Imperial College London

HISTORY

Imperial College London is a public research university located in London, United Kingdom. Its founder, Prince Albert, envisioned an area constituted of the Victoria and Albert Museum, Natural History Museum, Royal Albert Hall, and the Imperial Institute. The Imperial Institute was opened by his wife, Queen Victoria, who laid the foundation stone in 1887. Imperial College London was granted a royal charter in 1907. In the same year, the college joined the University of London, before leaving it a century later. The curriculum was expanded to include medicine after merging with several historic medical schools. In 2004, Queen Elizabeth II opened the Imperial College Business School.

The main campus is located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. The university’s emphasis is on emerging technology and its practical application. Imperial’s contributions to society include the discovery of penicillin, the development of fibre optics, and holography.

Imperial is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world. In 2017, it ranked 8th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 9th in the QS World University Rankings, 22nd in the Academic Ranking of World Universities, and 9th in UniRanks ‘Ranking of Rankings’ of World Universities. In 2015, Imperial was also ranked the most innovative university in Europe, and in 2017 as the 5th most international university in the world.

COURSES

Imperial College is organized through faculties for:

• Science
• Engineering
• Medicine
• Business

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Entry requirements for undergraduate courses range from A*A*A to AAB at A level, or equivalent qualification, depending on the course. Specific A-level (or equivalent) subjects may be required to apply for some subjects.

ACADEMIC STRENGTHS

Among the top tier of scientific, engineering and medical research and teaching institutions in the world. Pays particular regards to the practical application of science, engineering and medicine in industry, commerce and healthcare. Has a thriving start-up culture, including incubation spaces that support the commercialisation of student and academic discoveries. Fosters interdisciplinary working internally and collaborates widely externally.

TEACHING STANDARDS

Acknowledged worldwide as a centre of excellence for teaching. In the 2015 National Student Survey the College’s overall Teaching Satisfaction score increased to 89% (+1% from 2014). Overall Satisfaction also increased to 88% (+1% from 2014).

CAREERS GUIDANCE

The Careers Service provides a varied and comprehensive careers guidance, information and vacancy service for all students and alumni of Imperial College including: Expert one to one advice with one of their careers consultants, through 20 minute discussions and 40 minute discussions.

CV, application and interview seminars run throughout the autumn and spring terms.

Useful careers information resources set out in a comfortable information room to allow the student to research their career options.

Employer presentations, skills workshops and careers talks to give the student an opportunity to speak directly to graduate recruiters.