English Universities

You enroll in a large university and choose courses from a wide array of disciplines. You'll immerse yourself in a new academic culture and take courses alongside local and international students.

Academic Culture

Studying abroad in England helps you develop an independent learning style, with strong writing skills and active participation in your own learning.

• Introductory courses at an English university (or uni) are comparable to sophomore level in the US.
• Many courses are the equivalent of UC upper-division, and instructors expect prior knowledge of the subject.
• There is more emphasis on writing and independent reading than at UC, and your participation can influence the final grade.
• Differences in teaching style may include less-detailed instructions, fewer in-class sessions (except science classes), and fewer in-term assessments.
• Many courses are taught with lectures and seminars. Lecture class sizes can be quite large and seminar groups are smaller.
• Faculty (called lecturers) don't often hold office hours, but welcome individual questions and are eager to help visiting students.

Grades

Grades for the fall semester are typically available late March, and grades for the spring semester are typically available late July or early August.

Past exam papers are available and local students use them to prepare for exams. Your final grade will heavily and sometimes fully depend on the final exam. UC policy doesn't allow UCEAP participants to retake exams (called re-sits) and exam dates aren't flexible.