Academics

Fields of Study: Humanities, Social Sciences

Explore British culture, politics, history, and society from a variety of perspectives. The curriculum pays special attention to London as a social and cultural powerhouse in the world, and it draws on the special resources of greater London to examine these dynamics. Through course trips and cultural activities, London becomes your classroom. You’ll take one core course and choose two or three elective courses depending on the package.

Unique study opportunities

  • Attend a concert in the UK as part of a course examining London’s music scene.
  • Explore the differences in health systems between the US and the UK.
  • Get an insider’s view of British films and cinema through weekly viewings and discussions.

Language

Language of Instruction: English

Language Study: None

Courses and credit

Requirements While Abroad

To successfully complete this program:

  • Take a full-time course of study: Four courses for a total of 20 quarter/13.2 semester UC units.
  • During the first five weeks, take an intensive elective course; during the final eleven weeks of the program take three elective courses. All courses are upper-division and each is worth 5 UC quarter/3.3 UC semester units.
  • You may choose to take one course pass/no pass.

To successfully complete this program:

  • Take a full-time course of study: Three courses for a total of 15 quarter UC units.
  • You take three elective courses. All courses are upper-division and each is worth 5 UC quarter units.
  • You may choose to take one course pass/no pass.

Current Program Courses

All courses are upper-division. Exact offerings may vary depending on enrollment and instructor availability. Final course offerings are announced before the start of the program. Recent courses include:

Intensive elective courses, first five weeks of the program (select one):
  • Comparative Healthcare: UK and US: (upper division, 5 UC quarter/3.3 UC semester units)
    Compare the UK's National Health Service and the American health system. Explore differences in the way health systems are funded and delivered and differences in health outcomes of the patients they serve. Examine recent health policy developments in the UK relevant to the American health system.
    Subject areas: Health Sciences
  • British Cinema: (upper division, 5 UC quarter/3.3 UC semester units)
    Get an insider’s view of British films through weekly viewings and discussions, while examining cinematic representations of the individual “nations” within the United Kingdom. 
    Subject areas: Film and Media Studies
    • **sufficient enrollment is needed to offer this course**
Elective courses, final eleven weeks of the program (select three):
  • Flavors of the UK: Food, History, and Culture: (upper division, 5 UC quarter/3.3 UC semester units)
    The United Kingdom is not known for its great cuisines, despite this there is a rich and varied tradition of regional food, food that has been 'adopted' and adapted to the British palate. Food in the UK mirrors the history of colonialism, global trade, and immigration. There has been a rediscovery of local and regional foods with a renewed interest in the production of food, slow food, and a move against over processing.  Preparation and consumption of food gives valuable insight into the local culture, history, and society.  
    Subject areas: History and Anthropology
    • ** new Fall 2025 **
  • London Museums: (upper division, 5 UC quarter/3.3 UC semester units)
    Examine the relationship between museum collections and key moments in the nation’s history through visits to both world-class and lesser-known London museums. 
    Subject areas: Anthropology, Art History, Sociology
  • The London Music Scene: (upper division, 5 UC quarter/3.3 UC semester units)
    Study London’s role as a vibrant world center of popular music innovation, the intercultural dialogue between Britain and America, and the impact of genres such as blues, jazz, and rock 'n’ roll. 
    Subject areas: Music, Sociology
  • London: The Making of a Modern City: (upper division, 5 UC quarter/3.3 UC semester units)
    Explore the evolution of modern London through history and sociology by focusing on themes like power and identity. Dive into the city's past and present, with hands-on experiences in London's streets, museums, and archives. 
    Subject areas: History, Sociology, Urban Studies
    • ** previously titled The Development of Modern London **
  • Comparative Media: US and UK: (upper division, 5 UC quarter/3.3 UC semester units)
    Focus on the differing approaches and styles used by US and UK media. Learn about press and journalism business models, and examine cross-national differences in terms of ethics, style of media content, and access to working in the creative industries in each country. 
    Subject areas: Communication, Film and Media Studies
  • UK-EU Divided: Politics & Policy: (upper division, 5 UC quarter/3.3 UC semester units)
    Dive into the fascinating processes of European integration, exploring the political, economic, and historical forces that shaped the European Union. With a special focus on the UK's dramatic decision to leave the EU in 2016, the course unpacks the complexities of Brexit and its far-reaching consequences. 
    Subject areas: Political Science, European Studies
    • ** previously titled Britian and the EU **
  • Internship plus Workforce course: (upper division, 5 UC quarter/3.3 UC semester units)
    Work approximately ten hours per week plus participate in the Workforce course—the schedule will not conflict with other courses and the internship work hours. Your internship placement will run for the duration of the fall semester. Students enrolled in this course are assessed an additional fee and are required to obtain a Tier 4 student visa. 
    Subject areas vary depending on placement.

