University of London programmes have been available through the External System since 1858. Studying with us allows a high degree of flexibility for those with financial constraints, work or family commitments, or lack of local access to higher education. Today, the External System has more than 40,000 students in over 180 countries studying for more than 100 awards.
| 1836 | University of London founded following the merger of King’s College London and University College London. |
| 1858 | Queen Victoria signs a charter that ushers in the University of London External System. This was to make a unique contribution to the development of university education, both in this country and abroad. |
| 1859 | First examinations taken at approved centres in Britain. |
| 1865 | First examinations taken at approved overseas centres in Mauritius. |
| 1878 | The University of London became the first university in the UK to admit women to degree courses. |
| 1908 | With over 4,000 students registered, the University of London was the largest University in the UK and the fifth largest in the world. |
| 1914-1918 | Allied prisoners of war studied for University of London qualifications in Prisoner of War camps. |
| 1939-1945 | Again allied prisoners of war studied for University of London qualifications in Prisoner of War camps. |
| 1947 onwards | The External System played a major role in helping higher education institutions in Africa and the West Indies achieve full University status. |
| 1970s | Nelson Mandela studies for a University of London LLB whilst incarcerated on Robben Island, South Africa. |
| 1992 | Luisa Diogo, Prime Minister of Mozambique, graduates with an MSc in Financial Economics. |
| 2002 | eCampus portal launched providing an Online Library and the facilities for students to study online. |
| 2007 | Professor Jonathan Kydd appointed as first Dean of the External System. |
| 2008 | The University of London External System Celebrates its 150th anniversary |