Northeastern University London

ABOUT UNIVERSITY

Northeastern University – London is a public university located in the St Katharine Docks area of London, England. It was originally founded in 2010 as New College of the Humanities by philosopher A. C. Grayling, who became its first Master. The institution was designed to follow an Oxbridge-inspired tutorial model, focusing initially on the humanities, social sciences, and master’s programs that connected humanities with technology. Its establishment was motivated by Grayling’s belief that the United Kingdom lacked sufficient elite university provision, leading many British students to pursue higher education abroad. Early on, the college set tuition fees at £18,000 per year and aimed to provide a rigorous, high-quality alternative to traditional universities. The founding was supported financially by prominent investors, with Peter Hall providing initial seed funding of £200,000, followed by £10 million in private equity funding to cover early operational costs. Incorporated first as Grayling Hall Limited in 2010, the institution was renamed New College of the Humanities in 2011. In February 2019, it was acquired by Northeastern University, a private research university based in Boston, Massachusetts, and rebranded as NCH at Northeastern. This acquisition strengthened its academic profile and global connections, giving students greater access to Northeastern’s international network. By February 2020, the institution was granted its own taught degree awarding powers, marking an important milestone in its academic independence. In July 2022, after approval from the Office for Students, it was awarded full university status and officially adopted the name Northeastern University – London. Today, the university continues to combine strong roots in the humanities with a growing emphasis on interdisciplinary programs, technology, and global learning opportunities, positioning itself as a modern and internationally connected institution within the higher education landscape of the United Kingdom.