It had its origins in the Ladies' (later Women's) Department of King's College, London, opened in 1885 but which later accepted men as well.

In 1907 lectures were given in subjects then thought to be specially relevant to women, such as 'the economics of health' and 'women and the land', and in 1908 systematic instruction in household and social sciences began.

I in 1953 it received a royal charter, its name was changed to Queen Elizabeth College and men were admitted for the first time.

QEC reunited with King's College London in 1985,[1] and the Kensington campus became associated with biomedical sciences.

Part of the campus has subsequently been converted into Academy Gardens, apartments which retain some QEC branding.