Public research university London Metropolitan University, also referred to as London Met, is situated in London, United Kingdom. The Polytechnic of North London, founded in 1896, and London Guildhall University, founded in 1848 as the City of London Polytechnic, combined on August 1, 2002, to form the current University of North London. It is one of London's oldest educational institutions, with roots going back to 1848. The University has locations including museums, libraries, and archives in the City of London and the London Borough of Islington. The TUC Library, the Irish Studies Collection, and the Frederick Parker Collection are examples of special collections.