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Academics

Fields of Study: Humanities, Social Sciences, Science, Engineering

As one of England’s oldest universities, King’s College London (KCL) has a proud history of inspiring those who seek to transform society. With a long and distinguished international reputation in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences, it also aims to be regarded as a civic university at the heart of London, working with local partners to contribute to the success of the city. 

Unique study opportunities

  • Study the complex realm of conflict, security, and international politics.
  • Take language classes at the Modern Language Center, with more language offerings than other institutions and dedicated staff to advise you on placement.

Language

Language of Instruction: English

Foreign language study is available.

Courses and Credit

Requirements While Abroad

To successfully complete this program:

  • Take a full-time course of study: Four courses for 24 quarter/16 semester UC units per semester.
  • A total of 48 quarter/32 semester UC units are required per year.
  • You may take up to one-third (33%) of your total unit load pass/no pass.

Current Program Courses

See the Academic Offerings document below for subject areas available at KCL. Courses may be lower or upper division to UC.

Course enrolment at KCL cannot be guaranteed. The following majors are not suitable for application to KCL: computer science, psychology (unless coming for the year), neuroscience/cognitive science, media studies, mechanical engineering, creative writing, film studies, communications, art, art history, and health and society. If you apply to KCL as one of these majors, you may be redirected to another university that is a better fit for your academic plans. 

Catalogs and resources

  • Academic Offerings: See an overview of academic offerings at UK-England host institutions.
  • General Module Study Abroad Catalog: Find available courses at the university (does not include biosciences, see below). Note: In the UK, a course is usually equivalent to a major academic plan at UC, and a module is equivalent to a course (or class) at UC.
  • School of Bioscience Education: View courses available to study abroad students. (Courses may take place across a whole day. Do not chose multiple courses on the same day.)
  • UCEAP Course Catalog: See a list of courses students have taken on this program. This is not a current representation of course offerings on this program. Reference the above links to review recent course offerings. 
  • Campus Credit Abroad: Learn the types of credit (major, minor, general education, elective) students from your campus received at this location.

 

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's 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.
  • Past exam papers are available and students, including local British students, use them to prepare for exams. 

Grades

You will earn direct UC credit and grades for all coursework. Grades for the fall semester are typically available late March, and grades for the spring semester are typically available late July or early August.

Your final grade will heavily and sometimes fully depend on the final exam. UC policy does not allow UCEAP participants to retake exams (called re-sits) and exam dates aren't flexible.

If you intend to put yourself on your campus degree list for graduation while on UCEAP, consult your campus advisors before departure about possible delays in the degree verification process.