UCL was the first university to be established in England after Oxford and Cambridge, providing a progressive alternative to those institutions' social exclusivity, religious restrictions and academic constraints UCL was founded in 1826 as a radically different university, opening up English higher education for the first time to people of all beliefs and social backgrounds UCL has a rich history spanning 180 years Based in the heart of London, UCL was the first university in England to welcome students of any class, race or religion, and the first to welcome women on equal terms with men The benefits of a university education in England were restricted to men who were members of the Church of England; UCL was founded to challenge that discrimination