Opening the way

The University of London’s fourth Charter, signed by Queen Victoria on 9 April 1858.

The University of London’s 1858 charter opened up the possibility of a university degree to those who had to continue earning a living while they studied. This made higher education available to people from a far wider range of social classes and occupations than previously.

It broke the link between place and study in a way which was startlingly new at the time and laid the ground for developments in university extension, correspondence and distance education throughout the twentieth century. In recent years, this has resulted in the explosive growth in open, flexible and distance and online learning.

For a statement of one of the most enduringly significant changes and developments ever in British, and later worldwide, higher education, clause 36 of the 1858 charter of the University of London does not have a notably impressive ring.

‘We do further will and ordain, That persons not educated in any of the said Institutions connected with the said University shall be admitted as Candidates for Matriculation, and for any of the Degrees hereby authorized to be conferred by the said University of London other than Medical Degrees, on such conditions as the said Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and Fellows, by regulations in that behalf shall from time to time determine, such Regulations being subject to the Provisoes and Restrictions herein contained.’

By that single ‘not’, however, clause 36 changed higher education significantly and permanently. It opened the London degree to all those who could fulfil its entry requirements and pay its fees, and meant that students no longer had to study in a specified place or institution in order to graduate. Degree exams would from now on be held in an increasing number of places outside London and could be taken after studying however students wished: in their local college or school, or even without going to college at all through private study, alone or with a tutor.