The 150th anniversary of the University of London’s External System will be commemorated at a launch function in Delhi on January 28 with support from the British Council in India.

By starting its External System in 1858, the university (established  in 1836) broke new ground by becoming the first to offer degrees to students all over the world, who could study for a London University award without having to go there.

At the time, an article in the magazine All Year Round, edited by novelist Charles Dickens, described it as the “‘People’s University’ which would extend her hand even to the young shoemaker who studied in his garret.”

Now, 150 years on, the External System continues to innovate and offers more than 100 academic qualifications, many of which are taught using the latest technologies.

The global community of External students now numbers 41,000 across 180 countries worldwide, making it a unique network.

Announcing the holding of the 150th anniversary launch in Delhi on January 28, the Dean of London University’s External System, Professor Jonathan Kydd, said: “India is a fast-growing economy and a significant market for us.  Our aim is to support the educational developments in India by providing access to relevant international education.  Students can choose to study on their own or with the support of an institution based in India  that specialises in teaching our programmes.”

Professor Kydd added: “The British Council has always supported our activities, particularly through arranging examinations for our students, and we look forward to their continued involvement.”

To commemorate the 150th anniversary, an illustrated history has been published, entitled The People’s University: 150 Years of the University of London and its External Students.

Former students and alumni of the London University External System include five Nobel Prize winners. Mahatma Gandhi was also a former student – he took the London matriculation examinations with the External System.

Other graduates of the External System who have made their mark on the world stage include academics, writers, engineers and politicians.

(For further information on the anniversary,  visit  www.Londonexternal.ac.uk/150)