The University of East London (UEL) is based in a particularly vibrant and diverse part of London, boasting two modern campuses located in London's Docklands and Stratford. The Docklands campus sits on the waterfront with its own train station while in Stratford, the Olympic Park and Westfield shopping centre are right on its doorstep.
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses, and is home to a diverse and dynamic population numbering 25,000 students, representing more than 140 countries worldwide.
Together, they offer over £450 million of facilities including studios, labs, libraries, and the £21 million SportsDock sports centre. Students can also reach London's West End within just 30 minutes.
UEL is a forward thinking institution, which helps students develop big ideas for more sustainable future, inspiring leadership and innovation within its graduates who go on to achieve a significant global impact in sustainability, health and social policy.
UEL is a leading London university for civic engagement. By helping students become active citizens through working on community projects or volunteering, the university aims to equip students with real-life learning opportunities and the chance to develop transferable skills while benefiting the community. UEL is also career-first, helping graduates to become work-ready and sought after by employers.
University of East London students on Whatuni say:
''It offers so many wonderful opportunities for students to enhance their skills, knowledge, and career experience. Great location and very inclusive.''
''Our uni offers a vibrant and diverse learning environment that makes it a great place to study. The campus facilities, such as the modern library and collaborative study spaces, are well-equipped and conducive to learning. The multicultural student community creates an inclusive atmosphere where students from different backgrounds can connect.''
''It's a great place to study cause of the great view over the river gives it a calming look even after a stressful day of classes plus it's fun and the lectures are great at their job and also easy to talk to if you are having any issues. They have great facilities and it's easy to get around.''
Read honest reviews from real students at this uni
4.04.13.9
4.5The Docklands campus holds a wide range of student facilities including a multimedia production centre, the £21 million SportsDock centre, a library, bookshop, bar, cafes and student lounge.
The Stratford campus is close to Stratford's buzzing town centre and its facilities include a campus restaurant, bookshop, cafe and bar. There is also a new library and learning centre with a range of study spaces for groups and individuals. There is also a simulated courtroom for mooting experience, performing arts spaces, three performance studios and a 300-seat tiered lecture theatre.
University of East London students on Whatuni say:
''Great facilities and workshops with lots of helpful staff ready to help''
''This is undoubtedly the best place to study, equipped with exceptional facilities.''
''Best thing I would say quality of library and the university location for transport.''
4.1UEL is one of few universities in London with on-campus accommodation. The student village is at Docklands campus, and features two halls of residence, including the east student halls and west student halls, costing £29 and £25 per night respectively.
All rooms are ensuite, with standard apartments housing between six students. Both east and west halls also have wheelchair accessible accommodation.
Students can also choose to live in shared premium housing, which includes a kitchen, social area with sofas and a TV (TV license included), and costs £32 per night.
University of East London students on Whatuni say:
''Amazing sized en suite rooms with a great kitchen for the whole flat to share. Rooms are also soundproof which is a bonus. Love staying here and laundry is easy access too!''
''Overall the value for staying in the halls is really good, the views from the halls are nice too.''
''Great location and reasonable price''
Non-repayable scholarships and bursaries are available through UEL to support students with the costs of higher education. This financial assistance is awarded based on either academic merit or need.
Here are just some of the scholarships and bursaries on offer:
Vice Chancellor's Scholarship
A cash award or tuition fee reduction of up to £28,605 over three years.
Dean Scholarship
£13,500 awarded to eligible students as a cash award or fee waiver based on academic excellence and financial need.
Sports bursary
Up to £6,000 per year with higher payments available for exceptional applicants.
Engagement bursary
Up to £3,000 for students from low-income households to help with the costs of childcare, computer equipment and travel outside of London.
Hardship bursary
Up to £3,000 is available to students from low-income households facing unforeseen financial circumstances.
Helena Kennedy Foundation bursary
Financial support of £2,250 throughout the duration of a course for disadvantaged students who are able to attend university but have had to deal with significant barriers.
Most courses at UEL ask for a certain number of UCAS tariff points, which can be earned through A-levels, BTECs or the International Baccalaureate. Some programmes will ask for a portfolio of work, to attend an interview or audition, or complete another pre-entry assessment. Applicants will also need at least a grade C in GCSE (or equivalent) mathematics and English in addition to three other GCSEs at grades A-C.
While most programmes accept qualifications which are unrelated to the degree subject, some will ask for specific knowledge relating to the course. For example:
Entry requirements vary depending on the course applied to, and full details can be found on the university's website.
Tuition fees for 2025/26 are as follows:
UK students per year
£9,535
International students per year
£15,560
The five academic schools at UEL are:
Many UEL lecturers are highly acclaimed within their fields and courses are regularly updated to reflect current issues and trends in a rapidly changing world. In fact, 94% of UEL research is internationally recognised, reflecting the prestigious reputation of academics and students.
