Host University Options in
London
Considering London and the surrounding area for your study abroad experience? That’s great! But like others, you may be a bit unsure about which university in London would fit you best. Below, we have created comparison tables that should help you narrow down your choices. Take a look and reach out to us if you still have questions!
Experiencing London with API
American University of Richmond
| Why Richmond? | The only university in the world to be accredited in both the UK and US, two of the globe's leading educational superpowers. The American University of Richmond’s London campus offers students a globally recognized American-style education in the heart of London. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized attention, and the chance to engage directly with the city’s rich history, industries, and global networks. |
| What does Richmond specialize in? | - International relations; business; humanities & Social Sciences (history, politics, philosophy, psychology and sociology); arts; communication (media and digital communication); criminology - Check out its class on the British Parliament which is actually taught by a sitting British MP in parliament itself, or its new class on British Fantasy and Horror literature and film called From Hogwarts to Hellmouth! |
| What type of students would be the best fit? | A student who values an American-style education with an international perspective who wants to study in a caring environment with small individualized classes right in a modern campus. |
| Where is it located? | In the leafy village of Chiswick. This is located in Zone 3 of London in an area that is home to many tech giants. You will enjoy a peaceful campus while only being 30 minutes away from the center of London! |
| When can you study there? | Fall semester, spring semester and summer programs |
| Exciting Courses | - History of Fashion - British Politics: Inside Parliament - Museums and Galleries of London - Psychology of Fashion and Luxury Goods - Superhero Cinema - British Fantasy Writing - Contemporary London Literature - Psychology and Cinema - Historical London |
| Accommodation | Choose from API’s range of accommodation to best suit your location preferences and budgetary needs. API offers single ensuite rooms in either central or leafy residential areas of London and centrally located private studios. |
| Teaching Style | US teaching style, which typically focuses on a combination of lectures, class discussions, group work, and regular assessments, fostering an interactive and participatory learning environment |
| GPA/Pre-Req's + Flexibility | - GPA: 3 - Pre-Reqs: will be checked by your academic advisor - Flexibility: Some flexibility with GPA and application deadlines |
| Fun Facts | The campus is located close to Kew Gardens, a botanic garden that houses the "largest and most diverse botanical and mycological collections in the world" |
Florida State University
| Why FSU? | FSU London offers students a chance to study with an American academic approach, whilst enjoying London’s global cultural and professional opportunities. Students will benefit from a close-knit community whilst being in central London. |
| What does FSU specialize in? | FSU London offers students a chance to study with an American academic approach, whilst enjoying London’s global cultural and professional opportunities. Students will benefit from a close-knit community whilst being in central London. |
| What type of students would be the best fit? | A student who values an American-style education with an international perspective who wants to study in small individualised classes right in the heart of London. |
| Where is it located? | FSU’s campus is based in seven 17th century townhouses located in central London, just down the street from the British Museum, in the vibrant cultural and academic neighbourhood of Bloomsbury. |
| When can you study there? | Fall semester and spring semester programs |
| Exciting Courses | - Acting Styles: High Comedy - British Authors - Gender, Race and Performance - Introduction to Theatre in London - Stage Combat - 19th-Century Europe - Introduction to Archaeology |
| Accommodation | Choose from API’s range of accommodation to best suit your location preferences and budgetary needs. API offers single ensuite rooms in either central or leafy residential areas of London and centrally located private studios |
| Teaching Style | US teaching style, which typically focuses on a combination of lectures, class discussions, group work, and regular assessments, fostering an interactive and participatory learning environment. |
| GPA/Pre-Req's + Flexibility | - GPA: 2.75 - Pre-Reqs: For the theater programme a portfolio or audition may be required. - Flexibility: Some flexibility with GPA and application deadlines |
| Fun Facts | The FSU building is located right next to the British Museum which houses over 8 million objects from every continent, making it one of the largest and most important museums in the world. |
Kingston University
| Why Kingston? | Kingston University offers a dynamic learning environment with strong links to industry, ensuring students gain practical experience alongside academic knowledge. Its diverse, vibrant campus and focus on employability provide an enriching experience that prepares graduates for success in global careers. |
| What does Kingston specialize in? | Design, art, architecture, business, engineering, health sciences sustainability, digital innovation, and entrepreneurship. |
