U C College aims at an education system which helps to bring out the best in every individual .It strives to produce intellectually competent, morally upright, spiritually inspired citizens in the service of the country. The origin and growth of the college was mainly on Indian initiative and resources, though the college from the beginning entertained overseas scholars as co-workers.Founded in 1921, Union Christian College is the only centre of higher education in Kerala, run on ecumenical basis. The college is managed by an association of members drawn from the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, the Malankara Marthoma Church, the Church of South India and the Inter Church Fellowship of the College.

The origin and growth of the college was mainly on Indian initiative and resources, though the college from the beginning entertained overseas scholars as co-workers.While identifying with the hopes and aspirations of the nation, the college vigorously promoted the scheme of expanding international co-operation. It became a congregating point for a host of scholars, theologians and missionaries from the west. The list includes Canon W. E. S. Holland, Rev. L. W. Hooper, Rev. B. G. Crowley and Malcom Muggeridge. The ecumenical identity of the college carried a strong secular dimension as well. The faculty of the early years were a balanced mix of Christian and non-Christian members.