The study experience

Challenging and rewarding

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You need to be self-motivated and enjoy working independently to successfully meet the challenges of studying with the University of London External System. Many students find it a rewarding and enriching experience, and one that gives a real sense of achievement.

Authoritative and comprehensive study materials

At the start of your course you receive a study pack of materials which varies from course to course and may contain:

Study guides and handbooks – specially written by University of London academics and designed to guide you through your studies.
Textbooks – by authoritative experts (for most undergraduate courses you will be expected to purchase these locally or online).
Regulations – containing important information about the syllabus, assessment and progression through your course.
Past examination papers and Examiners’ reports.
CD-ROMs which may include information resources or interactive exercises.
Online resources – including access to online libraries, study materials and databases.

Support for your studies

For most courses you can study independently at a pace that suits you. For many undergraduate courses you can, if you wish, enrol for additional classes at a local institution and benefit from the more formalized support this provides. Please visit How can I get local support? to find out more.

There are a variety of ways that you can get support if you do not want to attend a local institution, or there is none available that supports your course of study. They include:

Online support from academics (offered mainly for postgraduate courses).
The Online Library - to support you in your studies, the Online Library (external link) provides a range of full-text, multidisciplinary databases. Journal articles, book reviews and reports can be found on the databases to which the Library subscribes on your behalf.
Study weekends in the UK and elsewhere, where University of London academics will provide lectures and seminars to support your learning.
Online Learning Environment – which may include discussion forums, online seminars and interactive activities.

For more information, please look at the information relating to the course in which you are interested in Find a Course.

To find out more about the experience of being a University of London student, why not make contact with one of our alumni via the Student Ambassador Programme.