University of East London Reviews 

I had a disappointing experience with the University of East London, particularly within the Teacher Training program. I found the environment to be unwelcoming, with certain staff members, including the Head of Department, Ciro Genovese, displaying behaviour that came across as dismissive, biased and lacking sensitivity. Based on my experience, I would not recommend this course or institution to prospective students. Furthermore, he repeatedly extended my postgraduate course despite being aware that I had no additional funding to complete it, which placed me in significant financial difficulty.

I wish there was a zero star. The worst place to study. Not only people who are working there are not helpful at all, but also they are so rude. I studied there for one year and the security guards shouted on me three times. Are they really there to keep us secure? Or what?

If you are thinking to enrol in this campus then this message will help alot they have alot of fake reviews asking positives reviews from students and keeping the reality hidden want to share a cautionary experience regarding my friend at UEL. Despite being given until 4 to submit his fees,He paid his fees on 1st still he was unexpectedly blocked from his course after paying. This exclusion has had a devastating impact on his life and career. This greedy university can destroy your life for there money.
Please be aware that institutions can prioritize financial matters over student welfare.

I started my PGCE (Primary teacher training) with UEL in 2022. I was so excited and really hopeful that I would learn a lot and would benefit from specialising in the arts. I received an award recognising my contribution to research informed practice, and got high grades in my assignments (86%, 92%). The teaching on the PGCE course was generally good, but the admin was atrocious- hundreds of students started the course not enrolled, unable to access course files and with very little support as the different departments within the university do not talk to each other and there is no shared responsibility. So many were forced to drop out because of this. Then there were long delays in getting school placements- some people were waiting for months! I ended up organising my own school placement, which was fine, but for the second placement I was placed in a school with a teacher who had not finished her ECT and every single other teacher in the school had quit the previous year (not exactly the high standards of professional practice we were told we had to demonstrate.)

I then started a Masters in Education last year, and that is when it really became clear to me just how bad things are. I suffered a serious injury 3 weeks into the start of my Masters, and following notifying the university, was asked to provide 50% of the course fees. This is because their policy is set up to force you to pay this much even if you only study 3 weeks of the course and then quit! I then had repeated issues such as being contacted about my attendance after I had already notified them of my going on a break when I was in hospital recovering from surgery. I contacted everyone I could think of, lecturers, student services, the SMART team, even the University's students union, to try and find a resolution. There is a strong culture of 'that's not my job' and everyone wants to pass you off onto someone else. It was bizarre after having received such positive feedback last year. I would have left then and there but I didn't want all that money to have been for nothing and I wouldn't have been able to get funding for a Masters course somewhere else because of the way student finance works. In the end the only way I was able to return to study 4 months later once I had recovered enough to walk again was by literally *begging* student finance to pay me my next instalment early. After studying Term 3, my lecturer helpfully suggested I use credits from my PGCE to be able to skip 2 modules and move straight on to the dissertation module, however by this point I had already paid for the full course. I have now been trying (and failing) to get a refund for the additional modules I will not be studying for 2 months (£4437) and despite being reassured that I am entitled to this refund by every member of staff in the student hub, credit control and even the SMART team, and even having the refund request form approved, I have been sent £595, an amount which seems to have been randomly plucked from thin air. When I emailed to ask why I had received so much less, I received, you guessed it, no reply. It makes me so angry that this uni prides itself on being accessible. If you are unable to talk to someone over the phone (because you're hearing impaired for example) they say to open a ticket via my portal. I have opened hundreds! Student records will send you unprofessional emails mispelling your name and filled with obvious typos without ever actually addressing your problem, and then close the ticket as soon as they respond- then, you have to reopen the ticket and explain the issue to someone new all over again! I have quite literally received emails which seem to have been copied and pasted without actually answering my questions. I have even contacted THE DEAN of the university about my experience politely requesting their assistance in resolving this issue and have received no reply! I wish I could tell everyone looking at going here in September that they should go somewhere else because as a teacher myself it makes me so angry that you feel justified in treating students this way! How can you say that you are a university which prides itself on being accessible, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, if this is the kind of treatment they can expect to receive? If you can go ANYWHERE ELSE to study your degree/Masters, please don't go here. At the very least you will not receive the constantly gaslighting that UEL sends out that they care about Academic excellence, Respect, Dignity, Humanity of Others and Inclusivity (all listed as values on their website!)

pretty good university, i really like how the lectures are laid out havent had a problem but they somewhat overcomplicate things a little. I really like the facilities as they are readily available as when I need it including using the labs and the libraries to study.

