LONDON UNIVERSITY. When University college, London, was first established (in 1825), it was known as London university, although a mere joint-stock undertaking. A change took place in 1836, when it received a charter as Uneversity college. At the same time, by another charter, London university was established—not a building for teach ing, nor a body of teachers and scholars,.but a body of persons empowered to examine candidates and confer degrees. As this second charter was only valid during " royal will and pleasure," it required to be renewed at the death of William IV., and the accession of Victoria; and a new charter was accordingly granted, Dec. 5, 1837. Addi tional powers were given, July 7, 1850; and a wholly new charter was signed April 9, 1838, instituting many changes in the functions and arrangements of London university; again a wholly new charter, Jan. 6, 1863, with supplement (Aug. 27, 186'7), admitting women to certain special examinations. rniversity college, London, is still carried on in Gower street, the original spot; but the university of London, or London university, after occupying different apartments granted by- government, is now established in a special building in Burlington gardens (since 1870). The body consists virtually of a chan cellor, vice-chancellor, 36 fellows, and an indefinite number of graduates. The chancel lor is appointed for life, or during royal pleasure, by the crown. The vice-Mancellor is annually elected by the fellows from among their own body. The 36 fellows were named by the crown in the charter of 1858, for life; but as vacancies occur, the crown and the university fill thern up in a mode that gives some control to each. The graduates are those who, at any time since 1836, have had degrees (bachelor, master, or doctor of certain faculties) conferred upon them by this university. The senate is composed of the chan cellor, vice-chancellor, and fellows, and has the power of making the whole of the by laws for the government of the university—within certain limits prescribed by the char ter, and with the approval of the secretary of state. The convocation is composed of all
the graduates, except those who have taken the lower degrees within less than two years; it meets occasionally, to vote and decide upon several minor matters; but the charter seems to confine all real power to the senate.
When the new charter was given, in 1858, there were 47 colleges and collegiate schools in connection with London university—two in the colonies, and the rest in the United Kingdom. The number was later increased; the secretary of state and the senate having the power of deciding what additional establishments shall be included. But since 1863, it is no longer required that candidates for examination should be certificated scholars of any of these institutions: everything is thrown open, subject to pleasure of senate. Examiners are appointed by the senate, which also defines the extent and mode of examination. By the charter of -the university, theology is entirely excluded. Yet there is an optional scriptural examination under by-laws. The degrees obtainable are those of bachelor and master of arts, bachelor and doctor of medicine, bachelor and doctor of laws, bachelor and doctor of science, bachelor and master of surgery, bachelor and doctor of music, and doctor of literature. There are examinations for women, distinct from men's, in literature and science combined; and these first general examinations may be followed up, at will of candidate, by special examinations for certificates of higher proficiency in particular subjects.
The number of randidates for matriculation in 1876 was 1071, 486 of whom passed: for B.A. (final), 141; 59 passed: for M.A., 17; 11 passed: for B.SC. (final), 41; 22 passed: for D.SC., 7; 5 passed: for LL.B. (final), 22; 13 passed: for M.B. (final), 34; 23 passed: for M.D., 17; 11 passed. General matriculation examination must be undergone a cer tain time previously by candidates for anv degree.—London university stands in no special relation to King's college (q.v.) in fondon.