters leave with a first or upper second. The projected dropout rate of less than 6 per cent is below the national average for the courses and entry grades. UCL is conscious of its traditions as a college founded to expand access to higher education, but the 38 per cent share of places going to independent school students is one of the highest in Britain.

Less than one undergraduate in five has a working-class background and just 6.4 per cent come from an area without a tradition of higher education. Concerted attempts are being made to broaden the intake with summer schools for state school students, outreach activities and campus-based programmes.

UCL is sponsoring a new academy, which it sees as part of its contribution to the local community. The academic pace can be frantic but, close to the West End and with its own theatre and recreational facilities, there is no shortage of leisure options. Students also have immediate access to London University’s underused central students’ union facilities.

Accommodation

Residential accommodation is plentiful and of a good standard. Indoor sports facilities are close at hand, but the main outdoor pitches, though good enough to attract professional football clubs, are a coach ride away in Hertfordshire. Hockey players have access to Astroturf pitches at the Old Cranleighans ground, in Thames Ditton.

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