Academics

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

At University College London (UCL), a highly-ranked university in the heart of London, you will gain a world-class education by taking courses in a range of subject areas alongside British and international students. When you apply to UCL, you will be placed in a base department in which you'll undertake most of your coursework, but other departments are open to you. You're encouraged to take an interdisciplinary route or experience something completely new. UCL embeds research within all of its programs of study across all subject areas.

Unique study opportunities

  • Participate in volunteer schemes through the UCL Volunteering Service.
  • Take part in workshops and events from the UCL Innovation and Enterprise department.
  • Key departments offer courses that include field work and research projects.

Language

Language of Instruction: English

Foreign language study is optional. Check host institution course catalog.

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.
  • Take at least 50 percent of your course work in your admitting base department.
  • You may take up to one-third (33%) of your total unit load pass/no pass.

Current Program Courses

After arrival, on-site staff will help you find and enroll in classes. Courses may be lower or upper division to UC. You'll be admitted to one of the following departments:

  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Biological Sciences
  • Chemical Engineering*
  • Chemistry
  • Civil Engineering
  • Earth Science
  • Economics ^
  • Geography
  • History
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences*^
  • Linguistics
  • Management*
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Natural Sciences^
  • Physics and Astronomy*
  • Political Science
  • Social Sciences*^
  • Statistical Science*
  • The Americas

* Year or spring term only

^ See the UCL section in "Academic Offerings" under CATALOGS AND RESOURCES for more information

Course restrictions

Courses in psychology or cognitive science are not available.

Catalogs and resources

  • Academic Offerings: See an overview of academic offerings at English host institutions.
  • University College London: See a general list of courses offered at UCL. 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.
  • 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.