Fancy diving into the story of a university with roots stretching back to 1785? That’s Queen Mary University of London. It stands as a beacon of research and learning in London’s vibrant East End.
Queen Mary’s story is unique. It is woven from the threads of four historic institutions. These are St Bartholomew’s Hospital Medical College and London Hospital Medical College. Also Westfield College and Queen Mary College. Each played a role in shaping this impressive university.
The institution’s origins are deeply rooted in a commitment to social mobility. St Bartholomew’s and The London Hospital Medical Colleges sought to improve local healthcare. Westfield College and Queen Mary College aimed to break down educational barriers. They supported women and the working class.
Queen Mary University of London has evolved over centuries. It has grown into a multi-campus institution with a global outlook. Today Queen Mary has campuses across East and Central London. Also it maintains an international presence in China, France, Greece and Malta. The Mile End campus is the largest self-contained campus of any London-based university.
The university is organised into three faculties. These are the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Faculty of Science and Engineering. The last one is Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry.
Queen Mary is a member of the Russell Group. This represents leading British research universities. It is also part of UCLPartners. UCLPartners is the world’s largest academic health science centre.
Nine Nobel Laureates have been associated with Queen Mary. Their contributions span medicine, physics and peace. Ronald Ross discovered the origin of malaria. Peter Mansfield pioneered Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Joseph Rotblat dedicated his life to nuclear abolition.
The Queen’s Building is a Grade II listed building. It is home to the Octagon. The Octagon was the original Queen Mary University of London library. Brightly coloured leather-bound books adorn the shelves. Busts of famous literati gaze down from the domed ceiling.
The People’s Palace houses the Great Hall. This art deco space can accommodate over 700 seated guests. Clement Attlee learned he had become Prime Minister at The People’s Palace.
Queen Mary’s commitment to diversity is clear. Students come from over 170 nationalities. In 2021-22, 77% of students were from a Black or ethnic minority background.
Queen Mary continues to evolve. It embraces research. Also it fosters an inclusive environment. Queen Mary University of London remains dedicated to its founding mission. It opens doors to anyone with the potential to succeed.