The University of East London

Address and Location

The University of East London (UEL) is set over two campuses in Newham. Centred on an eye-catching nineteenth century listed building, the Stratford campus is located across the road from the 2012 Olympic site. The Docklands site, opened in 1999, is located on the Royal Albert Dock.

 

Background and History

UEL started life as the West Ham Technical Institute, awarding University of London-certified science and engineering degrees. After mergers with colleges at Walthamstow and Dagenham the institute became the North East London Polytechnic in 1970, before a brief stint as the Polytechnic of East London in the 80s. In 1992 the university in its current guise was founded. Since then it has replaced its Barking campus with an all-new site at Docklands.

Location and Accessibility

By Rail: The Stratford campus can be reached via the Tube Central Line or the DLR, exiting at Stratford station. National Rail services depart from Maryland station, a short walk from the campus. The Docklands campus is also on the DLR and can be accessed via Cyprus station.

By Road: Although both campuses are more road-accessible than other London universities, driving to UEL is not recommended. If you do take a car, the Docklands site is located off the A13, and Stratford off the A11.

Accessibility: Most university facilities are wheelchair-friendly and accommodation is available for students with disabilities.

What's on Offer

BA, BSc, MA, MSc, MBA Graduate (Conversion) Diploma, Graduate Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate, MRes, MPhil, PhD

Entry Requirements

The standard offer at UEL is 200 UCAS points, subject to minor variation. The university has a flexible view of candidates without formal qualifications, who may be accepted based on their working experience or willingness to sit a foundational course before enrolment onto a degree programme.

University Accommodation

Halls of residence for both campuses are located at the Docklands site. All of the rooms are modern, well-equipped and many offer views towards the Thames and Canary Wharf.  

Private Accommodation

The are letting bargains to be found throughout East London, and the areas around Stratford and West Ham are no exception. Transport links to the area are good, including cycling routes. Apartments overlooking the Thames at Docklands will be significantly more expensive than at many places in Stratford.

Academic Strengths and Research Profile

UEL's research strengths include architecture, media studies, education and sports science. UEL hosts the only podiatry teaching centre in London and is one of the few universities in the country which offers a degree in herbal medicine.  

Tuition Fees

Undergraduate courses currently cost £9,000 per year. Fees for international students, postgraduates and foundational courses vary.

Financial Support: A number of funding opportunities are available, including the National Scholarship Programme, Access to Learning Fund and UEL Progress Bursary. The university also runs a free textbook scheme.

Academic Facilities

The Docklands campus was only completed in 1999, and facilities at the site are accordingly modern. Alongside excellent IT provision, the university provides excellent clinical facilities for teaching podiatry, and a modern digital arts centre.  

Other on-site Amenities

Sports provision at UEL is among the best in the UK. A new sports centre recently opened on the Docklands campus offering basketball, badminton, squash and volleyball courts, fitness suites and other facilities. At the neighbouring Royal Albert Dock site is a water sports centre and rowing course. The Stratford campus has its own recreational facilities and is situated close to the 2012 Olympic arena.  

What's On in the Area

In London, opportunities for entertainment are only limited by a person's budget. As well as being close the facilities left behind by the 2012 Olympics, UEL students are a stone's throw from the culture, nightlife and shopping to be had in Central London.  

Medical and Social Care

Onsite medical provision includes GP and counselling services. UEL operates its own chaplaincy and both campuses provide Islamic and multi-faith prayer rooms. The university also has its own nursery for staff and student use.  

Moving On

UEL has a dedicated Employability and Enterprise Team which encourages students to take supplementary courses to improve their chances of finding a job after graduation. In the past, UEL has suffered poor post-graduate employment figures. The EET also helps students turn research ideas into profitable businesses.

The UEL Docklands campus was the first university campus to be built in London for fifty years. Notable UEL alumni include musicians Damon Albarn, Marina and the Diamonds, and the visual artists Jake and Dinos Chapman.  

Is UEL right for you?

For those without formal qualifications wanting to study at degree level, UEL offers an ideal route into academia. The university also providesa number of non-traditional subjects and of joint-honour programmes not found at other universities. In the past, however, the institution has been ranked as second-worst in the UK and has a poor record for graduate employability. London South Bank, Greenwich and Westminster Universities all make good alternatives.