The University of Westminster began 180 years ago as the first polytechnic in London and one of the first in England. Its aim was to educate the working people of the city of London. Today, we continue to build on that reputation and help students from all backgrounds reach their full potential. We have over 19,000 students from 169 different nationalities studying at undergraduate, postgraduate and higher degree levels.

History of Westminster University
 

The University of Westminster was founded in 1838 by Sir George Cayley as the Royal Polytechnic Institution. It was located at 309 Regent Street.

Since then, our institution has gained a reputation for being a first mover, including:

• The first polytechnic in London and one of the first in England (1838)
• The opening of the first public photography studio in Europe (1841)
• Hosting the first public showing of moving pictures in England by the Lumière brothers (1896)
• Hosting the first marathon race at the London Olympics, with the now-traditional distance of 26 miles and 385 yards (1908)
• Offering the first undergraduate degrees in photography, film and media studies (1960s and 1970s)
• The first modern university to win the Queen's Award for International Trade

Teaching and learning in University of Westminster
 

Our students now study at a dynamic and international university. Students at the University of Westminster come to the university from all over the world, as well as from every part of England, including London. The community may have changed over time, but the teaching remains practical, relevant, and up-to-date.

Our mission is to enable every student, from every background, to reach their full potential. We support and empower our students to achieve their goals and build their confidence through:

• Practical, active, and inquiry-led teaching
• Courses that are developed with employer engagement
• A research-informed learning curve
• Mentorship by our successful alumni for all students
• Embedding work-based learning and workplace training in all our programs
• Combining active in-class learning with high-quality online learning

Our research aims to identify and eliminate the barriers to achieving a complete society that recognizes the achievements and value of all individuals.

Through this research, we unlock the potential of citizens to advance communities and industries around the world.

The Future of Your Career

Our students gain real-world experience as part of their academic studies, and our courses are designed and often taught by professionals and academics. Many of our students participate in internships or work placements, and they also develop valuable skills through our 100+ student clubs and societies.

We aim to provide a career advisory service that promotes close collaboration between the university and regional, national and international organizations. Our advisors can help you develop individualized campaigns to attract job opportunities, and these services are provided free of charge.

Student Life at University of Westminster
 

University residences are covered by the https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/sites/default/files/uploads/ACOP/accommodation-code-of-practice-2019.pdf. This code ensures that students have the right to feel safe and secure, to have good quality accommodation, and to make the most of their time living in these residences.

There are also a number of companies that provide private accommodation and facilities that students need. These residences usually provide a comfortable and supportive living environment for students studying in London. They may be affiliated with universities or colleges, or they may operate independently to provide housing solutions for students from different educational institutions. In addition to these options, students can also rent apartments on a shared or individual basis.