University College London

Overview

UCL is a campus-based university, mainly located in Bloomsbury, central London. Additionally, a new campus, UCL East, is set to open in September 2022. The uni prides itself on its multi-national nature, with an international student make-up of 48% and ex-students in 190 countries.

Being in central London, UCL is surrounded by great transport links, as well as plenty of culture, excitement and nightlife. Bars, restaurants, nightclubs, museums, theatres, music and comedy venues are readily available and close by, making up a big part of student life.

UCL was founded in 1826, making it the oldest university in London and one of the oldest in the whole of the UK. 30 Nobel prize winners previously studied at UCL and it’s famously where Coldplay met and formed. It’s also the largest of London’s unis, with 11 faculties and 100 departments.

UCL focuses on research and is associated with several hospitals in the capital. It prides itself on inclusivity and it became the first university in England to admit women students, as well as to welcome students from any religion or background. As well as this, its buildings have been used in blockbuster films, such as Gladiator and Batman Begins.

There are over 400 undergraduate degree programmes on offer at UCL, all of which are taught in person during the daytime, as there are no online-only courses. Most courses are studied on a full-time basis, however, the Greek and Latin, Hebrew and Jewish Studies, and Mathematics departments all offer some part-time options. To apply to study part-time, you need to contact UCL directly.

Typically, undergraduate degrees at UCL take three years to study, but a number of courses include placement years, study abroad options or an integrated master’s year. These courses usually take four or five years to complete. Most degrees include optional modules, as well as core modules, meaning you can study the degree topics you’re most interested in.

It's also possible to combine two or three subjects within an undergraduate degree in what’s called a combined honours degree. For example, it’s fairly common to study a humanities course, like history, alongside a language, such as French or Spanish.

UCL is a popular university and places are highly competitive. Therefore, applicants need to meet their course’s minimum grade requirements. In general, UCL’s entrance requirements are based on three A-levels, usually ranging from A*A*A*–ABB (or equivalent).

UCL doesn’t accept A-levels in general studies or critical thinking, so these subjects won’t count towards entry requirements. It should be noted that the university also accepts other qualifications of an equivalent level.

Each course’s specific entry requirements can be found on UCL’s website and we recommend that you check this before applying. In general though, to get onto an engineering, business or science-based course, you’ll need A-levels of A*AA–AAB, or equivalent grades in another qualification.

To study a humanities course, you’ll likely be asked for A-levels ranging from AAA–ABB (or equivalent) and to be accepted onto a degree in the arts, UCL requires A-levels ranging from AAB–ABB.

You will also likely need to have studied at least two subjects that appear on UCL’s list of preferred A-level subjects, which can be found on their website.

It should be noted that entry requirements can change so you should always confirm these with the university before applying.

UCL has 26 halls of residence on offer which provide around 7,000 beds for students. The halls cater for most people’s requirements as they vary in size, facilities and price. A dedicated accommodation team is on-hand to help students.

The halls are mainly situated in and around central London, giving students good access to all that the capital has to offer. UCL guarantees an accommodation place for all full-time, single, first-year undergrads (subject to eligibility criteria), as well as alternative accommodation options for those who don’t meet the required criteria.

Applications for accommodation are submitted through the UCL accommodation portal, which can be found online. Rent fees include all utility charges, such as gas, electricity, water and the internet.

Each residence has a hall committee, which is chaired by a hall representative. It’s their job to organise and run hall events and activities.

The accommodation rates for 2022/23 range from £130 to £396 per week, per person.

UCL has a team of experienced career professionals who are on hand to support students and graduates in finding success in their future working life. You can use this resource for free to get help in a number of areas.

For instance, you can get guidance on career choices and industry sector information, to help you decide what career path to take. Online modular e-learning courses give information and tutorials, as well as set out actions.

The service also has an extensive careers library with a range of resources to help with career planning, sector guidance and ways to build your professional network. It is also possible for students to book one-to-one appointments with careers advisors for additional help and support.

When applying for jobs, you can also use a range of resources and services that aim to support you through the entire recruitment process. For example, the online career library has guides explaining how to write a CV and cover letter, how to complete a job application form and how to succeed in an interview.

Regular events, such as careers fairs, also provide great opportunities to learn more about possible employers and to network.

UCL offers several bursaries and scholarships to provide funding help for students who meet the relevant criteria. These don’t have to be repaid, unlike the maintenance and tuition fee loans that most students can get.

For example, the UCL Undergraduate Bursary provides support for UK undergraduates with a household income below £42,875. Also, the Estranged Student Bursary offers £1,000 per year to any student who meets the definition of estrangement from their family.

UCL’s website has a scholarship search tool that will help you find out if there are any scholarships available that you may be eligible for. These could be for students who are studying specific subjects or for those who excel in certain areas, like sport, music, academia or the arts.