Imperial College London
University ranking
History
- Imperial College London was established in 1907.
- In 2007 the college celebrated its 100th year of academic excellence and became independent from the University of London.
- Many great names are associated with the college. Among them are Sir Alexander Fleming and Sir Ernst Chain, discoverers of penicillin.
Location and Transport
- Nine campuses in and around London. The main campus is in South Kensington, in central London.
- South Kensington is an area long established as a cultural centre for the arts, sciences and music.
- There are excellent transport links with the underground, buses and Paddington (Heathrow Express) and Victoria (Gatwick Express) mainline train stations nearby.
Accommodation
- Undergraduate students who meet specified criteria are guaranteed a place in Imperial College London accommodation for their first year of study.
- All student rooms have internet access. Internet-use is free for students on campus.
- Self-catering halls/houses range from around £66 to £180.46 per person per week depending on the type of accommodation e.g. triple rooms to single rooms with private bathrooms.
Entry standards
- Entry requirements for undergraduate courses range from AAA to ABB at A level, or equivalent qualification, depending on the course.
- Specific A-level (or equivalent) subjects may be required to apply for some subjects.
- Visit Courses for more details.
In receipt of full Maintenance Grant (2009): £3,000
In receipt of partial Maintenance Grant on a sliding scale up to £2,000
Academic achievement
Sport Scholarship
A growing number of scholarships is available to candidates at entry
- Tuition fees (2009–10): £3,225
- Placement year and year abroad tuition fee approximately 50% of full-time fee.
- Home students only eligible for awards.
- Additional £300 for students who qualify for the maximum Study Support Bursary and attain three A levels at grade A.
- Eligibility for bursaries to be assessed using UUK/SLC model bursary scheme (HEBSS).
- 29% of additional fee income to be earmarked for bursaries.
- More information on bursaries and scholarships at Imperial College London is available here.
Student mix
- In 2007–8 there were approximately 12,300 undergraduate and postgraduate students of which 37% were women.
- 29% of students are from outside the European Union.
- Students come from more than 125 countries.
- On average, undergraduate applications to admissions are approximately 6.5:1.
Teaching standards
- Acknowledged worldwide as a centre of excellence for teaching.
- Departments assessed by external agencies for teaching have scored 21 to 24 points out of 24.
Research standards
- Consistently recognised as one of the top UK university institutions for research quality.
- Research income is one of the largest in the UK – £255.5 million for 2007–8.
- In the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise, 75% of staff achieved a 5* rating, the highest proportion in any UK university.
Academic strengths
- Amongst the top tier of scientific, engineering and medical research and teaching institutions in the world.
- Pays particular regard to the practical application of science, engineering and medicine in industry, commerce and healthcare.
- Fosters interdisciplinary working internally and collaborates widely externally.
Student facilities, including Library and Computing
- The central library at the South Kensington campus houses a large proportion of the taught course materials and offers extensive study space.
- Competitive opening hours and offers 24-hour access during the summer examination period.
- More than 2,500 PCs are available for student use in libraries and departmental areas.
Disability Services
- For information about the disability services at Imperial College London contact the Disabilities Officer Mary Brown, or see the Disabilities Statement for more information.
Students’ Union
- Imperial College Union has over 300 clubs and societies, amongst the highest number in the UK.
- Union venues play host to club nights, comedy nights, and other entertainments regularly throughout term. Union facilities at the South Kensington campus include three bars and two catering outlets, all at student value prices.
- Imperial College Union voted to disaffiliate from the National Union of Students in June 2008.
- More information about Imperial College Union is available here.
Sport
- Sport Imperial's facilities offer free gym and swimming to all students. Other facilities include: boathouse at Putney and sports grounds at Harlington and Teddington (soccer, rugby, lacrosse, cricket, tennis and netball).
- There is no timetabled teaching on Wednesday afternoons, giving everyone the chance to take part in a wide range of activity.
- Imperial College Union has a wide range of sports clubs for students of varying abilities. Many compete at a high level.
Recent/prospective new builds
- The Wolfson Education Centre at the Hammersmith Campus has been redeveloped to provide a home for Imperial's new graduate entry Medicine course launched in 2008.
- The Central Library ground floor was refurbished in 2008 to provide state-of-the-art computer workstations and group study zones, as well as a café.
- The new 410-bed Southside hall of residence at the South Kensington Campus opened in October 2007, and the new Eastside hall of residence will be open in time for October 2009 starters.
- The Ethos sports centre at South Kensington was opened in 2006, and offers excellent sporting facilities.
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