Research and independent study are typically not available on this program.

Elective courses (select three):

All courses are upper-division. Exact offerings may vary depending on enrollment and instructor availability. Final course offerings are announced before the start of the program. Recent courses include:

  • Flavors of the UK: Food, History, and Culture: (upper division, 5 UC quarter/3.3 UC semester units)
    The United Kingdom is not known for its great cuisines, despite this there is a rich and varied tradition of regional food, food that has been 'adopted' and adapted to the British palate. Food in the UK mirrors the history of colonialism, global trade, and immigration. There has been a rediscovery of local and regional foods with a renewed interest in the production of food, slow food, and a move against over processing.  Preparation and consumption of food gives valuable insight into the local culture, history, and society.  
    Subject areas: History and Anthropology
    • ** new Fall 2025 **
  • London Museums: (upper division, 5 UC quarter/3.3 UC semester units)
    Examine the relationship between museum collections and key moments in the nation’s history through visits to both world-class and lesser-known London museums. 
    Subject areas: Anthropology, Art History, Sociology
  • The London Music Scene: (upper division, 5 UC quarter/3.3 UC semester units)
    Study London’s role as a vibrant world center of popular music innovation, the intercultural dialogue between Britain and America, and the impact of genres such as blues, jazz, and rock 'n’ roll. 
    Subject areas: Music, Sociology
  • London: The Making of a Modern City: (upper division, 5 UC quarter/3.3 UC semester units)
    Explore the evolution of modern London through history and sociology by focusing on themes like power and identity. Dive into the city's past and present, with hands-on experiences in London's streets, museums, and archives. 
    Subject areas: History, Sociology, Urban Studies
    • ** previously titled The Development of Modern London **
  • Comparative Media: US and UK: (upper division, 5 UC quarter/3.3 UC semester units)
    Focus on the differing approaches and styles used by US and UK media. Learn about press and journalism business models, and examine cross-national differences in terms of ethics, style of media content, and access to working in the creative industries in each country. 
    Subject areas: Communication, Film and Media Studies
  • UK-EU Divided: Politics & Policy: (upper division, 5 UC quarter/3.3 UC semester units)
    Dive into the fascinating processes of European integration, exploring the political, economic, and historical forces that shaped the European Union. With a special focus on the UK's dramatic decision to leave the EU in 2016, the course unpacks the complexities of Brexit and its far-reaching consequences. 
    Subject areas: Political Science, European Studies
    • ** previously titled Britian and the EU **

Research and independent study are typically not available on this program.

Catalogs and resources

  • UCEAP Course Catalog: See a list of courses students have taken on this program. 
  • Campus Credit Abroad: Learn the types of credit (major, minor, general education, elective) students from your campus received at this location.

Academic culture

Alumni often praise the thought-provoking qualities of classes offered in this program and value the opportunity to complement class time with field walks, museum visits, and guest lectures. Designed for UC students, courses follow the American model, with daily lectures, readings, continual assessment, and assignments. This program has a strict attendance policy which will be outlined during orientation.

The focus of the program is the careful analysis of London and British society. Courses are taught by experienced and engaging British professors from universities in the London area. You’ll be expected to assimilate and then compare and critique what you read, see, and experience around you. Instructors welcome questions and lively discussion in the classroom. Most program faculty are themselves products of British traditional academic culture and generally admire independence and self-discipline in managing readings and assignments, strong writing skills, and intellectual curiosity.

This program requires you to attend class, arrive punctually, and participate actively as part of the course grade.  Attendance s taken at every course meeting. 

Grades

You will earn direct UC credit and grades for all coursework. Grades are usually available in mid-February.