UCL was founded in London in 1826 and describes itself as London’s first university; it marked its 200th anniversary on 11 February 2026. It is an exempt charity under the Charities Act 2011, with the Office for Students as its principal regulator, and its constitution is set out in its Charter and Statutes. Its main base is in Bloomsbury, and its UCL East campus at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park opened to students in September 2023.
UCL has 11 academic faculties. Its Facts and Figures 2025 gives 51,000 students, 18,000 staff and 50% international students. Total income was £2.07bn in 2023-24. Dr Michael Spence AC has been President and Provost since January 2021, and in December 2024 UCL’s Council extended his tenure to August 2031.
