Never not pushing forward

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We have a long history of forward-thinking innovation, industry collaboration, career-focused education and research that addresses problems.

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Never Not Pushing Forward

Our story starts in 1898. Since then, we've survived wars, celebrated momentous sporting events and watched the city evolve. Now we're in the digital age facing new challenges. We are a pioneering, future-focused institution and always have been.

Our timeline

Take a look at the University's timeline.

1898 - West Ham Technical Institute opens

Only for a fire to break out a year later and burn down most of the institute.

1900 - Phoenix rises

The phoenix is part of our logo and coat of arms because, just like the mythical bird, UEL was reborn from the ashes.

1939 - College at war

The campus is evacuated and is used as a military training base.

1981 - Docklands revival begins

The London Docklands Corporation is set up to transform derelict industrial areas.

1992 - Birth of a university

The University of East London is born.

1999 - Docklands Campus opens

London's first new university campus for over 50 years opens at Docklands.

2012 - The London Olympics and Paralympics

Team USA base themselves at UEL's new SportsDock, Michelle Obama visits us and UEL student Gemma Gibbons wins Olympic judo silver.

2014 - Making an impact

We were first in the UK for impact for psychology research - ahead of both Oxford and Cambridge Universities (REF, 2014).

2015 - Growing reputation

Four UEL architecture lecturers nominated for the Turner Prize.

2019 - Professional fitness and mental wealth introduced

We built a unique programme into all our courses to help prepare our students for careers of the future.

2021 - Research excellence

92 per cent of UEL's overall research was rated as world-leading, internationally excellent or internationally recognised (REF 2021)

The careers-led university

Today's world is changing constantly. Tomorrow's problems are unknown. Society depends on experts for answers. At the University of East London, everything we do is geared towards preparing for an unpredictable future. Our students learn to adapt, lead and make an impact and we pride ourselves on being truly open to all. So, whoever you are, wherever you're from, we'll make sure you're fit for the future too.

We teach a wide range of subjects that reflect our diverse expertise and career-focused education.

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Docklands Campus
fit for the future

Fit for the future

All of our subjects are connected to 'career zones' These focus on different areas of growth, from AI and technology to health and justice. We're constantly updating our courses for a world where technology dominates and industries move faster than ever before. Whatever our students study, we'll help them develop a set of skills fit for careers of the future.

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We are the careers-led university, preparing students for an unpredictable future. Since 1898 we have been a pioneering institution in East London.

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