MA students also do a dissertation, which provides them with an opportunity to apply what they have learnt to an individual research project

For those who do not wish to undertake the full MA or diploma, we also offer a Certificate programme, and short courses.

What are the admission requirements?

Normal requirements for admission are a first or second class honours degree. We also take into account work experience in a relevant area, although this is not compulsory.

How much time commitment is required?

Full-time study for the Diploma takes nine months, from late September to early June.

Full-time study for the MA requires a calendar year (September-September), with the summer months being occupied by work on the MA dissertation and the work placement.

• The full-time programme begins with an induction week in late September, when students attend a range of events to introduce them to UCL.
• In term time (October-December and January-March), classes, lectures, seminars and field visits occupy four days each week.
• There is a practical placement for a minimum of four weeks, which usually takes place in May or June.
• Full-time students often undertake casual paid employment at evenings or weekends, but full-time study should not be combined with a part-time job.

Distance learning courses are not offered at UCL, but part-time study (attending one or two days per week) is available for students who do not wish to attend on a full-time basis. Part time students attend for one full, or two half days a week and complete the course in two years, and modular students attend for half a day a week and must complete within five years.

Classes are held in the morning (10:00-1:00) or afternoon (2:00-5:00). In addition, time should be allowed for private study and for completion of coursework. Classes are normally held on UCL's main site in Gower Street, London WC1

How much does it cost?

Details of fees can be found on the UCL Registry website. The fee for the Diploma is two-thirds of the fee for the Masters degree. There is also an additional bench fee of £500 which make it possible for us to provide and maintain the specialist software and server space necessary for the programme.

Are grants, scholarships or loans available?

English, Welsh and Northern Irish applicants may be eligible for an award from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) under its Professional Preparation Master's Scheme. These awards can only be applied for when the applicant has first received an offer of a university place. UCL will recommend to the AHRC those candidates whom it wishes to be considered for funding. Recommendations are limited to students intending to take the MA on a full-time basis; an award is not guaranteed and in any case is unlikely to cover the total cost of full-time study. All applicants are advised to bear in mind that they will almost certainly need alternative sources of funding such as personal resources or career development loans.

Scottish applicants may be eligible for an award from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland.

Information about sources of funding for postgraduate students can be found on the UCL Scholarships website. UCL does not offer any further grants, scholarships or loans to meet living or studying costs, although students who have begun a programme of study may be eligible to apply for UCL hardship funds if they meet unexpected financial difficulties during the year.

Where can I get more information?

Information about all the postgraduate programme's at DIS, methods of learning and assessment, and about places of employment of former students, can be found in the DIS postgraduate prospectus.

If you have any further questions, please e-mail infostudies-enquiries@ucl.ac.uk.

How do I apply?

Please download an application pack and return the application form to the College Admissions Office, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, together with two references and other supporting documents as requested in the application pack.

What happens after I have applied?

All applications are acknowledged by the College Admissions Office. Provided that your application is complete, it will then be considered by the Programme Director. Selected candidates will be invited to an interview. Offers of admission are made after interview.

If I am offered a place, can I change from full-time to part-time study if my funding application is unsuccessful?

Yes. You can change to part-time study at any time before the start of the programme.

Is there a deadline for applications?

The deadline for applications is July 1st, but we allocate places until the programme has been filled. To be sure of being considered for a place, it is therefore advisable to apply as early as possible. If you wish to be considered to an AHRC award, however, you must apply by 1 January, so that we can comply with the AHRC deadlines for applications.