There are many things that make the University of East London (UEL) stand out. The university has a reputation for taking large numbers of international students, mature students and people from deprived backgrounds, and providing them with a world-leading education. It also has modern campuses spread across London and a supportive atmosphere. This doesn’t just make UEL a popular study destination for students – academics and staff say it means it is a sought-after place to work as well.
Many academics are keen to join UEL because of its international outlook and commitment to social inclusivity and social mobility. “I told them straight away, absolutely, this is my destination,” says Prof David Tann, vice-provost for technology, and dean of the school of architecture, computing and engineering. UEL has approximately 40,000 students from more than 160 different nationalities and prides itself on embracing diversity.
“The university is known for its social mobility and inclusivity, and that is the kind of purpose that you feel,” Tann says. “Students come to UEL passionate and eager to learn – that is our purpose,” he says. “We tangibly transform people’s lives.”
Administration staff and junior academics say they feel supported when they start their careers at UEL. Lina Alisauskaite, who works as a social media and marketing departmental officer, says she was given lots of opportunities when she joined. “In my role, I’m kind of everywhere, because I have to be around all the campuses,” she says. “I think what I appreciate the most is how the university pays attention to development and collaboration.”
Junior staff are given inductions, mentorship opportunities, regular personal development meetings and the chance to get involved with interesting projects. For example, Alisauskaite was able to work with the university’s South Asian festival design team to create leaflets and banners. “It’s a huge event,” she says. “They allowed me to take quite a lot of ownership and leadership and they are very supportive,” she says. “It’s great to see how the university is focusing on growth.”
In addition to these opportunities, Alisauskaite says UEL offers training workshops and wellness activities for staff, such as yoga and walks.
Fitting with its values, UEL provides avenues for progression, with a number of former students going on to become academic staff. Dhara Parekh started her BSc at the university in 2018 and is now working as a lecturer in computer sciences and digital technologies. “I can call UEL my second home because (I’ve been here) more than seven years now,” she says, describing the university as having a positive culture, with internship and mentorship opportunities. “There are people who actually help you.”
Part-time staff are also given the flexibility they need, according to Crispin Reed, a senior lecturer in strategic innovation practice who also runs his own management consultancy company. “I’ve got the freedom to do stuff in the business world that I enjoy, yet also get involved in lecturing, supervising and doing a research project,” he says. “The university has been understanding about allowing the flexibility to make that work. They positively encouraged it.” As a careers-led university, proximity to real-world opportunities is viewed as an asset.
On top of this, employees say UEL’s campuses and its location make it an enjoyable place to work. The university has three campuses – the Docklands, Stratford and University Square Stratford (USS) – and includes a state-of-the-art sports complex and 24-hour library. Parekh works at the computing school in the Docklands. “It’s a beautiful campus,” she says. “In a nutshell, you study there, you eat nice food where you get a nice view. If you want to exercise, you can hit the gym then come back and do things with your friends. It’s all there.”
Alisauskaite, who works at the USS campus, appreciates the facilities. “We have an open-space kitchen with collaborative spaces to work,” she says. “There’s a lot of greenery in the office, it’s been really modernised.”
Students at UEL also benefit from these facilities and a supportive environment that fosters a sense of belonging. The university was ranked first in London for teaching, student opportunities, and assessment and feedback in the National Student Survey 2025 and shortlisted for University of the Year in the latest Times Higher Education awards.
Haleema Azam, who graduated this year with a degree in early childhood studies and was a student ambassador, says she had a lovely experience, joining the women’s basketball team and the Pakistani society. She also took part in a 12-week internship, and went to schools and colleges to promote UEL in her role as ambassador. “It opened doors for me to gain experience and skills,” she says, describing the university as a whole community where everyone feels welcomed and included. “That’s what I really like.”
Overall, those who work for UEL say it’s a supportive, growth-oriented employer. The things that make it a popular place for students – such as its inclusiveness and international outlook – make it a meaningful and positive place to work. “I think everyone is on the same page,” Alisauskaite says. “We really work to bring value in what we do, and to help students and the community,” she says.
To find out more about the exceptional opportunities at the University of East London, visit jobs.uel.ac.uk