| What type of students would be the best fit? | Kingston University is ideal for creative, entrepreneurial students seeking a hands-on education in a dynamic, supportive environment who want to be in a green area outside of central London and who enjoy the campus experience and learning outside the classroom on field trips. |
| Where is it located? | Kingston has one main campus located on the River Thames, just 12 miles southwest of central London. The area is known for its blend of historic charm and modern amenities featuring cute cafes, riverside walks and beautiful parks. |
| When can you study there? | Fall semester, spring semester and summer programs |
| Exciting Courses | - Ethical Hacking - Diversity and Discrimination in the Criminal Justice System - Deadly Desires/Dangerous Discourse: Gothic Literature and Theory - Mental Health and Brain Function - British Culture and Society - Harry Potter and the Order of Popular British Icons - Live Theatre - Looking at London with Creative Writing |
| Accommodation | University owned accommodation with a free shuttle bus to get around Kingston |
| Teaching Style | UK teaching style, which emphasizes independent study, with a focus on lectures, seminars, and in-depth independent research, complemented by fewer but more substantial assessments like final exams or dissertations. |
| GPA/Pre-Req's + Flexibility | GPA: 2.75 Pre-Reqs: Strict prerequisites for 600 level modules. Prior study in the subject area required for 500 level modules. Flexibility: Some flexibility with GPA and application deadlines |
| Fun Facts | Kingston upon Thames was once the royal capital of England, where the kings were crowned. |
London School of Economics
| Why LSE? | LSE consistently ranks among the top 50 universities globally, and the top 10 in the UK making it an excellent choice for aspiring leaders. The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide has ranked LSE as the top university in the UK and named the School as its ‘University of the Year 2025’ |
| What does LSE specialize in? | Economics, politics and international relations, law, management and business, social policy and sociology, finance |
| What type of students would be the best fit? | A highly motivated, ambitious student ready to challenge themselves in a rigorous academic environment. |
| Where is it located? | LSE has a single campus located in central London, near Covent Garden and the River Thames, in a vibrant cultural and academic area. |
| When can you study there? | Summer programs only |
| Exciting Courses | - The Ethics of Data and Artificial Intelligence - From Cyberwar to Killer Robots: Emerging Technology and International Security - Advanced Negotiation and Mediation - Managing Organizational Change - Understanding China’s Rise: Global and Local Perspectives - Power, Inequality and Identity - Understanding Contemporary Societies - The Future of Democracy |
| Accommodation | Choose from API’s range of accommodation to best suit your location preferences and budgetary needs. API offers centrally located twin rooms, single ensuite rooms in either central or outer London and centrally located private studios |
| Teaching Style | UK teaching style, which emphasizes independent study, with a focus on lectures, seminars, and in-depth independent research, complemented by fewer but more substantial assessments like final exams or dissertations. |
| GPA/Pre-Req's + Flexibility | - GPA: 3.3 - Pre-Reqs: For 200 and 300 level courses - Flexibility: Some flexibility with GPA. Courses will have limited space. |
| Fun Facts | LSE has educated over 50 world leaders, including 18 Nobel Prize winners. Rolling Stones star Mick Jagger is an almost alumnus of LSE. He started pursuing accounting and finance at LSE, but dropped out to form the band with his school friends. |
University College London
| Why UCL? | UCL consistently ranks among the top universities globally, typically placing within the top 10 worldwide. It is the perfect place for students seeking intellectual challenge and career prospects. |
| What does UCL specialize in? | Brain Sciences; Computer Science; Culture Literature and the Arts; Economics, Business and Management; Education and Research; Engineering; Geography and the Built Environment; Health; History and Philosophy; Law; Linguistics; Medical Sciences; Politics and International Relations; Sciences and Mathematics |
| What type of students would be the best fit? | Ideal for ambitious, intellectually curious students who thrive in a dynamic, research-driven environment and seek to make an impact across global and interdisciplinary fields. |
| Where is it located? | UCL Summer School takes place in their historic Bloomsbury campus. This is a charming, cultural neighborhood in central London, known for its landmarks and green squares. |
| When can you study there? | Summer programs only |
| Exciting Courses | - International Business Strategy and Development - Global London - Mental Health and the Mind - Artificial Intelligence - Modern and Contemporary Art in London |
| Accommodation | Choose from API’s range of accommodation to best suit your location preferences and budgetary needs. API offers single ensuite rooms in either central or leafy residential areas of London and centrally located private studios |
| Teaching Style | UK teaching style, which emphasizes independent study, with a focus on lectures, seminars, and in-depth independent research, complemented by fewer but more substantial assessments like final exams or dissertations. |
| GPA/Pre-Req's + Flexibility | - GPA: 3.30 (or 3.00 for sophomores, juniors, and seniors applying for lower level modules) - Pre-Reqs: For most courses, students must have completed a minimum of one year of undergraduate study in any subject area by the time they start the module. - Flexibility: Flexibility with application deadlines and GPA if supported by positive reference. |
