The University of West London

Address and Location

The University of West London is spread across three sites in Ealing, Brentford and a small healthcare unit in Berkshire. A fourth site in Reading has recently been closed pending future redevelopment. Those in Ealing and Brentford house the majority of the university's academic departments and facilities.

 

Background and History

UWL started life in 1860 as the Lady Byron School. A series of mergers and expansions led to the college being named West London Polytechnic, then Thames Valley University after 1992. In 2011 the institution changed its name once more to reflect its renewed presence in Ealing and Brentford.

Location and Accessibility

By Rail: Both London sites are accessible via Ealing Broadway, Ealing Common and South Ealing Tube stations. National rail services are also available from Ealing Broadway.

By Road: Both London campuses are close to the M4, meaning the university is exceptionally car-friendly compared to the majority of HE institutions in London.

Accessibility: Most university facilities are wheelchair-accessible and accommodation is provided 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

Entry standards vary between subjects, with most requiring at least 200 UCAS points. Specific course information can be found on the university website.

University Accommodation

A programme of new building and renovation means that accommodation at the university is modern and of a high standard.    

Private Accommodation

Second and third-year students will need to source their own accommodation, which the university can assist with. Handily, Ealing proves to be a relatively cheap part of the capital to live in.

Academic Strengths and Research Profile

The London College of Music has an international reputation and is now based at the university. Elsewhere, teaching standards have been assessed as excellent in language studies, sociology, tourism and hospitality. The university's nursing and midwifery college also ranks highly in national league tables.  

Tuition Fees

Undergraduate courses currently cost £8,250 per year. Fees for international students and postgraduates vary.

 

Financial Support: A variety of scholarships and means-tested bursaries are available to undergraduates and postgraduates. Check the university website for more details.

Academic Facilities

Each campus has its own IT services, libraries and study areas, with the majority of teaching and study taking place at the Ealing site. Research facilities include state-of-the-art computer rooms and biomedical laboratories. Many practice and performance spaces are available for those studying music.  

Other on-site Amenities

The Ealing campus hosts the Student Union bar and many of the university sports facilities.      

Medical and Social Care

Whilst the university doesn't have its own medical centre, two local GPs operate clinics for UWL staff and students. The university also provides counselling services, support for dyslexic and disabled students, and multi-faith prayer facilities.

 

What's on in the Area?

The universities' London campuses are surrounded by greenery, courtesy of golf courses, lawn tennis courts and gardens. Being outside of Central London centre means Ealing has its own nightlife scene, with a number of excellent clubs and live music venues. Cultural life is provided by nearby Shepherd's Bush and the BBC studios at White City.

 

Moving On

Graduate employability at the University of West London varies between courses - inevitable for an institution which offers such a broad range of programmes. A university careers service is on-hand to help students find work placements and secure employment.

Grammy award-winning producer Pip Williams teaches music at the university, which counts Freddie Mercury and Pete Townshend among its former students.  

Is the University of West London right for you?

For those with a vocational background or Open University credits, UWL offers an ideal way into higher education. Many of those studying at the university are older, although this doesn't harm students' chances to have fun because of the large and inclusive nature of the university community. For a comparable institution, take a look at the University of Middlesex.