In regards to the practical instructors they've been really helpful as they show me what I can do to improve my work before submitting. The VLE platform is easy to access ( havent had a problem with that ) the career zone facility are also helpful as they've also guided me on the types of internships that can help me through my university journey as for the cafeteria is relatively small as id remember but im not complaining

not sure where the 1 star reviews are coming from as ive so far had a welcoming experience at the university nor any other bad experiences

i humbly thank the university for giving me the opportunities ive slowly gained overtime and i look forward to graduating next year

For Muslims, I advise you not to go, many Academic members have discriminated students as a result of their essays, or dissertations.

I studied International Human Right Law , and my dissertation was about the Israeli Wall under International Human Rights, by the chance the Supervisor was one of the supporter of Israeli.
As I result he marked my dissertation in a bad way.
His Name is Barry Collins who is supporting Israel.. I finished with Pass , and unable to Start my PhD as a result of the Classification.
I am going to take the University and Barry Collins to the Court now.

Administrative errors time and time again meaning I missed out on student finance, took out a personal loan to cover the fees, received the finance after completing the course so paid my personal loan (and interest myself). To be told 2 years later I now OWE student finance because the university have said I have withdrawn from studies... I completed and graduated in 2022. (Without a cert because again admin failed us). I am now about to remortgage with HMRC asking for £5600... one tick box and still UEL are believing I definitely withdrew. FUMING.

Racist, offensive, one sided, biased staff and security, inappropriate & pervy staff and security. Some staff and security speak broken English so you can’t even exit or come back to uni efficiently, just about getting in or out, or require or just about get done such tasks such as uni accommodation, financial and self related. Security are always in your way, harassing you and completely dismissive of the fact you are very busy, running around or completing work, day to day jobs. Security are very rude, unapproachable, not very understanding, very unfriendly and unprofessional, Security men always staring, disturbing and asking personal inappropriate questions, student ambassadors are extremely nasty, unfriendly and unprofessional with deep self motivations to take opportunities for themselves, friends and family and not want to be accommodating or fair or inclusive to everyone at UEL, can’t imagine the students who come from vulnerable positions in life or need opportunities and they are selfish and for themselves, which is shocking and disgusting as an ambassador role. International students are extremely pervy, really rude, impolite, impatient, push in through queues at fairs or any events, grab and snatch things, very unfair all staff, security and students. A horrible institution for uk based students, very isolating and very self motivated people who don’t want to know you or associate with you unless they know your in a high position, have high status, have lots going for yourself or have a good job, things like that. Makes you want to shut yourself out and not come out you’re shell or be cautious everywhere you turn and makes you extremely anxious, on edge and not want to trust or be around anyone. Racist staff despite at uni they should know people comes from all circumstances and wakes of life and unfair discrimination when being being polite, fair and not bringing any of my personal views to education and being open minded. Quite sad coming from staff when you just want to learn and seize opportunities and they continuously treat you like this, when trying to take interest in work or take part in class, very degrading, doesn’t help with mental health. Accommodation and visitor rules are very excessive, complicated, long and tiring. Haven’t been granted any bursary despite my circumstance and contacting them, the uni don’t contact students from certain circumstances who need a bursary, so vulnerable students are not even being made aware and being helped. The most unprofessional, low class, degrading institution I’ve been to in all my life as a British citizen, knowing the levels of professionalism, laws we have in place, sense of decency and respect in the UK, which has never been given or shown here at this university, Do not come here, got to better institutions that are out there, you know there is, so don’t put yourself through the headache of coming here, because it may be difficult or tiring to move after everything they put you though. I don’t know how this institution is still open, everyone is for themselves it makes you feel very uncomfortable and not included in class, events, fairs and in general conversation with people at this uni. It’s only the rude students/staff who get opportunities because they’re selfish, unfair and unconcerned for people or their circumstances. It’s a really really horrible place to go to for people in vulnerable circumstances, introverts or positive minded people who just want to get on with work, socialise and not deal with inappropriate, weird or offensive students or staff most of the time. My entire time being at University Of East London I’ve been completely miserable. I can see why on social media University Of East London is said to be the most worst uni you could possibly ever go to. When going to university you wish to be encouraged and uplifted. This institution is a numbers game after money and not actually looking after their students wellbeing. There is even a student who commit suicide in 2023, having read this officially published online, goes to show how inhumane this university is. Please don’t come here. University can be hard or stressful enough, you don’t want or need people not respecting your boundaries, people that can’t help you properly or shouldn’t even be working here that can’t help you because they don’t know what they’re doing.