| Fun Facts | The Front Quad was used as a model for ancient Rome in Gladiator and scenes from Inception were shot in the main library |
University of Arts London
| Why UAL? | UAL (University of the Arts London) is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world for art and design. It offers students the chance to push creative boundaries, gain practical experience, and build valuable connections in the heart of London. |
| What does UAL specialize in? | rt & design (covering fine arts, graphic design, illustration); fashion (design, marketing, styling); media & communications (journalism, film, photography, digital media); performing arts (theatre, dance, performance design) architecture & spatial design (interior architecture, urban design); computer science (at UAL's Creative Computing Institute) and business (fashion business, design management). |
| What type of students would be the best fit? | UAL is ideal for students who are passionate, innovative, and eager to push creative boundaries. It’s perfect for those who thrive in a hands-on collaborative environment and creatives who excel when given self-directed studio time. |
| Where is it located? | UAL has 6 main campuses spread throughout London: - 3 campuses in central London - Central St. Martins (Kings Cross and Archway), Chelsea College of Arts (Chelsea) and - London College of Communication (Elephant and Castle). - One campus in East London - London College of Fashion (Stratford) - One campus in South London - Camberwell College of Arts (Camberwell) - One campus in South West London - Wimbledon College of Arts (Wimbledon). |
| When can you study there? | - Fall semester, spring semester - offering both fixed and flexible pathways. - Summer 3 week and 6 week programs. - Summer 8 week programs at the London College of Fashion. - Jan Term |
| Exciting Courses | - Summer Study Abroad - Experimental Fashion Knitwear - Camberwell Fine Art: Sculpture - CCA Product and Furniture Design - CSM Jewellery Design - LCC: Computer Animation and Visual Effects - LCF Fashion Textiles: Embroidery - Wimbledon: Costume for Theatre and Screen - Summer Abroad Fashion Design with NABA Milan - NEW! - Creative Computing - NEW! |
| Accommodation | Choose from API’s range of accommodation to best suit your location preferences and budgetary needs. API offers single ensuite rooms in either central or leafy residential areas of London and centrally located private studios |
| Teaching Style | UK teaching style, which emphasizes independent study, with a focus on lectures, seminars, and in-depth independent research. Expect to justify your creative work with written assessments and research papers. UAL focuses not only on creative output but how to promote and articulate your ideas. |
| GPA/Pre-Req's + Flexibility | - GPA: 3.0 - Pre-Reqs: Portfolio of work required for some pathways - Flexibility: Fixed pathway courses fill up fast and entrance is competitive. - Low GPA applications are submitted; however, additional references may be required and acceptance is up to the course leader. |
| Fun Facts | UAL has produced iconic alumni, including fashion designers like Alexander McQueen, Professor Dato, Jimmy Choo CBE and Stella McCartney, as well as artists like Sir Anish Kapoor and film director Steve McQueen. |
University of Westminster
| Why Westminster? | Westminster University is recognized for its strong focus on career-oriented education and practical experience. Located in central London, it provides students with the opportunity to develop industry-relevant skills |
| What does Westminster specialize in? | Media, arts, and design; architecture and the built environment; business and management; engineering and computer science; social sciences and law; health and life sciences |
| What type of students would be the best fit? | Westminster University is ideal for students who are career-focused and eager to gain hands-on experience in their field. It’s perfect for those who want a central London university experience. |
| Where is it located? | The University of Westminster has 4 main campuses. Three are located right in the heart of London and one is in the North West of London with good transport links. |
| When can you study there? | Fall semester, spring semester and summer programs |
| Exciting Courses | - Black London: Black History in London from Tudors to Today - Thinking Sociologically - Sustainable Supply Chain Management - Current Debates in Tourism - Monarchy - A Royal History of London - A Sexual History of London |
| Accommodation | Choose from API’s range of accommodation to best suit your location preferences and budgetary needs. API offers single ensuite rooms in either central or leafy residential areas of London and centrally located private studios |
| Teaching Style | UK teaching style, which emphasizes independent study, with a focus on lectures, seminars, and in-depth independent research, complemented by fewer but more substantial assessments like final exams or dissertations. |
| GPA/Pre-Req's + Flexibility | - GPA: 2.7 (Media and Design students must have 3.0) - Pre-Reqs: Portfolio of work must be submitted if applying for practical modules at the School of Media, Art, and Design - Flexibility: Application dates are quite firm. A GPA of between 2.5 - 2.7 might be considered on a case by case basis however mostly likely the student will have to stick to level 4 and 5 courses |
| Fun Facts | The university’s roots go back to 1838 when it was founded as the Royal Polytechnic Institution, one of the first institutions in the UK to offer practical, hands-on education. |
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