Why choose the University of East London? (A guide for parents)
Why choose the University of East London? (A guide for parents)
Welcome to the careers-first university
Choosing a university is a big decision. As a parent, you want to know your child will be safe, supported, and set up for a successful future.
The University of East London focuses on career-ready degrees, strong student support, and real-world experience. It’s a practical choice for students who want to build skills and confidence while studying in London.
Quick facts about UEL:
- Career-focused courses designed with employers
- Strong student support and wellbeing services
- Diverse, inclusive student community
- London location with access to jobs and opportunities
Courses for careers
We collaborate with employers and industry to create our degrees. Our approach to education reflects the changing needs of industry and prepares students for future careers.
Finding the right course
Often young people are undecided on what they want to do as a career, or what course they need to study to find that dream job.
We’ve developed a Career Coaching tool that provides advices on specific careers, courses, job roles, potential wages and available jobs, to help map out the education and career options available.
Professional Fitness and Mental Wealth
University of East London graduates stand out at job interviews because we focus on the complete individual – developing the knowledge, confidence and life skills employers value.
We do this by including a Professional Fitness and Mental Wealth module in every course that covers:
- Individual intelligence – develop emotional, social, physical and cognitive intelligence
- Digital proficiency – learn to use ICT effectively
- Cultural intelligence – explore how to work effectively across cultures
Career Passport
Graduates leave with a Career Passport that provides employers with proof of each skill they’ve mastered as part of their course, mental wealth programme or through internships and placements.
It is beyond a traditional CV as many of the skills are validated externally by major corporations, including Microsoft and Amazon.
Professional Fitness & Mental Wealth at UEL
Find out more about the Professional Fitness & Mental Wealth initiative at University of East London.
How we teach
We combine traditional face-to-face on campus teaching with cutting-edge technology.
Academics with real-world experience
Students have contact time with teaching staff who are world leaders in their field. Students could be taught by Turner-Prize winning sculptor, an Olympic gold medallist, a former business leader or an advisor to national governments.
Learn by doing
Students can work as part of a team on real-life projects in East London and overseas. They also have access to workplace experience through the many placements and internships we help organise through our extensive network of industry connections. Find out more on the careers page.
Innovative and engaging
We don't believe education should be about cramming hundreds of students into a vast lecture theatre. We focus on smaller class sizes and more individual ways of teaching that are social, active and collaborative. Find out more on the Technology Enhanced Active Learning (TEAL) page.
Fantastic facilities
We've invested £170 million in fantastic spaces. Whatever subject our students’ study, they will have what they need to prepare them for their future careers.
For independent study and group work, we have 24/7 libraries on our Docklands and Stratford campuses, so students can spend time studying when it suits them.
Ensuring students remain healthy, active and have fun is essential to us. At SportsDock, our £21 million sports facility, they can use the gym, participate in sports or join an exercise class. Some big names have trained at SportsDock, like LeBron James and Team USA, who used SportsDock as their training base for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Live on campus
We’re one of the only universities in London to have a self-contained campus and on-site accommodation.
Student accommodation
UEL offers student accommodation with a range of premium, standard and wheelchair accessible spaces, ensuring there’s always a home for every budget and requirement.
We're here day and night
Students always have someone to turn to when they need extra support with on-campus security available 24 hours a day.
A diverse campus
We are diverse, inclusive, and supportive. Students at the University of East London benefit from learning alongside people from all over the world.
Students feel welcomed and quickly find like-minded people no matter what they are into or where they’re from. Many of our students spark lifelong friendships while they’re here and become ambassadors for the University for many years after they graduate.
Supportive environment
We won’t let worry get in the way of studies. We have dedicated student services teams who can help with anything from support for dyslexia, advice about money, or guidance on mental health. In the Student Hub they can speak to people who know exactly how to help solve specific problems and make them seem more manageable.
We provide comprehensive career advice from day one to graduation and beyond! This includes help and guidance on finding part-time working opportunities and placements.
FAQs for parents
Is the University of East London a good university?
The University of East London is a good choice for students who want career-focused degrees and practical experience. UEL works closely with employers, offers strong student support, and helps students build skills for jobs after graduation. It is especially suited to students who want to study in London and gain real-world experience while learning.
What makes UEL different from other universities in London?
UEL stands out from other London universities because of its careers-first approach, campus-based experience, and strong student support. Courses are designed together with employers, students benefit from a close-knit campus community, whether at Docklands or Stratford, and the university focuses on building practical skills alongside academic learning.
What career outcomes can UEL graduates expect?
UEL prepares students for employment through placements, internships, and career support from day one. Students develop practical skills and experience alongside their degree, helping them move into a wide range of careers after graduation. We focus on building confidence, communication, and job-ready skills.
Is UEL safe for students?
UEL provides a safe and supportive environment for students. Our Docklands and Stratford campuses have security measures in place, student accommodation is managed and secure, and support services are available to help students with wellbeing or personal concerns. This helps students feel safe while studying and living in London.
How does UEL support students during their studies?
UEL supports students with academic help, mental health services, financial guidance, and specialist support if needed. Students can access tutoring, wellbeing services, and advice throughout their studies, helping them manage challenges and succeed at university.
See it for yourself
Discover the University of East London at one of our upcoming Open Days. As a parent, guardian or carers, you’re welcome to come along with your child or ward to an in-person or virtual event.
Explore our campuses and ask questions about courses, fees and finance, accommodation and the support we provide.
More ways to meet us
From campus tours to personal statement workshops, we run events throughout the year to help you discover more.
Discover more events at UEL








