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In the early 19-th century Oxford and Cambridge were the only two universities in England. The cost of education at these universities was so high that only the sons of the wealthier classes could afford to attend. But more restrictive still were the religious tests; only Church of England members could attend. It was to overcome these limitations that in 1827, in Gower Sreet, London, a non-denominational college, “University College” was founded. Its first years were years of struggle for survival against hostile forces of Church and State. The “godless” college was opposed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Prime Minister, The Duke of Willngton, who in 1831 opened a rival institution-King’s College.

In 1836 these two institutions, University College and King’s through a typically English compromise joined forces. Each retained the control of its own internal organization, faculty, and teaching; a separate body, the University of London, was created to “conduct the examination of, and to confer degrees upon, their students”. Thus was born the University of London.

In the early years a candidate for the University of London was forced to attend either University College or King’s, but in 1849 it became possible for an institution situated “anywhere in the British Empire to present students for degrees”- a unique provision. In 1858 the regulations were further broadened so that now anyone anywhere may sit for U. of L. examination provided that he/she satisfies Matriculation requirements. Consequently there are Africans who have U.of L. degrees who have never seen London.

The long reign of Victoria saw many and rapid changes in the University. Medical schools of the various teaching hospitals, Bedford College for women, Imperial College of Science and Technology, and many other schools and colleges became a part of the federal university. The famed London School of Economics was a newcomer in 1895.

Up untill 1900 the University was only an examining body but in that year an Act of Parliament permitted that “The Senate… may provide lecture rooms, museums, laboratories, workshops, and other facilities for the purpose both of teaching and research”. This allowed the first actual teaching on any level; however, the Senate has never invaded the undergraduate field, except specialized subjects.

In many ways the University has departed from traditions of Oxford and Cambridge. London was the first to abolish religious tests, to admit women in England for degrees, to grant degrees without residence. The following names are associated with the University of London: Sir Alex Fleming, Thomas Huxley, Thomas Arnold, Michael Faraday, etc.

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