I encountered a significant error on my diploma, and despite my efforts to address it, I have been met with silence for the past 10 months. The lack of responsiveness and concern for student issues is disheartening. This institution does not prioritize its students' needs. I strongly advise against attending this university.

So I wasn't an international student(British born, but grew up in new York), but I want to give as balanced a review as i can.
I am in my 40s , and during study I had a foundation year plus 3 years.
Foundation year was great. Lecturers were accessible and lessons were stimulating. I was full time, and I was on the Futsal Team.
The admission process made me nervous, my transcripts from Uni in the USA confused most people. They had to be converted and I had to keep explaining :)
The Student Hub did try to help with questions on the phone or on Campus. I have no issue. I also worked in Campus at Sports Dock.
I studied Coaching and Performance through the West Ham Ed Department. Best thing I could have done for me.
Always social things going on.
They definitely need to improve the food options and extend the option into the early evening.

First year was the COVID year. Everything was then online by second term. Lecturers were as supportive as they could til we returned to campus
Most Exams were presentation based by Powerpoint, great transferable skill.
Dissertations were a test of my determination because I don't think it was explained well enough. I looked up what it means on YouTube also. I got it done. We classmates rallied around one another. Libraries provide a great environment to complete work. No problem
Graduation seemed a massive affair. Graduation is expensive and I think it should be free. Some people seemed confused, some were happy to be there.
It was a joyous day for me.
MOST of MY Lecturers were great but you had guite a few that don't answer emails.
It was unacceptable and baffling.
They need more healthy food options.
Otherwise I liked my experience there.
Good outweighed the bad for me.

What a pointless endeavor! Imagine someone overly qualified in mental health being told to compose a statement for a nonsensical outcome. Utter rubbish and such a disappointment. You'd imagine this university to be akin to Harvard with the way they present themselves. On UCAS, they promote a course only for it to vanish, then replace it with something entirely different (Foundation). When you attempt to contact the admissions line, the staff are barely audible and comprehensible, amidst the background noise of crying children or a dying battery's incessant bleeping. I'm relieved I declined their deceitful offer. Don't waste your time applying. It's a way of them getting funding while your left with the debt.

Arrived at UEL for graduation today which was a complete disaster of overall. We queued with our children for 45 mins after the photographs to get to the entrance door at 10.29 to be told they had shut it and no further family would be admitted . Our 2 young children 5&8yrs were totally devastated after supporting their mother for 3 yrs during her honours degree. We tried to plead to allow just the kids in but no matter what they gave unsatisfactory explanations that it was our fault and we were late?! Ms. Eloise May Hall Events Manager on the door was rude, lacking any real empathy or an understanding to this unique situation… as remarked by most parents, of which it was just 13 persons in
A small group.
Outside there must have been another 100 persons trying to gain access to the main Hall still, which was UEL’s fault with a disastrous queuing system and lacked any communication throughout. I hold the senior faculty responsible for this and does not live up
to the so called values being remarked upon by UEL. I expect other complaints to be received about today and a BIG question around how an event manager can be in a role like this? She clearly needs a serious education on how to deal with these type of situations much better or change her role responsibilities completely. A day we looked forward to since 2019 was destroyed.