UEL prides itself on being a career-focused university with a ‘learning by doing' approach to prepare students for the professional world. Teaching is delivered through a variety of means such as debate, research, critical thinking and practical work, favouring an interactive rather than passive approach to learning.
Small class sizes are preferred at UEL to cater for individual needs as opposed to a large audience of students crammed into a lecture hall. This progressive approach to teaching is also reflected in the professional development certificate that students will receive when completing modules in volunteering, global citizenship, mentoring or social media and communications.
University of East London students on Whatuni say:
''The contact with lectures is great, they are always accessible, supportive and ever ready to share or direct students in the right place for whatever issue or question arose.''
''Lecturers are the best!!!''
''Courses are really interesting which is directly related with my future career goals.''
UEL is best known for its career-focused approach to teaching, with 91% of graduates in employment within six months of graduating according to the Destination of Leavers from Higher Education survey 2022 (DLHE). Other notable achievements include:
School of Education and Communities
This department has often ranked highly amongst several major publications, scoring particularly strongly in the National Student Survey 2024 across a range of metrics. It has previously been ranked as the 4th best education department in the UK according to the Complete University Guide.
School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering
The School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering (ACE) is nationally recognised for its teaching and UEL lecturers were part of the team that won the Turner Prize 2015.
Plus, the BSc in computer science ranks 2nd in the UK for student satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2026) and is accredited by the British Computer Society meaning UEL computer science degrees are globally recognised.
Economics
The course received a high satisfaction rate, and 95% agreed that staff were good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2024). Plus, 95% of students were in employment or further education within 15 months of graduation.
East London is a vibrant, multicultural hub: from independent fashion outlets in Shoreditch to curry houses on Brick Lane, there is a lot to discover. Central London is less than half an hour away on the tube while the world-class shopping facilities on offer at Westfield Stratford have everything students need including a cinema, restaurants and gym. UEL students have so much to do right on their doorstep.
Students can choose from more than 70 clubs and societies, ranging from anime to American football. Students also have access to the gym, two student hubs, a range of cafes and restaurants, the SU bar and more than 16 sports clubs ranging from hockey to cheerleading.
Students can also create a society of their own, demonstrating leadership skills to future employers.
4.2The Student Union (SU) is a place where students can seek advice and support on a variety of issues such as housing, extenuating circumstances, study breaks, academic appeals and so on. The SU also hosts many social events such as comedy nights, DJs, bands, and club nights to keep students entertained outside of their studies.
University of East London students on Whatuni say:
''I love the location of university as it is located near the train station which makes it easily reachable from any location.''
''It is amazing place to study, especially the location. The university got career zone, where there are different opportunities to apply for jobs and internships which is very beneficial.''
''I love UEL for its vibrant , inclusive community that celebrates diversity, its prime location in East London offering access to endless career and cultural opportunities, and its strong focus on employability through industry-tailored programs and real-world partnerships.''
4.4The university's investments of more than £3m has led to the two student support hubs at Docklands and Stratford, offering centralised help-desks to deal with any issue a student may be facing. Hub advisors provide advice on both personal and academic matters such as mental health, careers, finance, housing and so on.
Students can also attend workshops to improve their academic writing, maths or IT skills via drop in sessions or one-on-one appointments. All undergraduate students are assigned a tutor to provide personalised academic support throughout the year, who also act as the first point of contact for any personal issues.
UEL also has a wellbeing service team offering confidential counselling services, plus a disability and dyslexia service to support students with disabilities and learning difficulties. For financial advice, students can refer to the student money advice and rights team based in the student support hubs for tips on budgeting, debt management and part-time work opportunities.
University of East London students on Whatuni say:
''My best experience at the university of East London is the student hub. Every time when I had any kind of confusion or difficulties, I went to the student hub. Staff at student hub are extremely polite and cooperative.''
''They have an amazing support system for students struggling in all aspects of the university life so we feel more welcomed.''
''UEL is a great place to study due to its diverse community, modern facilities, and strong student support''
2.4At UEL, all courses reflect industry standards to ensure graduates are prepared for the competitive job market. Students are also able to access training and mentoring opportunities and many courses are created in partnership with employers.
Academics at the university are world-leading in their fields. Students could be taught by a gold-winning Olympian, a Turner Prize-winning sculptor or a terrorism advisor for the government.
In the past, fashion students have designed uniforms for the NHS and sports therapy students have treated marathon runners in London and Berlin. Many courses offer visits to companies and, as the university is based in one of Europe's largest regeneration areas, students have direct access to many employers.
Students are encouraged to become active citizens within the local community through volunteering and grassroots projects which proves valuable for both local people and students. In fact, £100,000 has been invested into civic engagement projects involving UEL students.
UEL also offers a mentoring scheme that matches students with professionals in the workplace. UEL is committed to Mentoring for All which will ensure that every student benefits from mentoring at least once while they are studying at the university.
4.4
