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UNITED KINGDOM

Heythrop College, University of London

public · Founded 1971 · Languages: English

In short

Heythrop College, University of London was a specialist institution for philosophy and theology that closed in 2018. It was known for its Jesuit intellectual tradition and close academic community within London.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1971
Students: 800
International students: 120
Tuition (intl): €10–16k/yr
Languages: ENGLISH
Location: United Kingdom

Heythrop College, University of London was a specialist institution dedicated to philosophy and theology in the Jesuit intellectual tradition. Founded in 1614 as the English Jesuit College in Louvain and later integrated into the University of London in 1970, Heythrop provided rigorous undergraduate and postgraduate programs in philosophy and theology until its closure in 2018. Despite its small size, it was internationally recognised for research quality and close-knit academic community in central London.

Why study here

Specialist philosophy and theology programs taught in the Jesuit intellectual tradition.
Close student-to-faculty ratio enabling deep engagement with academic staff.
University of London membership providing access to wider collegiate resources.
Strong research profile with internationally excellent output in REF evaluations.
Located in Kensington, central London, with access to world-class libraries and cultural institutions.

Student life

As a small, specialist college, Heythrop offered an intimate academic community in the London borough of Kensington. Students had access to University of London Students' Union facilities and the wider collegiate network, as well as London's exceptional cultural, social, and professional opportunities.

Fees

InternationalEstimated international tuition was approximately GBP 14,000–17,000 per year for postgraduate programs during active operation.

HomeUK/EU undergraduate fees were capped at GBP 9,000 per year.

LivingLondon living costs averaged GBP 12,000–15,000 per year for students.

Heythrop College closed in 2018 and is no longer accepting students. This entry is historical.

Admissions

NoteHeythrop College closed in 2018 and is no longer accepting applications.

Accreditation

Heythrop College was a constituent college of the University of London and awarded University of London degrees. It was accredited by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).

For international students

United Kingdom

Student visa & funds

International students apply for the UK Student visa, which replaced the former Tier 4 (General) route. You need an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor and must show maintenance funds held for at least 28 consecutive days. As of November 2025 the requirement is £1,529 per month (for up to nine months) for courses in London and £1,171 per month for courses elsewhere, on top of tuition. Students who have already held a UK visa for 12 months, and nationals of certain low-risk countries, are exempt from evidencing the funds.

Working while you study

On a degree-level course at a licensed higher-education provider, you may work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official vacation periods; sub-degree courses are capped at 10 hours per week. There is no distinction between on-campus and off-campus work, but self-employment and working as a professional sportsperson or coach are not permitted. Once you have completed all course requirements you may work full-time until your visa expires.

After you graduate

Graduates of an eligible UK degree can apply for the Graduate visa (the Graduate Route) without needing an employer sponsor. As of 2026, bachelor’s and master’s graduates receive two years of open work permission and PhD graduates receive three years. Under the 2025 immigration reforms, applications made on or after 1 January 2027 will grant 18 months instead of two years for non-doctoral qualifications, while PhD holders keep three years.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; competitive/Russell Group courses up to 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBTUG 80–90; PG 90–100; top research universities 100+
PTE AcademicUG 51–65; PG 59–75

Main intakes

SeptemberJanuary

Typical living cost

€1,400/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesGOV.UK — Student visa: money you need · GOV.UK — Student visa: working · GOV.UK — Graduate visa · UKCISA — Changes to the Student and Graduate rules · Fateh Education — IELTS requirements for UK universities (2026) · Fateh Education — UK living expenses for students (2026)

Scholarships

for United Kingdom

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Wellcome Trust

Wellcome Discovery Awards

Open to established researchers and research teams with a proven record of research delivery who are based at, or will be hosted by, an eligible not-for-profit organisation in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, or an eligible low- or middle-income country (excluding India and mainland China). Projects must propose bold, transformative research aligned with Wellcome's mission to improve health. The award does not cover the lead applicant's own salary, and a researcher may lead only one active Discovery Award submission.

The Alan Turing Institute

Open Source AI Fellowship (UK)

Open to AI professionals and researchers who are legally eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship, have resided in the UK for at least 5 years (a security check is required), are employed by a UK-based organisation willing to support a 12-month secondment, and hold a PhD or equivalent professional experience in AI or a related discipline.

Skoll Foundation / University of Oxford Saïd Business School

Skoll Scholarship for the Oxford MBA

Open to applicants of any nationality admitted to the full-time one-year Oxford MBA at Saïd Business School who can demonstrate a track record of entrepreneurial action creating positive social or environmental impact, and for whom the cost of the programme is a significant financial burden.

Rhodes Scholarship

For talented young people from around the world to undertake postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. Around 100 scholars are selected each year from more than 60 countries and constituencies; applications are made in your home country or constituency, each with its own age and eligibility rules.

Gates Cambridge Trust

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

Open to citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom applying for a full-time postgraduate degree (PhD, MSc/MLitt, or one-year master's) at the University of Cambridge. Selection weighs academic excellence, a strong fit with the chosen Cambridge course, a clear commitment to improving the lives of others, and leadership potential.

Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG), tenable at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford

Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) Scholarships at the University of Oxford

Open to West African nationals (for example from Nigeria and Ghana) seeking to study the Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. Applicants are generally aged between 25 and 45, hold a strong undergraduate degree (typically second-class upper or above), demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to Africa's public sector, and intend to apply their learning in their home country's public service.

Frequently asked questions

What was Heythrop College, University of London?

Heythrop College was a specialist institution in London dedicated to philosophy and theology, operating within the Jesuit intellectual tradition. It was a constituent college of the University of London and awarded University of London degrees.

When did Heythrop College close?

Heythrop College closed its doors in 2018 and is no longer accepting new students. This information is historical.

What subjects did Heythrop College offer?

The college specialized in undergraduate and postgraduate programs in philosophy and theology, taught within the Jesuit intellectual tradition.

What were the estimated international fees at Heythrop College?

For postgraduate programs during its active operation, estimated international tuition fees were approximately GBP 14,000–17,000 per year. This data is historical as the college has closed.

What was the student community like at Heythrop College?

As a small, specialist college, Heythrop fostered an intimate academic community with a close student-to-faculty ratio, enabling deep engagement with academic staff.

Last updated 3 July 2026