No stranger to controversy this place is Racist, corrupt, and incompetent. Truely a bums on seats mentality and in more ways than one. What I learned here, I learned from other students and my own efforts to disassociate myself from the culture of apathy amongst staff and lecturers. I wanted a first class Degree but had to be content with a 2:1.

The experience I had at this university was marked by a sense of loneliness, despite my naturally sociable nature. The campus seemed predominantly frequented by Indian students and staff, and unfortunately, I found them to be quite sceptical and exclusive towards other cultures. This was contrary to the initial impression given during the open day, where they claimed to have the highest variety of cultures – a statement I found to be untrue. Every single event or activity inside the campus was directly correlated to Indian culture. The courses were primarily taught by Indian teachers, and it became evident that there was a bias towards prioritizing Indian students. If I had known this beforehand, I would have considered choosing a different university. Unfortunately, this aspect significantly diminished my enjoyment of the three years spent here. I want to clarify that my dissatisfaction with the university doesn't stem from any racist sentiments. I am currently in a relationship with a Moroccan girl and strongly oppose any form of racism.
Regarding the courses themselves, I found them to be of poor quality. The knowledge imparted was basic and easily accessible through online resources, lacking in-depth exploration of the subject matter. The exams were notably easy, with open-book formats that allowed for easy online research to find answers. The quality of teaching is embarrassing; some teachers barely speak English, making it nearly impossible to understand them. A few of them seemed disengaged during lectures, focusing on their personal matters, and as a result, I had to rely on self-learning. Considering the significant amount of money required for tuition, this situation is just unacceptable. I strongly recommend choosing a different university.

Appalling University!

My daughter attempted to apply here and two courses which are currently advertised on your website you have decided not to run next year. How this university is still running is beyond me! Avoid.

If possible, I would give it 0 stars. It's the worst university for international students. They made me an offer asking deposit 60% of tuition fees for the course to issue CAS. The deposit is refundable if the university rejects to issue CAS to sponsor my visa. That's exactly what happened in the beginning of July. Today is mid September, I requested the refund of my deposit so many times but I'm still waiting to get it back now. They just took my money not planning to sponsor my visa from the beginning! !! I've accepted another offer already and received CAS and applied for a visa with another university in London as well. But I need money back!!! Refund my deposit back!!! NEVER ACCEPT OFFER FROM UEL, DO NOT REPEAT MY MISTAKE !!!

The Institute of Government and Public Policy, based within the UEL.
It is an absolute disgrace that this organisation run training courses for businesses that are not fit for purpose and lack any type of professionalism. This organisation is an absolute sham who are more interested in taking money than providing decent training. Not worth even 1 star.

This university cheated our son out of a years tuition fees by telling him if he did a foundation year he could transfer to his chosen course. This was not the case and then when I raised a complaint it was ignored.

Worst admission process. I got an offer for Masters in 2021 but the UEL team failed to respond back to emails and move on with admission process .I was lucky to get admission in other renowned university.
My brother is the next one to face same issues now, he paid the full fees, faced end number of unnecessary interviews, finally he got the CAS after 2 months with end number of errors, next round of chase to amend the CAS, but no response to emails or calls. The call centre is outsourced back to India where people answers your call by fake names with a standard response, 'Wait for 1 week for email response'.
It's frustrating to see such a laid back process of UEL.
My suggestion is , don't fall in trap, you will risk up your time, patience, career, even money . Go for some other Universities.

I have just finished my undergraduate degree in psychology/child psychology. UEL is bar FAR the MOST shocking university there is. They are UNORGANISED, the teaching is PATHETIC, I taught myself EVERYTHING I know. Their support for students is DIABOLICAL!! You will NEVER get a response from ANY emails you send. I learnt ZERO from this university. Their dissertation module is a SHAMBLES. I would not recommend to ANYONE!!!!! Do NOT waste your time, money or application to this university. They are COMPULSIVE liars. There is NO duty of care for their students and they DO NOT understand MENTAL HEALTH. Please AVOID WITH ALL COSTS!!!!! If you need help they WILL send you on a wild goose chase. You will NEVER get problems resolved!!!!! The university is CORRUPT and that is an understatement. DO NOT GO TO THIS UNIVERSITY DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILDREN HERE PLEASE!!!!!